Tried the search function, didn't come up with much but sorry if this info already exists here.

I'm interested in buying a '98 - '00 Civic. I don't care about body style or tranny. I would prefer a manual (I think, unless there are any issues). I'd like to get a car in decent but not mint condition. I'm not interested in modding this car (I own a turbo miata, a supercharged Tahoe, and an M Roadster as well at a few bikes so I don't need any more gofast toys). Purpose is to use as my winter car for ski trips -- I used to use the Tahoe for this, but at 10 mpg and even less when I put my foot down it's getting too expensive to make 700 mile ski trips (still it's funny to watch other people's faces as you blow by them in a 2 1/2 ton supercharged brick).

OK, so what do I need to look out for? How many miles are these things good for assuming well maintained? Where do they rust (if anywhere?). How long will a slush box last? What about a manual? Clutch life? Should I do (or have done) compression or leak down test? I'm assuming that the engine is good for at least 150k if well maintained. What precautionary maintenance items should be done assuming I get a 90k - 100k mile car: alternator? timing belt? water pump? oil pump? other?

Thanks for the help.

 

if your just looking for a DD get a auto less hassle. Look for a car that will best work out for you since your always taking a 700mile trip. Something that will last

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cbrf4 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Tried the search function, didn't come up with much but sorry if this info already exists here.

I'm interested in buying a '98 - '00 Civic. I don't care about body style or tranny. I would prefer a manual (I think, unless there are any issues). I'd like to get a car in decent but not mint condition. I'm not interested in modding this car (I own a turbo miata, a supercharged Tahoe, and an M Roadster as well at a few bikes so I don't need any more gofast toys). Purpose is to use as my winter car for ski trips -- I used to use the Tahoe for this, but at 10 mpg and even less when I put my foot down it's getting too expensive to make 700 mile ski trips (still it's funny to watch other people's faces as you blow by them in a 2 1/2 ton supercharged brick).

OK, so what do I need to look out for? How many miles are these things good for assuming well maintained? Where do they rust (if anywhere?). How long will a slush box last? What about a manual? Clutch life? Should I do (or have done) compression or leak down test? I'm assuming that the engine is good for at least 150k if well maintained. What precautionary maintenance items should be done assuming I get a 90k - 100k mile car: alternator? timing belt? water pump? oil pump? other?

Thanks for the help. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Well maintained they can easily go 250k plus. If you get one and don't know when the timing belt was changed last, I would recommend doing that, along with a waterpump. Rust usually happens over the rear wheel wells. There is a little rubber strip that is on it so there aren't any sharp edges. The water gets trapped in there and rusts over time. They just pull right off, I would suggest doing that. Other than that, just keep the oil changed regularly and you should be fine. I would also check the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor and just do a tune up on it.

 

just go buy a 92-95 hatch..best civic ever made...lol!!! for everyone.

 

If you get a manual, listen for the input shaft bearing going out. I hear about the EX's SOHC VTEC usually having this problem.

Check behind wheels for rusting, especially in the rear above the bumper.

Windows (I usually hear of front passenger) sometimes come off track. If the window becomes difficult to roll up, roll it up and don't roll it back down until you get it checked out.

Here's Honda's recommended maintenance schedule.
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2053807

Oh, and are you really wanting a '98-'00, or are you looking for the later front end, which is really just '99-'00?

EX coupes and sedans and the Si coupe are the fully loaded trims.

This might help you find a trim that best suits you. All are relatively easy to find for sale, save for the GX, which was limited and mostly started out in the southwest.
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2055230

 

If you get an auto, check and see if it's had the transmission fluid flushed...if not, get it done with genuine Honda ATF-Z1.


And just so you know, automatic Hondas are slow compared to standard ones (I used to have an auto '94 Civic DX...I drove one JUST like mine but it was a standard. Night and day difference.)