Hello,

I am trying my luck here as it seems like a good place for some tips.

I plan to purchase a auto civic in the next month or so, and I see a lot for sale, but wanted to know any ideas on

what kind of mileage is safe?
what kind of wear should i look for?
are there any sure tell signs i might be getting scammed?
how much should i pay in relation to year/mileage?
what are engine and transmission replacement costs avg?

I'm not too picky on the model/features. I am just looking for a car that is dependable and can get good gas mileage for summer driving in Oregon.

Thanks for any advice

Daisy

 

Maybe you didn't notice, but this is the ACCORD forum

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by w3developing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hello,

I am trying my luck here as it seems like a good place for some tips.

I plan to purchase a auto civic in the next month or so, and I see a lot for sale, but wanted to know any ideas on

what kind of mileage is safe?
what kind of wear should i look for?
are there any sure tell signs i might be getting scammed?
how much should i pay in relation to year/mileage?
what are engine and transmission replacement costs avg?

I'm not too picky on the model/features. I am just looking for a car that is dependable and can get good gas mileage for summer driving in Oregon.

Thanks for any advice

Daisy </TD></TR></TABLE>

Even though its the wrong forum, I'll give ya some tips that might help (can be used to buy any older honda tho):

First, since it's auto, MAKE SURE the transmission is in good shape, no slips, no noises, doesn't take 10 seconds to move after you put it in gear, etc. Check the A/T fluid to make sure it isn't pitch black, and make sure it doesn't feel "sandy" (like there is bits of something in the fluid).

Next, check oil level, make sure it isn't ran empty. Start it, and look underneath for leaks or odd noises. Check under the distributor for the infamous distributor cam seal leak, maybe you can knock a few dollars off the price because you WILL feel oil under it (not a big deal though). Check P/S fluid level, and brake fluid level also. Take off the oil cap and make sure there isn't a milky substance on it (headgasket blown). Check coolant overflow to make sure it isn't bone dry.

Go for a ride, listen for knocking, and look in your rearview for smoking (especially a puff of blue smoke after sitting at a light). Make sure it doesn't lag. Make sure brakes are good and the pedal doesn't sink to the floor.

Next, check suspension/front end. Push down on all 4 corners of the car to see how much it bounces (not more then 2 bounces) or struts are blown. Start the car, turn the steering wheel, and watch the wheel to see if it turns exactly with the steering wheel (like, if you turn the steering wheel but the tire doesn't move right away, this indicates tie rod play).

Lastly, I'd check out every electronic accessory/lights/etc. to make sure they all work, sometimes these cars (EF civics) have weird electrical bugs.

That's my list for checking out a car to buy in general. Just make sure everything feels good.

For a decent condition EF I'd pay $1000-1500, remember they are almost 20 years old, but they're great cars.