Hey everyone!
It's been a looong time since I've been on here, but I've been thinking of picking up an older Civic wagon for a winter beater recently.
I found a 1987 wagon with 175,000 miles at a dealership, and they wand $1,200. The exterior is in pretty good shape, but there are a few places with significant rust. The interior is pretty minty, though. They said it ran fine, but when I went to test drive it, it stalled every time I coasted in neutral.
I told the salesperson about the problem, and he said he'd look into it, and since the car had just come in, they hadn't gotten to take a real close look at it.
He emailed me back a few hours later saying that he and his boss test drove it and had no problems. It sounded sketchy to me, but this is a large, well known dealership, so the chances of them actually lying about this seems unlikely.
Anyway, what do you guys think? Regardless, I'm going to try to take it to a trusted mechanic and negotiate price before I buy, but what could be the problem here and what seems like a fair price? Thanks in advance!

 

Top notch bodywork right there.

Grimy interior, plenty of cancer smothered in what looks like paint which was applied by a child, ruined mudguards, peeling side strip, 175k on the clock, stalls when you drive it.. and all for the low-low price of $1,200!

No thanks, it needs too much work. I wouldn't pay more than $500 for that bucket, and that's a stretch.







Short answer: No, it isn't worth $1,200.

 

Those are getting pretty rare... I'm not saying its worth 1200... but definitely worth picking it up if you can talk him down a little!

Very unique... I've always loved the wagons.

 

Thanks for the replies, guys! Yeah, I'm getting quotes for repairing the rust right now. If I can fix it for a reasonable price, I plan on taking it to a trusted mechanic for an inspection and to get his take on it. Depending on what he has to say, I may offer $800 or something and make it my project...but maybe not.

 

If i lived near you, I would of tried to beat you to the dealership. I'd pay 1000. I like rust, adds character lol. Me also love the wagons

 

I also like wagons...but not so much rust haha. I wouldn't mind it as much if it hadn't been so poorly "repaired" lol.

 

Price is reasonable. Go for it. But, I'm not sure how the engines and internal parts are working. Check on them first.

 

offer $800 not a penny more

 

$600 and counter for $800.

the stalling when cold can be due to the carburetor manifold gasket, a bear to replace due to the miles of vacuum hoses..... unless it is fuel injection.....

The front rust is the dirt accumulating in the fender....

The fast that it is stick is a good point so you stay away from the crappy auto.

Do you have smog test..... if it is the carb, those carb are really impossible to adjust... so if you go for another test drive.... have it smog check with the engine really warm.

 

It looks like great deal to me, though you should try to talk them down. A dealer will likely be eager to get rid of it.

 

good luck finding a carburetor base gasket, NOBODY makes them anymore!

 

Personally I think it's a lil fugly. Other than that I think you should find a better example. The rust, stalling, and price are an issue. A car like that should be about $500-$600. Good luck.

 

I'm sure a decision has already been made by the OP. He posted this last month people...