I am looking to upgrade from an EF civic sedan to either a Hatch or a coupe version of a 96-00 civic DX. Was there any problem areas that I should look for on these civics other then obvious? Was there any recalls that I need to concern myself with? Thanks.

 

http://www.samarins.com/check/engine.html (from: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/faqs-frequently-asked-tech-questions-1998336/)

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/car-tips-buying-used-civic-3055042/

 

Cool, thanks. I will have to make a checklist so I remember everything I need to check. I forgot about checking under the oil cap for my first attempt.

I know I have watched Davidsfarm's video on buying a used car.

Also the first one I started had an extreme knock to it, but it sounded more like loose valves because I get the same thing and when the oil warms up it goes away.

 

so why exactly are you aiming for a DX?

 

EJ6, not EK.

 

theres not a lot of tel tel problems with these cars. Just make sure it runs good and go over the body panels to make sure all the vins are intact, this will prove if its been wrecked or not

 

With all due respect there are TONS of issues to be found with these cars. The cancer is one. Hacked up wiring is another. Unless you are good with electrical avoid these at all costs. Bushings are on their last legs. Look out for those. Headgaskets are epidemic for failing with the age of these cars. Lots of overheating issues. Make sure the cooling system is in working order. Have the engine compression tested at the minimum. Heavily molested wiring on the interior. Check for smoking and/or erratic idling. Dirty engine bays will give you a clue that the car has been neglected. Cheap knock off parts installed on these cars. In particular, Ebay suspension.

 

If the car isn't all stock, with reccords, be suspect.


A lot of Honda's get modifyed with low quality parts, half *** install, etc.


While sitting on CL looking for a cheap DD for my buddy, I counted 5 cars with Ebay suspension parts, and 1 with "good" quality parts. It's ****ing sad.

 

Great point !!

 

Heard that the stock headers crack after 100,000 something miles. Check for exhaust leaks at the header. Just bought an ek couple of days later went to check the header gasket took of the heat shield and the header was cracked down the center. By the o2 sensor. Read later that many people have encountered that.

 

After just recently purchasing an EK, I can attest to this problem. Listen closely for an exhaust leak. Also, watch out for rust underneath the rear hatch hinges. That body seam always seems to be a problem.

Another problem area is the heater. There seems to be a plastic piece in the HVAC controls that always breaks preventing proper activation of the heater. Every single EK that I looked at had this problem.