OK, I have this stock '97 Civic LX Sedan I got a few years back for a beater / daily driver and it has turned out to be kind of a pos. Not the best choice I have made.

So, I want to sell it, but I am trying to figure out which problems I should fix to get the most money out of it, or just say screw it and sell it for cheap.

Issues;
1) Salvage title - not fixable
2) Has the cracked exhaust manifold and related CEL code problem - must be fixed to pass smog
3) clutch is slipping - needs a clutch job (I can do this myself)
4) oil burner - probably needs a block or rebuild of the block (I could possibly learn to do this if I rent an engine hoist and stand or get a stand from Harbor Freight)

A few months ago it needed the head replaced, I didn't have time to learn it so I had my mechanic do it. He reused the bolts and it overheated a couple times. So he replaced the thermostat, it did it again. So then he ordered new head bolts, a new gasket, and did it again. OK.

So, the head is rebuilt, he sent it to a machine shop. Personally, if I have this problem on another Civic, I will just do the job myself, I think I am up for it at this point.

Anyway, bottom line, would fixing the clutch and/or block be something that would sell this thing for significantly better price? Time isn't a huge issue, as far as my time to do it is concerned.

Maybe just the clutch?

All right thanks for your input. By the way, I don't like EK's now, lol.

 

sounds like a money pit .

once you start fixing it you will never stop

and plus people that buy those cars are cheap as **** so even if you show them 800 dollar receipt for fixing something they will still lowball you.

save your money and time and sell it for cheap.
list the problems so the next guy dont have to guess whats broken.

 

Part whats good, then scrap the rest.

 

unless you fix all the major problems yourself...

i do that but i usually own the car and drive it for abotu 6 months while fixing whatever i find thats damaged. then sell itwhen i cant find anything else to fix lol

 

For what it costs you to fix any of those problems, you won't get that money back. Sell it as-is if you really want to dump it, or if you want to squeeze more money out of it, put in the effort to part it out.

 

if anything, clutch. fix driveability issues, forget the rest.

 

If you replace the exhaust manifold (junk yard) and the clutch, there won't be problems with smog. People will low ball you let alone if they have to deal with the headache of fixing **** to smog it.


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I'd sell it. However, you should try finding an exhaust manifold at a junk yard, and fix the clutch problem. This will help you maximize what you can sell it for. It will end up being a money pit. I know because I've been there before.