Hey guys,

I'm considering picking up a '96 Civic.
Manual trans, 290k KM (180k mi).

Owner says he will get the car safetied prior to my looking at it.
Do these have any major issues? Things to look out for? etc

Thanks!

 

stock engine? what trim? also headgasket is common depending on the motor.

 

It's probably owned by a non-enthusiast, so I would assume stock engine.

I don't know any of the other details yet.
The ad is one of those single picture, 30 words types.

If he does indeed get it safetied I'll be heading to check it out and buying if it's in decent shape, so hoping to do some homework first.

 

Rust is the most common issue for that car. Hatches and sedans get the most, for some reason, the coupe is a better design and much more resistant.

Other common things are window regulator (easy fix) and the speed sensor

 

Yeah I figured with the rust. It looks clean in the pic, but if it's rusty that'll be a good point to get money off the price.

How's the D16Y7 ? I assume that's the motor in the car, as it doesn't appear to be an SI.

 

Other issues off the top of my head:

Oil leaks:
Valve Cover Gasket
Distributor O-ring and Gaskets
Cam and Crank Seals
Oil Pan Gasket
Rear Main Seal

Do a tune up-a lack of one anytime recently can be a common issue depending on how you look at it: DIY 96-00 Honda Civic Tune up and fuel filter - Honda-Tech

Vacuum leaks

 

Alright, thanks guys.
I'm hearing normal type issues, nothing special that stands out.

 

no one has mentioned rotten subframes.

 

As many head gasket and overheating replacement post each week..you'd think they are a common issue. OP do yourself a favor and replace any suspect or visibly worn coolant/heater hoses...especially the heater hose under the distributor. The distributor's O-ring is a common place for oil leaks and if there is an oil leak there now or one prior then that oil leak will damage that heater hose.

Check and change (if needed) the PCV valve as soon as possible. Best to do it when changing oil and filter is off. To check it .. shake the PCV and if the ball inside rattles it's still good. Replace those every third oil change. Neglecting the PCV can lead to oil leaks and could cause a rear main seal leak.