The 88-91 civic sedan is probably one of my favourite looking cars. Recently I bought one locally for $1400 CAD as I was super excited about getting one of these as a first project car. It runs alright, but the body has a decent amount of rust. I am aware that I need to look at the frame for rust among other things, but how do I tell if it is too rusted and what should I be looking at? Basically, I'm asking if you guys think it's worth spending the time and money working on it, and how I can tell/ what else I need to be looking at.

Here are some photos, I can provide specific one's if you want. Thanks in advance:

 

I'm gonna wash the underside tomorrow and get a good look at everything while it's on jack stands.

 

Good pickup.. needs some TLC ?

 

Thanks for the reply, I really need advice on this lol. I am willing to put in the time and work if it's worth it. Do you think it's actually worth it though?

 

I have the exact model. It's difficult to truly eliminate rust, especially that much. That one looks rotten on every panel. Search online and buy a better example. 1 or 2k more and you'll save the aggravation and countless hours. That's my advice.

 

Holy bondo

 

I probably wouldn't sink any money into that one. Find one with little to no rust and use this one for parts.

 

Alright, I'm gonna bondo and rattle can this one to make it look alright. Then daily it until I can find a good one. What do you all think about putting coilovers on it. then just transfering them to the next one?

This was my first post here, thanks alot you guys!

 

I wouldn't waste any time, money, or energy on that one. Drive it if you feel it is safe but from the pictures I bet that thing is a speed bump away from the end. Soooo much rust.

Also keep in mind that body style is now 30+ years old and finding parts will be next to impossible. The good parts you do find will be at a premium price.

 

Yup, which is why I ultimately parted with my sedan a few years back. When I built it around 2008 I could find everything I needed relatively easily. When I tried to do it again in 2016-2017 I couldn't find anything without dropping some serious coin. Made no sense to keep it so off it went to a new home.

 

88-89 pre-facelift models are nearly impossible to find parts for. Without seeing how bad it is underneath I would say look for some QPs before doing anything else.

 

Unless underneath is rust-free and you plan on the rusted out look, that looks like a huge PITA. The engine bay looks surprisingly together though, and the interior doesn't look too bad.

If you already bought it and are stuck with it, get it up in the air and look underneath, make sure it's not all going to fall apart on you.

 

**** i can’t seem to get rid of my 91 lx shell with all black interior, ex knuckles and downwtsars brake tuck for $500 lol.