Howdy,

I recently got a 2000 Honda Civic Coupe from an Auction for only $329. The car has only 85k miles so I figure it would be a great deal. The car has many cosmetic issues such as it missing the bumper, the trunk, and one of the taillights are completely absent. The other issue is the car won't start. I popped the Hood up after the auction guys towed the car to my house (before I found out it does not start) and the Engine is completely full of rust. I need the car to attend University courses and was wondering if the car can be fixed, preferably by myself to avoid any sort of mechanic fees. The car also has cosmetic rust but it doesn't bother me. The battery seems new so I don't think that is an issue. All help is appreciated! Also know that I am not a mechanic and I do not know much about vehicle repair so please be a little specific.

Thanks,
Dave

 

Need a lot more info....
When you say "will not start" what do you mean?
Please explain what happens, [or does not happen] when you try and start the car.

Starting with what happens when you turn on the ign.

Does the cluster light up, warning lights like oil, and so on?
Do the gauges turn on?
Does the CEL turn on?
Do you hear the fuel pump prime?
Does CEL go out after a few sec.?
Does engine crank when you try and start it, [starter motor working]?
???????? 94

 

Nope it does not crank, however everything does light up and that's it.

 

The engine is actually full of rust on the inside and not just the outside?? Where did you see the rust inside the engine? I would expect to see rust if the engine sat open in the rain - like at a wrecking yard if someone pulled off the valve cover or head, but not if the engine was kept sealed. What I'm getting at, is if the inside of the engine is actually rusty where if it is bad enough, that the engine may be basically frozen and won't even turn over by hand. Maybe post a picture or two... - Jim

 

I actually haven't opened the actual cover yet but around the Engine is rust. I might need to fork out a new Engine for about $1200 which for an $327 car I don't think should be much of a bad investment. I'll try to get some photos out later on when it gets lighter outside.

 

No crank, try this... https://honda-tech.com/forums/tech-m...mp%5d-2961164/ to pinpoint problem. 94

 

So I decided to have it towed to a mechanic shop near me and he said he will replace the Spark plugs, Ignition coils, ABS module, Fuel Rail for $1300, does that seem fair? He said it should get it running, especially the Ignition Coils. He also said my ABS module is so poor and the Spark plugs are cheap.

 

Honestly I would not spend that to have that kind of work done. My first concern would be to see if the motor will turn. if it will not turn replacing all that really would not make a difference. and when I say turn I mean by hand with a wrench on the crank pully bolt. if you can spin it by hand then I would follow fcm's link above. simple troubleshooting can save you a lot of money. and you can get a motor tranny combo for cheaper than 1300 and swap it your self if you have the right tools.

 

Yeah I tried fcm technique and I and a friend replaced the Starter which seemed much worn. However even after replacing the starter the car still did not start. Even If I were to get a motor tranny combo I doubt I would know how to completely install it, especially since I would have to purchase tools. I'm pretty sure Spark plug is a major issue with the car not starting as my mother's 2010 Acura RDX has had a similar issue where one of the spark plugs needed to be replaced, I believe the mechanic said one of hers were improperly placed but that was only a $30 procedure.

 

Well it turns out I have major water damage, so it would cost way more than $1300 I think either way. Is the car worth trying to fix?

 

Is this some kind of joke ? Why would you have to replace the abs module to get the car going ? That's the most expensive part of all those parts and $1300 and he doesn't even know if that will get the car going ?

Run away from that mechanic as fast as you can.

Also, cut your losses and junk that car.

 

Ditto the above^^^ part the car out. 94

 

Ah thanks for the help everybody, unfortunately it looks like I will have to junk it. I'll have to look for another car, definitely one I can test drive this time. I'll definitely try to make sure it's a Honda since I love the community.