2011 Honda Civic, possible purchase.

[gregk24]

My sisters 2011 Accord Coupe was totaled a few months back. She has been casually looking for a car since then, but now needs to find one asap.

We came across a 2011 Honda Civix LX (1.8 / 5 speed auto) with 112k miles for $8500. Car looks decent overall save for a large dent in rear door and some exterior trim showing it’s age from the FL sun.

She wants me to go see it tomorrow. From what I gather these are solid cars 2010+ (after block issues corrected).

Checking in with the BITOG crew to see what input you may have.

I’ll check fluids of course and test drive with her. My initial thoughts are positive considering the market now. A solid Honda with only 112K miles seems like win for me. Even if the exterior isn’t perfect. At least it would get her around reliably (that is the hope).

 

[ATex7239]

That’s right about the time (100K range) for valve adjustment, plugs, brakes, transmission fluid, and timing belt. Check to see what has been done. It still could be good car, but might need some of the more expensive maintenance items right off the bat.

 

[JeffKeryk]

That’s right about the time (100K range) for valve adjustment, plugs, brakes, transmission fluid, and timing belt. Check to see what has been done. It still could be good car, but might need some of the more expensive maintenance items right off the bat.

Does the 2011 have a timing belt? I thought Honda went to a chain.

 

[SatinSilver]

I don't think those have a timing belt thankfully. I know the Accord 4 cyl switched to a chain in 03.

 

[ATex7239]

Does the 2011 have a timing belt? I thought Honda went to a chain.

It very well might not. I had one around that year and also had early 2000’s. I don’t recall if the both did or not.

Looked it up: Yep- it’s a chain. My bad

 

[Hall]

It very well might not. I had one around that year and also had early 2000’s. I don’t recall if the both did or not.

Looked it up: Yep- it’s a chain. My bad

And those other maintenance bits are really simply on these cars (add serpentine belt to your list).

 

[JeffKeryk]

It very well might not. I had one around that year and also had early 2000’s. I don’t recall if the both did or not.

Looked it up: Yep- it’s a chain. My bad

I service 3 TSXs, 2006 and (2) 2007. Things that you need to watch after about 120K are starter and alternator.
One issue is the small battery... They don't last.
Besides that, these are great cars! Wifey's has almost 210K and we love that car.

 

[2010Civic]

That should be a good car. Like you said the biggest issue is the cracking blocks but that was fixed by mid 2009.

I've had my 2010 for 7+ years and my 2008 for 5 years. Both great cars.

The R18 is a great engine and the auto transmission is buttery smooth and very reliable.

 

[vw7674]

It very well might not. I had one around that year and also had early 2000’s. I don’t recall if the both did or not.

Looked it up: Yep- it’s a chain. My bad

Repair Geek on YT has the valve adjustment procedure. Those are still solid. If you take the cap off the valve cover & hear anything other than a well-oiled sewing machine sound, check & adjust intake & exhaust valves, COLD ENGINE. Or pay a shop $$$. The old ones were check every 17.5K.
The newer ones, who knows? If I bought used, I'd set them all.

 

[gregk24]

I service 3 TSXs, 2006 and (2) 2007. Things that you need to watch after about 120K are starter and alternator.
One issue is the small battery... They don't last.
Besides that, these are great cars! Wifey's has almost 210K and we love that car.

Good info, thanks!

 

[ctechbob]

Repair Geek on YT has the valve adjustment procedure. Those are still solid. If you take the cap off the valve cover & hear anything other than a well-oiled sewing machine sound, check & adjust intake & exhaust valves, COLD ENGINE. Or pay a shop $$$. The old ones were check every 17.5K.
The newer ones, who knows? If I bought used, I'd set them all.

The noise test won't tell you if the exhaust valves are tight which is much more likely to cause damage than noisy valves. It's just a good idea to check them if the car is over 100k and has no history of it being done.

 

[gregk24]

I'm liking all these suggestions to check valve lash. I had this done in my last Honda (06 Accord) when it hit 100K, my current is only at 67K. This will be a hard sell for my sister though. I love her, but if it were up to her oil changes would be optional.

 

[ATex7239]

I service 3 TSXs, 2006 and (2) 2007. Things that you need to watch after about 120K are starter and alternator.
One issue is the small battery... They don't last.
Besides that, these are great cars! Wifey's has almost 210K and we love that car.

Wife had a ‘09 or ‘10 Civic, don’t remember which for some reason. The ex wife had an’ 01 Civic.

Both were great little cars. Can’t say the same for both of the wives though.

 

[JimPghPA]

I'm liking all these suggestions to check valve lash. I had this done in my last Honda (06 Accord) when it hit 100K, my current is only at 67K. This will be a hard sell for my sister though. I love her, but if it were up to her oil changes would be optional.

Show her youube videos of blown Honda engines because an exhaust valve was not adjusted when it should have been, and exhaust valve melted and damaged cylinder wall.

 

[gregk24]

Show her youube videos of blown Honda engines because an exhaust valve was not adjusted when it should have been, and exhaust valve melted and damaged cylinder wall.

I'm sure those examples are few and far between. We BITOGer's are maintainers but average car buyers avoidsthese maintenance items and still seem to manage 200K.

 

[The Critic]

I'm liking all these suggestions to check valve lash. I had this done in my last Honda (06 Accord) when it hit 100K, my current is only at 67K. This will be a hard sell for my sister though. I love her, but if it were up to her oil changes would be optional.

Not really needed on those, IMO

 

[atikovi]

A 11 year old Civic for $8500 seems way over priced.

2013 with just a little more miles for $6800. https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...hannel\":504,\"value\":0.00012548601829718}"}

 

[aquariuscsm]

Sweet looking car!

 

[gregk24]

A 11 year old Civic for $8500 seems way over priced.

2013 with just a little more miles for $6800. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1117954548952672?ref=category_feed&referral_code=undefined&referral_story_type=listing&tracking={"qid":"-7025576520131433231","mf_story_key":"4804524636293430","commerce_rank_obj":"{\"target_id\":4804524636293430,\"target_type\":0,\"primary_position\":25,\"ranking_signature\":798903843071983616,\"commerce_channel\":504,\"value\":0.00012548601829718}"}

Everything is overpriced these days, but other Civics of this gen are selling for as night as 14K in our area. So $8500 isn’t bad considering.

 

[2010Civic]

A 11 year old Civic for $8500 seems way over priced.

2013 with just a little more miles for $6800. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1117954548952672?ref=category_feed&referral_code=undefined&referral_story_type=listing&tracking={"qid":"-7025576520131433231","mf_story_key":"4804524636293430","commerce_rank_obj":"{\"target_id\":4804524636293430,\"target_type\":0,\"primary_position\":25,\"ranking_signature\":798903843071983616,\"commerce_channel\":504,\"value\":0.00012548601829718}"}

That car for $6800 looks like a scam to me.