My commute is going to get a bit longer in the near future, and to boot, I’m losing my commuting partner. My 89 Pathfinder is not exactly the most economical vehicle; I don't want to rack up a ton of miles on it. I’m currently in the market for and older Honda (92-95ish) for commuting. Any Honda owners out there that can give me an idea of what to look for? I’m not picky, but I do want a 5spd. I checked out a 94 Civic LX sedan recently. The car was in good shape with 159,000 miles on it, but at $3495 it was a little on the pricey side with that mileage from what research I’ve done (Nada, kbb, Edmunds, etc.). I didn’t even get into negotiations as I was just looking. Any help is appreciated.
looking at older Honda civics
- Thread starter Steve_RI
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Be polite and tell the owner that the Civic will need a water pump, timing belt change, valves adjusted, tune up, cv joints....etc. etc. I dont know why people who sell their used car think its made of gold.
If they are firm with their asking price.....keep looking. Civics are great cars for the money, but a Civic with that much mileage is gonna need some work. Good Luck
[ August 19, 2004, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: Boeing 757 Pilot ]
[ August 19, 2004, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: Boeing 757 Pilot ]
Does it have to be a Honda? They're big with the "Fast and the Furious" crowd. If you like your Pathfinder why not get a Sentra? Also maybe a Corolla or Protege?
Domestic econoboxes like Escorts of that vintage can be had sub-$1000 in roadworthy/fair shape and would probably be your lowest cost per commuter mile (if you don't care about looking cool).
Domestic econoboxes like Escorts of that vintage can be had sub-$1000 in roadworthy/fair shape and would probably be your lowest cost per commuter mile (if you don't care about looking cool).
After owning a 95 Honda and getting 210,000 problem free miles they are good cars. Major replacements were radiator and clutch otherwise typical muffler, brakes, tune up items etc. However those prices seem exhoribitant for what was a very average car but extremely reliable. I probably did not get enough money but sold mine for $1300 in a day after buying a WRX.
If you are paying a premium make sure the car has all records of maintenance performed and oil change receipts otherwise walk, I had all that and did it hence the high mileage trouble free.
Lastly watch out for small rust spots over the back fender wells, I had them but they are really a larger problem, a body shop explained that a large rust area has formed beneath the panel near the crucial rear bumper support and they can fall off.
Personally I think any car at that vintage that has full records save the early Neon would be a good bet.
If you are paying a premium make sure the car has all records of maintenance performed and oil change receipts otherwise walk, I had all that and did it hence the high mileage trouble free.
Lastly watch out for small rust spots over the back fender wells, I had them but they are really a larger problem, a body shop explained that a large rust area has formed beneath the panel near the crucial rear bumper support and they can fall off.
Personally I think any car at that vintage that has full records save the early Neon would be a good bet.
Steve_RI,
This is a tough call. I'd certainly agree with the need for a more economical commuter vehicle. And, I'd say going with a '92+ civic is a good idea since they are the first ones with airbags, albeit only on the driver's side for 1992.
Make sure you check for oil burning. Have someone drive behind you and check for blue puffs as you acutate the throttle. Check for oil on the plugs. Check for oil/coolant mixing. Most vehicles of this vintage will have some rust on the wheel wells, shouldn't be a big deal for a commuter car. As another poster said, demand receipts showing when the work was done...especially if they want a premium price. You can assume the vehicle will burn oil as most people aren't religious about their maintenance. Check the shocks and CVs. I've seen Honda alternators last until about 170k...But overall, working on these things is pretty easy and most of the general maintanance is relatively inexpensive.
We recetly bought my brother in law a 1992 Civic sedan with 98k on it for about $2500. It drinks oil and coolant, but it does return some fantastic mileage, he's gotten over 55mpg a few times.
My problem was that I had to buy him something pronto as we were driving him to and from work, so I believe we overpaid a bit on the vehicle. Of course, the week after, I see all kinds of things in the $2k price range.
So, although a Honda would be my first choice too, be patient...and don't be afraid to walk away from something for $3500 with 155k on it, that's just too much money, even if you can take it to 250k.
You can drive your Pathy to work for now, it's not the ideal, but it'll do while you're looking.
Make sure you check out other things. Some great values I see these days are later model Protege's and Corollas. You should be able to get something quite a few years newer than a Civic with one of those.
Bogatyr
This is a tough call. I'd certainly agree with the need for a more economical commuter vehicle. And, I'd say going with a '92+ civic is a good idea since they are the first ones with airbags, albeit only on the driver's side for 1992.
Make sure you check for oil burning. Have someone drive behind you and check for blue puffs as you acutate the throttle. Check for oil on the plugs. Check for oil/coolant mixing. Most vehicles of this vintage will have some rust on the wheel wells, shouldn't be a big deal for a commuter car. As another poster said, demand receipts showing when the work was done...especially if they want a premium price. You can assume the vehicle will burn oil as most people aren't religious about their maintenance. Check the shocks and CVs. I've seen Honda alternators last until about 170k...But overall, working on these things is pretty easy and most of the general maintanance is relatively inexpensive.
We recetly bought my brother in law a 1992 Civic sedan with 98k on it for about $2500. It drinks oil and coolant, but it does return some fantastic mileage, he's gotten over 55mpg a few times.
My problem was that I had to buy him something pronto as we were driving him to and from work, so I believe we overpaid a bit on the vehicle. Of course, the week after, I see all kinds of things in the $2k price range.
So, although a Honda would be my first choice too, be patient...and don't be afraid to walk away from something for $3500 with 155k on it, that's just too much money, even if you can take it to 250k.
You can drive your Pathy to work for now, it's not the ideal, but it'll do while you're looking.
Make sure you check out other things. Some great values I see these days are later model Protege's and Corollas. You should be able to get something quite a few years newer than a Civic with one of those.
Bogatyr
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