What to know about: '02 Civic 5-spd. ?

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mshu7

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Hey guys, I'm looking at a 2002 Civic EX sedan with a 5-speed. Has 169k miles on it and their asking $4k (about $500-$800 below KBB).

Here is the listing: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/2840336801.html

It looks like a good solid used Honda. Having never owned a Honda, is there anything to look out for on this particular year of Civic?

Thanks in advance for any pointers.
 
$399 if you want to drive to New Jersey.

DC area dealers ask about $1000 for timing belt and water pump. I think quite a few people in less pricey areas of the country can get it for $600-700.
 
By the way, it looks like their are 3 different variations of the 1.7L powerplant. How can I identify which engine it has? Is it only by VIN?

From Amsoil application guide:

1.7L 4-cyl Engine Code D17A1 D17A6

1.7L 4-cyl Engine Code D17A2

1.7L 4-cyl Engine Code D17A7 CNG
 
Originally Posted By: VicVinegar
$399 if you want to drive to New Jersey.

DC area dealers ask about $1000 for timing belt and water pump. I think quite a few people in less pricey areas of the country can get it for $600-700.


Ouch! Well good to know. If I end up buying it, I may take you up on the offer, haha! Thanks!
 
Also, if the shifter vibrates while in neutral (should be rock solid) then you have 1 or more motor mounts shot.

Make sure you use Honda fluids when you top everything off.
 
Car is just getting broke in. My 2001 has 274,000 and still going strong. These cars have no major issues and are very reliable. I would swap timing belt and water pump out at 125-150000 miles. Check when that was done last and you should have no other major concerns. Great cars.
 
Thanks sasilverbullet!

bruckus - Great info. Thanks for the personal testimonial. Do you have any other personal thoughts on the car outside of the mechanicals? Gas mileage, ride, comfort/ergonomics, etc.?
 
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It has 170k. Modern cars are not as overbuilt as they used to be. A car with that many miles, regardless of brand, will be near the end of its service life.

You can expect to need a new clutch, catalytic converter and other typical high-mileage items if they have not been done already. This can add up to a few thousand bucks.
 
I believe that a properly maintained car is not at the end of it life just because the mileage. From my experience with this type of car, there should be plenty of miles left on this vehicle. My repairs in 274000 include 2 sets of front brakes, 1 set of rear brakes, 2 timing belts and water pumps along with 1 belt tensioner.I also have had to replace the front wheel bearings and sway bar links at 200,000 miles. Other than that i have done the normal preventive maintenance including 7,500 mile synthetic oil changes.The car uses 1 qt of oil between changes and in no way is the vehicle at the end of its life. The car always gets between 35 and 40 mpg, clutch is great, engines great and ride comfort and safety compare favorably with all compact cars. I am planning on another 100,000 out of this car and then will determine what its got left.
 
I normally would never consider a car with this many miles. However, I figure 1) It's an older Honda (the newer ones don't seem as high quality) and 2) I've seen and heard of so many Honda owners with well over 200K, and sometimes over 300K miles on their vehicles that are still running and have only needed routine maintenance. I also know someone with a '98 Civic auto transmission that has near 200K on his car and has done little more than change the oil. He's a physical therapist so he has the money to spend on a much nicer car, but he says he loves his old Honda and it costs him so little money that he won't part with it.

If I go check this car out and it's been well cared for and has good maintenance records, I think I'll jump on it. I'm not looking for something long-term with this purchase, just something to get me through the next year or so. It'll replace the Taurus in my signature because repairs on it are just starting to add up too much to justify hanging on to it.

Thanks again for all the great info guys! I really appreciate it. I'll report back if I go check it out, etc.
 
d17a2 is the engine in the 2002 civic EX. The a1 and a2 engines are basically the same except the a2 engine is vtec. The a2 engine is the more performance engine but i believe the only difference is vtec which is variable valve timing. The engine produces about 127 HP. This most believe is the engine of choice in the civic. Mostly trouble free with great mileage. The third engine the A7 is a natural gas engine (propane) and I know nothing else about them. The engines are interference motors which are a problem if you break a timing belt. .......i think the change interval is 120000 so I would check to see if that had been done. When your in there do the water pump and possibly the tensioner. Good Luck. Looks like a nice car.
 
Originally Posted By: bruckus
I believe that a properly maintained car is not at the end of it life just because the mileage. From my experience with this type of car, there should be plenty of miles left on this vehicle. My repairs in 274000 include 2 sets of front brakes, 1 set of rear brakes, 2 timing belts and water pumps along with 1 belt tensioner.I also have had to replace the front wheel bearings and sway bar links at 200,000 miles. Other than that i have done the normal preventive maintenance including 7,500 mile synthetic oil changes.The car uses 1 qt of oil between changes and in no way is the vehicle at the end of its life. The car always gets between 35 and 40 mpg, clutch is great, engines great and ride comfort and safety compare favorably with all compact cars. I am planning on another 100,000 out of this car and then will determine what its got left.




Sure, the car may have lasted that long for you. But each driver is different, and has different conditions-- and this will affect the service life of the car. Components do have a "targeted service life" and I would imagine that 150k is towards the tailend of it.

Unless mshu7 is certain that this car has been exposed to conditions that are significantly better than the average Civic, I really think the odds are against him in that he will likely have a lot of work to do in the coming years.
 
I agree with Critic - it is 10 years old, and has 169k miles on it. While such vehicles may have many miles of service left in their core, at this age they will not be trouble free. Various leaks will start, if they haven't already. Wear in some non-trivial components could reach levels that require replacement. Indiana uses road salt, so undefeatable rust may soon appear. It is not a bad car, but it will probably require significant service in coming years. If you are able and willing to perform such services yourself it may be a good choice. But if you will pay a third party every time, those costs will add up.
 
$4k for a 10-year old econo car with 169k miles on it?

Wow....just wow.

I'd expect it to be about $3 on a small 'rip you' lot...private sale...$2500 max.
 
Well, it sold before I could even get a hold of the guy. A big thanks to the "Cash for Clunkers" program that has made good used cars and a fair price a thing of the past.

addguy - Believe me, I'm irritated to no end about the lack of quality used cars for a decent price out there! I can't find a decent Civic for less than $6-7K. Pathetic.
 
Wow....eco-cars used to be the 'bottom of the barrel'...they were the cheapies on the car lots!

I know it's not the same, but as a comparo, I bought an 8-year old Tribute off a small car lot 1 year ago. Excellent condition, V-6 engine, 106k miles.....$6k. I'd 'expect' an older Civic to be a LOT less than that!
 
Originally Posted By: addyguy
Wow....eco-cars used to be the 'bottom of the barrel'...they were the cheapies on the car lots!

I know it's not the same, but as a comparo, I bought an 8-year old Tribute off a small car lot 1 year ago. Excellent condition, V-6 engine, 106k miles.....$6k. I'd 'expect' an older Civic to be a LOT less than that!



I am not sure how the used car market is up there, but down here, supplies have been at historic lows and is likely to remain this way for quite some time. As a result, prices have increased significantly over the last few years. I want to say that Manheim said in their industry report 18%?
 
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