Buying A Civic?

[XXpl0Sive]

Honda Civic 1995-2000
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Friday November 14 2003

When it first hit Australia in the '70s, the Honda Civic set a new benchmark for small cars. Used Civics command premium prices and bargains are rare. Take proper care of the car and the extra you paid comes back to you at resale time.
By the time the sixth-generation Civic was launched in 1995, Honda had lost its technology edge over its competitors -- ignore the hype about this being the first Civic with continuously variable transmission -- so it can be hard to see where the extra money is going.

Civics may be a little more refined than Pulsars and Corollas, but they're certainly not more luxurious.

The base hatch is the CXi, going up to the GLi and a sportier VTi-R; the sedans are the GLi and VTi, and there is also a VTi coupe.

Well-powered, all variants are light and easy to drive, with reasonably sharp handling. They also achieve excellent fuel economy and the build quality is outstanding.

You'll need air-conditioning. These cars have a large glass area and get very hot in the sunshine. Make sure you're comfortable with rear access in two-door models because the front seats do not automatically slide forward as the backrest is tilted -- access, especially getting out, can be an annoying process.

Check the service history carefully. These vehicles have to be well maintained or they lose their sparkle. Younger drivers may have modified them and you should be wary if the suspension, exhaust or motor differ in any way from the manufacturer's specification. Ask about the previous owner.

Listen carefully for shakes and rattles, especially in older cars and check the suspension and clutch for wear. Harsh changing in automatics is a danger sign. The cost of spare parts is high and servicing isn't cheap.

But good examples with a complete service history are of strong appeal to anyone who wants a small model that's reliable, economical and still quite stylish.

How much
A good '95 CXi three-door auto with 115,000km is $12,500 and a '00 example with 55,000km is $17,000. Add $2000 for a GLi three-door and $1000 again for the GLi sedan. A '95 VTi sedan starts at $18,500 and a '00 model $25,000. A '95 VTi-R hatch is $19,000 and a '99 is more like $25,000. Deduct $400-$800 for a manual.

What to look for
Engine and transmission
Be extremely wary of modifications. The engine should be quiet and smooth. Verify timing belt replacement. When jump-starting an automatic, follow the transmission reset procedure. Rough changing in automatics is a danger sign.

Fit and finish
Of a high order, so any unusual wear or breakages are usually a sign of abuse.

Miscellaneous
Check for exhaust and suspension modifications -- a very firm ride is a danger sign (try a few speed bumps). Listen for untoward rattles and squeaks.

Inside info
Engine drive belts must be changed according to manufacturers' specification of distance (commonly 100,000km) or time. The belts, mostly made from rubber, can stretch or break. A stretched belt can put the timing out of whack, while a breakage causes very expensive engine damage as the valves bounce off the tops of the pistons.

Smart buyers tip
Think hard before you advertise your car beside a busy road with a prices on the windscreen and your phone number. Some people who did this had a call from a person posing as an interested buyer, saying they're at the car. When they're told the seller will be there in, say, 15 minutes, they know exactly how long they have to break in and take whatever they can, including wheels, battery, audio equipment and even seats and carpets.

[Chi]

Honda Civic 1995-2000


Smart buyers tip
Think hard before you advertise your car beside a busy road with a prices on the windscreen and your phone number. Some people who did this had a call from a person posing as an interested buyer, saying they're at the car. When they're told the seller will be there in, say, 15 minutes, they know exactly how long they have to break in and take whatever they can, including wheels, battery, audio equipment and even seats and carpets.

Now that is a freaking mad idea!!!