buying a new car, but need some help please!

[Goku]

hey guys ive been looking at a few integras lately as i mainly want to own one of them especially the vti-r's. i found one that i really like but im not too sure bout it still. i went to look at it today and found a few things that worries me a bit and i need your help from experience or just knowledge as this is only going to be my 2nd car. i also need to apologise in advance for the level of noobness.

* a leak coming down by the left hand side tyre (somewhere around there). not sure what is actually called. but im pretty sure its called a sump *something* is that a bad?

* a small leak coming around the area where that hose from the radiator connects to the engine.

* sunroof seems to wobble a bit when opening it.

the car has done 176xxx kms and the body seems to be in a good nick except for a few tiny dents. hardly noticeable. only from certain angles. also according to the owner that the car has the timing belt changed and also water pump. clutch master cylinder just replaced. the car is also selling for around $6800.

[Rage King]

* a leak coming down by the left hand side tyre (somewhere around there). not sure what is actually called. but im pretty sure its called a sump *something* is that a bad?

* a small leak coming around the area where that hose from the radiator connects to the engine.

* sunroof seems to wobble a bit when opening it.

1)
This leak means the sump gasket is due for replacement and also check the sump plug for leaks as it may also require new washer.
- also oil cam gasket (cam gear side)

2)
This leak is common on the bseries. There are a couple if things here that could be leaking.
- vtec solenoid gasket
- dizzy gasket
- oil cam seal gaskets (dizzy side)
- rocker cover gasket

You can get a kit to replace all these gaskets/seals.

3)
Possibly the sunroof mechanical rails are loose or bent.
- possible re-tightening and lube fix?

Buying tips:

Also you may want to consider checking;
- any smoke out of exhaust pipe when warmed
- brake test - does the car steer to the left or right? Does the brake pedal heavily shrudders?
- sussy check - listen for knocking sounds and feel the bounce back from the shocks.
- steering lock test - on idle, do a full lock left to right and listen for grinding PS pump noises and feel if its hard to do.
- driveshafts/cv joint test - listen for clicking/tapping sounds wen you do a turn left or right
- Clutch - listen for noises and feel the clutch release. On stationary position, Try accelerating from 3rd or 4th gears and see if the rpm climbs or does the engine cut out?

If your happy with the car and everything else seems fine try to negotiate with the seller to drop the price for the costs of replacing those gaskets and fixing the oil leaks.

Good luck bud

[Goku]

thank you soo muchh!! i have checked for any signs of smoke and it seems like no smoke coming out from the exhaust. the owner told me that i need to change the brake pads soon if i do get the car. also i forgot to mention that the clutch does not make any weird noises when im stationary when i press it down and release it. another thing i forgot to check is the cv joints to check for any noises. but also i realised that i think the cv boot rubber thing is like ripped a bit and some sort of grease is coming out of it. is that bad? and also will it be expensive to replace these stuff? including the ones u mentioned above. thanks!

[Rage King]

Is the clutch slipping? Cv boots when ripped will require changing as this destroy your uni joints and will end up replacing the entire shaft.

Approx costs for cv boot replacement is around $60-80 a boot. Replace both sides to be safe.

Also check the engine mounts and cluster srs/abs lights are switching on/off normally.

Check coolant for any leaks and check the reservoir bottle for oily residue.

Check the oil cap and look under the cap and inside the engine rocker cover for any burnt oil deposits.

[Rage King]

If your in sydney go to hannys performance - hell fix u up a good price for all the above mentioned gasket kit and cv's.

[Goku]

the clutch wasnt slipping. i did the the 3rd-4th gear test and the car just died.. i wish i was in sydney. im all the way in adelaide. but im keeping an eye out for other integras as well. theres only like 3 of them for sale at the moment. :/

[Rage King]

Ok good. Clutch is sweet.

GL with car hunting and let us knw what u ended up buying

[Goku]

i will!! thanks a lot mate! really helped a lot!!

[DakDak]

Is the clutch slipping? Cv boots when ripped will require changing as this destroy your uni joints and will end up replacing the entire shaft.

Approx costs for cv boot replacement is around $60-80 a boot. Replace both sides to be safe.

Also check the engine mounts and cluster srs/abs lights are switching on/off normally.

Check coolant for any leaks and check the reservoir bottle for oily residue.

Check the oil cap and look under the cap and inside the engine rocker cover for any burnt oil deposits.

Good Info, repped.

Let me add.

If the oil is milky in colour the headgasket needs replacement.

Once car is warmed get someone to rev the car.
White smoke means there is coolant in the combustion chamber - headgasket needs replacing
Blue smoke - Oil is in the combustion chamber, piston rings are worn
Black smoke - Ok. Just its running very rich, it still shouldnt be though.

Jack it up and inspect for any oil residue. you are looking for oil leaks. If there is an oil leak, then there will be a drop in oil pressure, if there is a drop in oil pressure then that means the engine internals wont be properly lubricated, if your going 4000rpm and something isnt lubed up properly there will be metal on metal contact. Your engine will break. And your wallet will hurt.

There shouldnt be oil residue ANYWHERE. Dont listen to whatever the seller says. Oil goes in the engine not outside it. Look at where its usually parked for oil stains.

Keep this in perspective. You will near impossible to find an awesome fault free car. And if you do it wont be cheap.
The trick to buying USED car's is to find one with the LEAST repair bills in your price range.

[Goku]

Good Info, repped.

Let me add.

If the oil is milky in colour the headgasket needs replacement.

Once car is warmed get someone to rev the car.
White smoke means there is coolant in the combustion chamber - headgasket needs replacing
Blue smoke - Oil is in the combustion chamber, piston rings are worn
Black smoke - Ok. Just its running very rich, it still shouldnt be though.

Jack it up and inspect for any oil residue. you are looking for oil leaks. If there is an oil leak, then there will be a drop in oil pressure, if there is a drop in oil pressure then that means the engine internals wont be properly lubricated, if your going 4000rpm and something isnt lubed up properly there will be metal on metal contact. Your engine will break. And your wallet will hurt.

There shouldnt be oil residue ANYWHERE. Dont listen to whatever the seller says. Oil goes in the engine not outside it. Look at where its usually parked for oil stains.

Keep this in perspective. You will near impossible to find an awesome fault free car. And if you do it wont be cheap.
The trick to buying USED car's is to find one with the LEAST repair bills in your price range.

really good info mate!! from what i remember, the oil that was dripping was not milky or anything. it was just black. the car has been parked in the same spot for like 4-5 days without being moved until i came and test drove it and when i saw the oil stains, there was like 2-3 drops of oil on the pavement. so is that considered bad? i could tell that it was definately coming from the integra cause it still looked really dark. not like a faded oil stain colour. and the seller obviously thinks that i had absolutely no knowledge on cars at all as he was tring to convince me that the leak that was coming out from around the rocker cover was not oil -.- . also i know i wont be getting a mechanically perfect car with my budget. just looking for something that doesnt has as much problems.

[DakDak]

Sounds like his trying to get rid it off asap - because something is up so his talking shit to you, obviously taking you for a fool.

Did you jack it up and have a look underneath? 2-3 drops on the pavement is just the tip of the iceberg. If you jack it up and see oil everywhere RUN AWAY. Dont tell him you want to have a look underneath, sneaky bastard may do a quick clean up job on it. Ive heard of cons doing a service, cleaning the mess and leaving a car in the same spot., one bloke comes along test drives it looks over everything and thinks hey, its all good. Buys it. 2 days later realises it a lemon when the oil is milky and its blowing heaps of smoke.


Dont buy it. Keep shopping around.

[Goku]

well i havent jacked it up yet. but i have i might go look at it again this sat to check it out again cause i was in a rush when looking at the car cause i had to start work. i test drove it though and rev the car up to 6-7.5 revs and it didnt blow any smoke so i guess thats a fairly good sign still? clutch and gearbox felt really nice and crisp. just that leak that worries me.