advice on buying a EG civic

[euphoric]

hi guys,
Im looking to buy a EG 92-95 model civic hatchback. Can anybody share their tips and advice on what to look out for when inspecting the car, e.g body or engine etc~!

thanks,
Michael

UPDATE: keep submitting your advice, hopefully this thread will be useful to others and could be a sticky! I have copied all the information to below to make it easier to read.

Things to lookout for when buying EG 92-95 CIVIC:

BODY:
-Check the condition of the CV joint boots (especially the drivers side one) - no cracks, on tight, no clicking noises when turning.
-Check the wear of each tyre, look for camber issues if lowered. Get a wheel alignment after buying the car.
-check windscreen for cracks
-check front and back lights (knock them) and listen to sound, i had 1 glass and 1 plastic, so it's been in accident.
-Check exaust for rust, and whole body, if there any rust in one place, could be more all over the body.
-Check brakes, ask about brake pads, and master cylinder when last replaced/fixed
-Look at the paint job on the car. pay extra attention to the front and the rear and espically the bumpers. if they look freshly painted it could mean the previous owner might have smashed and repaired it.

ENGINE:
-Get an Si or VTi (vtec), or a GLi if you dont care too much about performance.
-Avoid buying the Gl and Breeze (carby's). Also avoid that VEi economy one too.
-Ask if they have ever changed any Distributor parts (Cap/coil/igniter). Dizzy's seem to be a common problem on the EG's.
-Ask when they reconditioned the gearbox and when the clutch was last replaced (if manual).
-Check the engine for oil leaks, especially near the CAM seal(s).
-Check for a Service History if any.
-check radiator for cracks
-Check the "release bearing" (part of the clutch) which depresses the pressure plate. IF it squeaks its on its way out...common problem !
-Drive out on quiet street, drive round 50km/h and listen to wheel bearings for any unusual noise.
-Get a mechanic to come with you while checking the car get his ok before you buy it..

INTERIOR:
-Check for any broken interior pieces, e.g cup holder, glovebox , heater/fan controls etc
-Inspect the condition of the carpet and interior trim pieces. If these are in good condition, you know that the owner looks after the car well. Otherwise the dog poo smell should give it away!!


-Don't be too eager just look around and make sure you look at everything in detail etc.

[EuroDude]

Check the condition of the CV joint boots (especially the drivers side one) - no cracks, on tight, no clicking noises when turning.

Ask if they have ever changed any Distributor parts (Cap/coil/igniter). Dizzy's seem to be a common problem on the EG's.

Ask when they reconditioned the gearbox and when the clutch was last replaced (if manual).

Check the engine for oil leaks, especially near the CAM seal(s).

Check the wear of each tyre, look for camber issues if lowered. Get a wheel alignment after buying the car.

[L-Plates]

and make sure the engine is in good nick....no black smoke when u redline it commin out the rear....
and its not due in for a recondition...

[EG5[KRT]]

check service history...

check for structural damage ..

check paint for scratches and dints

also check windscreen for cracks

[egSi]

pilot bearing.

squeak when clutch is pressed.

[pizza_boy]

check radiator for cracks

check front and back lights (knock them) and listen to sound, i had 1 glass and 1 plastic, so it's been in accident.

check exaust for rust, and whole body, if there any rust in one place, could be more all other the body.

check brakes, ask bout brake pads, and master cylinder

and don't buy breeze

[L-Plates]

pilot bearing.

squeak when clutch is pressed.

what does it mean when the cluctch squeeks.1?!?

[Lex_EG93]

get an si... they're cheap and not bad when it comes to power... 98kw DOHC...

i wouldnt get a gli or defenetly wouldnt get a breeze...

[bennjamin]

pilot bearing.

squeak when clutch is pressed.

Pilot bearing is on the flywheel ~ you must mean the "release bearing" which depresses the pressure plate. IF it squeaks its on its way out...common problem !

[EuroDude]

Yeah get an Si or VTi, or a GLi if you dont care too much about performance.

Avoid the Gl and Breeze (carby's). Also avoid that VEi economy one too.

[Bob san]

look at the paint job on the car. pay extra attention to the front and the rear and espically the bumpers. if they look freshly painted it could mean the previous owner might have smashed and repaired it.

[incoming]

check the flux capacitor