"'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote in message
news:40144E3D.47B05C32@interbaun.com...
> "J. Perry" wrote:
> >
> > A friend of mine has a super clean 1987 Honda Civic LX that he wants to
sell
> > me. It has a new a/c compressor, timing belt, battery and tires and it
runs
> > great. The only thing that concerns me is the automatic transmission
shifts
> > pretty rough through all of the gears. When you slow down upon
approaching a
> > stop sign/light, it even gears down roughly.
> >
> > Have any of you guys experienced these types of issues with your Civic's
> > automatic tranny? If so, did it require a complete transmission rebuild
in
> > order to solve the bang/rough shifting problems? I wonder what the
average
> > price is for a 1989 Civic LX's transmission to be rebuilt? Less than 2
> > grand? I was recently quoted $1,800.00 USD for having the transmission
> > rebuilt in a 1990 Nissan 300ZX--so I would just about have to believe
that
> > it would be less expensive than the Z car's transmission rebuild.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any information you guys can provide me with
regarding
> > the 1989 Civic LX's transmission(e.g. type, behavior, problem
resolutions,
> > etc.)--as I really would like to purchase this little car. It's in
superb
> > condition other than the tranny issue.
>
> =================
>
> J.,
>
> I didn't see the mileage mentioned, but if he's put Dextron in the
> tranny, rather than Honda ATF, that will explain the clunky shifting.
> I'd see it as a good sign for you... once it's yours, drain and refill
> the tranny and you'll have one that shifts like new.
>
> Hondas are a bit rough on the shifting anyway, since the inside of the
> tranny is WAY different from other brands. Make sure you get the owner's
> manual (even if you have to buy one) and read it thoroughly. :-)
>
> 'Curly'

Thanks for the insight there 'Curly'! Most likely I'll end up buying the
car, so changing the transmission fluid and filter will be my first approach
towards resolving the bang/rough shift issues. If that doesn't take care of
the problem I am willing to invest in a complete rebuild of the tranny
because of the overall condition of the car. It has 122,000 miles on it, but
with a Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus or Nissan/Infiniti product I'm never too
concerned about mileage that high. Especially if it is very obvious that the
vehicle has been taken good care of.

J. Perry