jim beam <nospam@example.net> wrote in
news:CZ6dnek1GYJE6XHcRVn-ig@comcast.com:

> RS wrote:
>> I found a 1991 Civic hatchback that seems in good shape. I am
>> thinking aboiut buying it for my college age son. I have never owned
>> a Honda auto and know little about them.
>>
>> Would this be a dependable vehicle - 163,000 miles, 5speed, good
>> condition.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> RS
>>
>>
> people on this group regularly report mileages in the mid/high 300's.
> this model civic is no exception. beware garage rip-off's for cars
> this vintage, & you'll be fine. [i have a '90 with 230k, & it runs
> like a champ.] consult tegger's faq's for answers to common problems.
>
> last thing, i think this model civic is the finest honda ever made, so
> i'm biased in my response.
>
>


With regular oil changes, these engines will put on galactic mileages.

Piston slap common. Not a problem, just noisy. Lessens when car warms up.

Power steering pumps get very noisy with age and when it's cold out. The
colder the noisier. Not a problem either. Goes away when car warms up. ONLY
use genuine Honda PS fluid, NOTHING ELSE.

Head gaskets tend to fail about 200K even with good maintenance. $400-$600
to replace at garage.

Listen for rattling from the transmission. Bearings wear, which is
accelerated if oil is never changed or is allowed to run low. Noise will
eventually get very loud, like freight train. Good used tranny about $250 +
labor. Use Honda MTL fluid.

Make sure clutch has not been neglected or abused. If 1/4" or less exposed
thread above the adjusting nut when correctly adjusted, clutch is at the
end of its life. About $600 to replace at a garage.

Have an experienced mechanic check all front-end ball joints, including
those in steering. At 163K, they _will_ be worn. Lowers tend to seize
instead of work loose. When they seize, they break off, which is bad...and
scary. Ask me how I know...

Check outer CV joint boots for cracks. If cracked, replace boots or axles
post-haste before crack splits wide-open.

Brakes seize regularly and require frequent servicing to get max life out
of them.

Make sure the PCV system is clear. Neglected engines will sludge up and
start pumping oil into the intake. Check for oil in breather pipe.

Rust is a problem in northern areas, especially in hatch lid, rear quarter
panels, sills and roof at corners of windshield.

Water leaks common into passenger footwell. Caused by failed sealing at
cowl. You won't see this until a heavy rain, so take through a car wash a
couple of times to check, or drench with garden hose at base of windshield.
Time-consuming to fix, and causes rust in cowl. About $75 in parts.

Timing belt changes should NOT be neglected. Engine is "interference"
design, and valve damage is likely if belt breaks. If unsure of mileage,
replace it. $400 inc'l labor. Valve damage much more expensive to fix.

Make sure rad fan works properly. Make sure rear defroster works. Both give
trouble eventually.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/