Cheap, reliable used Civic? Finding cheap/reliable Civic to last 3 years?

surprisingly (or not!), japanese hoses can last a long, long time. ive
had a couple vehicles that were 15+ years old, with the original hoses.
still supple, and not rotting/bulging from the inside either due to
regular coolant changes.

 

No such luck. It is a hatchback, outside all its life. I am going to
pick it up next weekend to give it a good inspection but I think the
body is in pretty good shape considering the age.

 

Two years ago, I bought to Honda Civics (1982 and 1983) both of which
had just over 100K for $200. The 1982 was wrecked in the front but
still had a functioning drive line and the '83 had the head off (rebuilt
but never installed) but the body was virtually perfect and was the FE
model. I test ran the engine (which started right up with a small
portable gas tank hooked to the carb and it sounded great. I pulled the
engine/tranny out of the '82 and stripped it down to a bare block. The
clutch/pressure plate were like new so I left that alone.

Pulled the '83 engine/tranny then married the good '82 block with the
'83 tranny and retained all of the '83 accessories. It is nearing
completion and I look to actually have it running within the next
months. Also, I installed a new fuel tank/pump/filters. Before I
installed the engine, I changed out the timing belt and waterpump.

I figure that I'll have about $800 total in this car when it's ready for
the road and judging from what these units bring on eBay, I can't really
go wrong. If it gives me any grief, to market it will go and I'll just
rely on my old trusty (and simple) 1955 Studebaker President.

JT

 

See my other post this date. In it I mention a 1983 Civic FE that had
its head off due to a blown head gasket. I will agree that OEM hoses
are pretty good but it's not worth the risk to be penny-wise but dollar
foolish when considering the consequences of any coolant failure.

Every coolant hose has been replaced regarding my FE project.

JT

 

sure- all depends on climate and what aftermarket manufacturer you go
with. id be more likely to catch a hose leaking than a belt breaking,
especially a timing belt. the TB is crucial, but hoses can be important too.

 

Most premature ending of Honda(s) are maintenance related. Failure to
replace timing belts along with a failure to monitor the temperature
gauge. Both can ruin your day in a hurry...

JT

 

So would I except for the Honda-sponsored lease deal.

No car in the $3-5K range will have the safety features of a new RSX;
and drivers with the least experience are better served by safer cars.
Obviously, the RSX will not require any costly repairs whereas any
cheap used car might.

My local CarMax dealership is now selling new Nissan Sentras for under
$11,800. The Sentra may not be exciting but it should be reliable for 3
years.