used 1998 honda civic lx?

Question

ok so lyk im gonna buy a blue 1998 honda civic lx from this guy at work hes said hes had no mechanical problems with the car so far, its at 99k miles he said the asking price is 2,900 i was wondering if anyone could kinda guide me on what to look for in this type of car (this is my first time buying) a car and i dont really know much about cars and also wanted to know if the price is ok for this kind of car, please leave some helpful tips

Answer 1

Ask him 2100 and try to get him to let the car go for 2400-2600. Never pay full price without negotiating, and that actually sounds like a REALLY good car. Be suspicious, where there is weather stripping, peel it off and look for bad welds, because it could be a "cut and shut" job for that price. Test drive it too to make sure it drives right. Also, since he's your coworker, have a friend come with you, or have a mechanic come with you to take a look around, just to make sure you don't buy a crapheap. Good luck, and I hope it turns out well.

Answer 2

I'd bring that price down to start with. One thing that I always do when looking over a car is take a notepad and pen then you can jot down any little blemishes & faults, take your time. It's surprising how they can mount up during a viewing and the seller will always play them down or try to gloss over it, but by the time you're sat down talking price you've forgotten half the faults seen. Remember that these will be your faults if you buy the car so should be taken in consideration when negotiating.

Lets say it has 2 bad tyres, then you notice the handbrake doesn't quite hold the car firmly. Then you notice that it pulls to the left slightly. These are all faults that will add up to a big bill once you buy the car. So consider them

I've purchased over 40 cars and use this method, it's surprising how well it works, you are the customer and it ain't the only car around.



With the Civic in particular there aren't any common faults really, just check the usual stuff, tyres brakes, hows it feels on the road, no hums whines or grinds from the running gear, does it stop straight, check ALL the electrics and make sure you have no lights on the dashboard.



These are good cars & I turbocharged mine at 98k miles

Answer 3

in my area that price is pretty good for a low mileage civic. when inspecting just make sure it sounds normal and drives good. listen to a good running car of your own if you have one available to get a general idea how a normal one should sound. would help to have your dad or a friend that is more knowledgeable on cars to come see it with you.

civics are generally great cars. good mpg and reliability

Answer 4

it is 13 years old i am in the trade in good condition with service history it is worth about £1000 your first car i reccomend get a local garage mechanic to check any car before paying money the RAC can do this for you it will save you from buying a lemon and does not cost a lot. be wary people will take your money if you get aproblem you cant get a refund there are alot of bad cars for sale ,plus honda cars are very expensive to buy parts for ask any mechanic they will tell you

Answer 5

Look at where the top hose comes off your radiator and goes into your engine. This is the thermostat housing. Look near the hosing for a sensor. That should be your coolant temp sensor.