Mike123

Whatz up all? I'm new to your board.

I'm looking at buying a good condition 1990 Civic DX Hatch with 230,000km's on it. Is there anyone that can help me on the positive's and negative's on this car? And let me know more about this generation of Civic?

If kept mechanically good how long should I expect this car to keep running?
How are costs of fixing it (In general)? Cheap/Expensive?
How reliable is it?
Any problems I should look out for in the near future with this car?
Any Tranny problems with the 1990 Generation Civics (5 Speed)?

Any more info bout this generation would be MUCH appreciated (Hatchbacks). Thanks guys!

imported_viper_2_4

If kept mechanically good how long should I expect this car to keep running?
-if you keep it in good shape, assuming it hasn't been abused/not maintained most of its life it should last quite a while (atleast another 100 000 km.

How are costs of fixing it (In general)? Cheap/Expensive?
-depends, but generally on the cheaper side (geranly.....)

How reliable is it?
-its 14 years old, but if you do the proper maintenance it should be decent......

Any problems I should look out for in the near future with this car?
-RUST RUST RUST, rust can be aweful, eating away structural parts of the car, if you clean it regularly it should be ok (if not already rusted)....a lot of rust can be repaired but to do it properly is costly (cutting it out)
-CV boots frequently rip, if not replaces quickly joints have to be done, it is easier to do the whole axel


Any Tranny problems with the 1990 Generation Civics (5 Speed)?
- make sure the clutch doesn't slip, if there is any grinds in the tranny could be problems,

The G2 Racer

If it was well looked after you shouldn't have any problems with it mechanical but always have some money sitting aside just incase.

Alway watch out for rust. Many a 4th gen I've seen has been rusted to crap. Also the rear suspension mount areas have been know to rust and snap (rear sub frame).

imported_Neiser

seen then last over 500,000 before!

Mike123

Thanks for the feedback guys!!

Anything else I should know about this generation of civic before I buy it?

imported_viper_2_4

they are very addictive..

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

sometimes electrical grounds are a problem, check the hatch for rust/water (spare tire well) cuz maybe the hatch can leak... and sometimes relays go bad. My 1990, the tail and corner lights wouldn't work, and I traced the problem to a bad DRL relay. I re-soldered it, and it works 100% perfect now.

imported_viper_2_4

I agree with what bbarbulo has said, another frequent one is the main relay (starter)....

shlammed

Make sure you look under the car to see if its rotted because most are. Check 1/4 panels by knocking on them or bring a magnet (for bondo). Check the hatch for rust/leaks and lift the spare tire cover to see if there is a puddle of water down there. As for how long it will last, doesn't really matter what you do to it, if the people that had it for the first 230,000km didn't take care of it good luck. Repairs are really cheap...I rear ended a lady and changed my whole front end for $100

Mike123

Thanks for the advise all!!

It was much appreciated. Looks like I am going to go through with the purchase of this car!!

imported_My Blue Si

Good luck with the purchase man!

I had an 89 si, sold it and promised myself that I would never buy an old car again b/c of all the headaches. I was searching for an ek for months but I can't stay away from these cars. Im looking at a 91 hatch this week

Cynikal.Mindset

ew, why would you want a 4th gen???!/!!!

keep it clean, dont rice it out like 99% of them out there