Is This A Good Trade Or Not?!?!?
 

Hey there,
I've got a black 1998 civic si, auto BRANDED. 171,000kms honda maintained.
I've put a full apexi world sport adjustable suspension, 17 inch wheels, cai, mugen front lip, and black projectors.
the car looks sick but it's still auto and branded, it also has some rust on it and although it's two small patches, they're pretty deep.

I ran into a shop owner in Mississauga who just rebuilt a 93 bubble back and is willing to trade cars with me.

the bubble:
repainted sir silver (all body work done with new metal)
full body kit (mild - don't know what it is)
chrome projectors
gsr blades
gsr leather interior
gsr dash
molded leather side panels
couple of subs
b16a engine with header and full exhaust (70,000kms)
ls tranny (tranny is SHOT and needs to be replaced, no reverse or fourth right now - all the other gears are pretty hard to find but still driveable)
gsr struts with generic coilovers - almost new

so, that's about it is it a good trade or should i hold off - i drive my current civic all year round and would be looking to do the same with this one if i got it - i know i would need to get a new tranny but other than that - give me your thoughts

thanks
josh

how much would it cost to fix your car and have it unbranded?

not sure if it can be unbranded. it was hit like 5 years ago. a local shop picked it up and fixed it and my wife bought it. it's been fine ever since.
not sure about the rust - it would need metal work and new paint.

IMO, I dont think its a good trade.

i thought that if a vehicle was branded it couldn't be insured?

Only when a vehicle is branded as "Irreparable" or "Salvage"...


Vehicles branded as "Rebuilt" are insurable. :cool:

i guess not...my title says brand/rebuild.
from what i've been told it was in an accident where the insurance companies had to get involved and then a local guy probably just picked it up for cheap - fixed it up and got the ownership done and sold it to my wife...

ahh, i was under the impression that you could 'unbrand' it once it got fixed up to standards again, i guess not...

yeah it means it was written off, and then fixed up..

it's really up to you, if i were you i'd keep what i have seeing as it's running well, you never know what kind of other problems the other car has, that plus it's older and you don't know who did the swap or how it's been treated

If it is branded as "irrepairable" it cannot be fixed and insured and let back on the road. If it is branded as "salvage" then it can be salvaged, fixed, and then insured and driven legally.

In order for a vehicle to be branded it must have been in an accident and deem a total loss...meaning the insurance company wrot eit off because the damage would cost more to fix than the car is worth.

Taken from the ministry page:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dan...ding/faq.htm#1

What are the different types of vehicle brands?
There are four different types of vehicle brands that fall under the mandatory vehicle branding program. They are:
"Irreparable" - a vehicle that can be used for parts or scrap only. This vehicle can never be driven in Ontario.
"Salvage" - a vehicle that can be repaired and is subject to inspection criteria approval.
"Rebuilt" - a vehicle that has been previously branded as "salvage" but has been rebuilt and inspected in accordance with regulatory criteria.
"None" - is applied to all vehicles in Ontario that have not been assigned a brand. This does not mean the vehicle was never given a brand in another jurisdiction, or that it was not rebuilt in Ontario prior to the mandatory vehicle branding program.

keep the suggestions coming...anyone out there think it's a good trade??

Your car is in driveable condition, regardless the engine and rust, branded status or even auto. Bottom line is, it drives with no problem.

The other car, has tranny issue, coilovers that are poorly matched with stock struts, it needs repair.

No car is worth the trade or keep if it comes with problems and issues. You can get a better deal with a rusted tail pipe up your ass than this.

My thoughts exactly, Nova...well, except for the tailpipe in the butt thing...

ya.. i, like the rest, say pass on the trade

not worth it... to fix the rust on your car wont be as much as the trouble that ones gonna give you later on... its more thatn 10 yrs old

i personally would never trade in a newer car for an older one, unless it was a classic or something, but thats just my opinion

well i traded my 2002 LX civic and picked up my 2000 SIR!

would u do that trade?
55 year old man owning the SIR with all service records!
HELL YAH!

that's a super sweet deal!!!
i guess i'm looking for something with a stick and more power. the auto si just isn't doing it for me. it never did...
i really want a white (original paint) bubble with a fresh gsr drop. i'm not too worried about maintenance - my 98 gives me enough of that!!!
thanks for ALL your replies - i'm still about 50% right now but leaning towards keeping my rusted branded mobile!! lol

The choice is really yours. However, if you really want a slightly faster car, I suggest you buy it from someone you know of, at least you know what has been through with it.

But, if you can trust the shop owner's words enough and IF the tranny is the only issue, then spend the money and get a B series tranny and have him install it for you and call it a day.

It is a tough call.

dont do it