Is This Normal?
 

I'm pretty new to this forum and I do not have a Civic yet, however, I test drove a 1996 Civic CX hatchback today and I really liked it. I am thinking about purchasing it but I have a question about it. I hope I am positng this in the right forum, I have a question about the condition of the vehicle:

I don't have any pictures, however, I noticed that numerous parts under the hood were rusted/oxidized. Things like the cover on the headers (at least the dealer said it was a cover because it didnt look like the actual pipes), various screws/bolts under the hood. And the brackets for the two front seats. The dealer told me this was normal, however, I just wonder if anyone else has a rust problem like this.
Also, the stock bushings were replaced recently with a new set of stock bushings, is this a sign that the clutch might need to be replaced soon- it has almost 150 000km on it? (sorry if that is a stupid question)
Anything I should specifically look for (i.e. known trouble areas with this model?)

Thanks.

Rusts on bolts are normal, for cars that drives all year round. Seat rails rusting is new to me, though. Exhaust manifold cover rusting is no big deal. I am pretty sure the manifold itself is rusted as well. But that's mostly surface rust.

Look for body panels rust, like quater panels and around the doors, fenders and whatnot.

Thats what I notice as well on the '96, little bit of elbow grease can clean them up. Keep in mind though, that the vehicle is 9 years old, soon to be 10. :nods:

if ur concerned with rust nuts and bolts buy a brand new car...u should see what a 16yr old honda nuts and bolts look like hahahaha...all that stuff is mega normal, infact if they werent rusty I would be concerned and/or very happy

Those are just cosmetics, as long as the car performs well, reliable, and etc...then you're find...how much are you picking it up for?

hey, my car is an import from japan and lemme tell u, it has hardly any rust on it, even under the hood and under the car

i guess it depends how well maintained the car was for rust protection

the brackets for the front seats in my 93 hatch were rusty too for some reason...also the floor was replaced on the passenger side so maybe there was a leak or something and water got in..i never really did check the drivers side floor...lol

Do they use salt on the roads in Japan?

My 98 has minor rust on the nuts/bolts/brackets under the hood and even on some of the suspension pieces. I'd say very noral for a car that is several years old. I recently noticed that the seat bolts are also slightly rusty, but just think about how much salt and water they are exposed to during the winter.

What bushings were replaced? The shifter bushings? They do wear out over time and the shifts become sloppy. Nothing to do with the clutch really.

Check to see if the timing belt and water pump has been changed yet, grinds through the gears, you could even spend a few bucks and have the car thoroughly inspected by a mechanic or even Honda if you really want it.

How much is it and from where?

Thanks for the responses, I guess the rust is nothing to worry about. Its a used vehicle from a dealership in Cambridge (caught my eye when I was visiting family there). They want $6000. Its a bit much but they replaced the brakes (new pads but machined rotors), shifter bushings, exhaust (including cat) and some other minor things. I saw it today, I'll sleep on it and then maybe put in an offer tommorrow. If I get it for $5000 it will be great, $5500 is probaly more realistic. However, I need to get it looked at professionally at a garage to see if it is OK, and get a UVIP if I decide to go for it.

Thanks Again.

its an 89, i forgot to mention that in my post
makes it a 16 yr old car

not sure if they stopped using salt, but im sure they must have at some point, i dont know!

how much mileage?