I have a line to buy an one owner 95 Civic EX/auto with 175000 miles for 1200 bucks from a guy I know. The only problem it has an oil leak where the distributor oring needs replacing along with valve cover gasket - very small leak. Everythings works including the AC and it has some minor damage to rear pass quarter panel. It probably needs a repaint since it suffers the infamous faded roof paint. Also, he just had the timing belt replaced.

Do you think is worth it?

 

It sounds like a good deal to me. The two oil leaks you mention will be very easy to remedy. The body will involve more expensive repairs, but the price seems right. How's the engine running? Any CELs?

 

Sounds decent, repaint gonna cost you , but if its just a beater or something sounds good.

 

I'd grab it if I had the option. Does he have any maintenence history on it?

 

No maintenance history that I know of, I didn't ask. He just smogged it last week, so it doesn't have a CEL.

The body is pretty good shape, the damage on the quarter panel is very slight. Its smaller than a square foot shallow dent. The rear bumper will need a repaint.

I'm going to take another look at it before I buy it. Too bad its not a stick but at least the air works. I had a 95 Hatch that I just sold for 2300 because the AC wasn't working. It cost too much to fix or replace the AC.

 

Well if you repaint the bumper your gonna have to blend it with the car if you want it to look nice.

 

Hopefully I can find an used bumper in the same color. If not I probably keep it as it is for awhile until I fix the oil leak and other odds and ends.

 

Yea easiest but most time comsuming is to find a a bumper thats the same colour. But yea save up and who knows maybe you can get a repaint professionally.

 

Buy it! In it's current condition it would most likely run another 50K.
The repairs needed (as stated above) are easily done!

 

Bought the car for 1200. I replaced the distributor oring which stop the oil leak. I degrease the motor and trans, it was a mess. I guess it had been leaking for awhile. It also had a busted bolt for the valve cover. Luckily we were able to remove it in about 20 minutes. My friend said the last buyers took it to their mechanic and busted the bolt. The car runs great except sometimes it shifts a little hard from 1st to 2nd. Nothing really major. The quarter panel dent is much smalller than I previously thought. Also, it still does need a paint job. I probably drive as it is until I sell it.

A little off topic. While I was cleaning up the Civic, someone wanted to buy my 65 Chevelle that was parked in my garage. He was offerring me 10 grand but I wanted 13 since I wasn't looking to sell it. He came later to look at it again and offered 12 grand. No dice until I get 13. My friends think I'm crazy to sell it. Well see if he calls me tomorrow with the right price. Here's a pic of the Chevelle.