Hi everyone - first time post.

I'm currently taking a year out from the UK in Malaysia and am looking at buying a real cheap car. However, used cars here tend to be a lot more expensive here than in the UK/States. I've had real trouble finding anything under £1000($2000) but have just spotted a 1981 Honda Civic 1.3, 5dr, 41000 miles for roughly US$800. I've phoned up and been told it starts and runs perfectly.

So my question is - firstly - is it likely the mileometer can only display 5 digits? (ie. actual mileage is 141000 or even maybe 241000?). Secondly, is it going to fall to pieces the moment I drive round the corner? Is there anything I should look out for when I go and have a look?

I know it's not going to be the greatest car on the road, but car prices here are silly and I'm getting desperate. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.

 

If the car has its original engine then 41,000 or even 141,000 or even 241,000 miles seem unlikely. Maybe more like 341,000 miles.

 

Is there any way to tell how many miles it's done?

 

have you looked at the car? or seen pictures of the odometer? There is a possibility that it only does have 41,000 milies, and then there is also a possibility that the odometer was rolled back as well.

 

Aside from my '97 Coupe, I also own a 1980 Civic hatch. I love that car! Unfortunately it has a blown head gasket at the moment, but as soon as I get some extra cash, I'm getting the bodywork done and putting in a b16. The car was my grandpa's, and it has been in the family since it was new.

Yes, the odo is only 5 digits. Mine only has around 130,000 on it, and I have every single service record and all the original documentation, manuals, and brochures dating back to when the car was new. My grandpa kept everything!

Anyway, it will be slow since it has such a tiny engine, so make sure it has the 5 speed to make the most of it. There was also a 4 speed stick and a 2 speed automatic! Could you imagine a 2 speed auto with a 1300cc engine!? Nightmares.

Take a look at the overall condition of the car, it should be fairly obvious if its gone 41,000 vs. 241,000 or 341,000. Mine burned a lot of oil; I had to add a quart every 2 tanks or so, but I had a leak somewhere, since my block was covered with sludge and it would leave drips on the driveway. However, like any Honda, if it was well cared for, mileage doesn't mean much unless its at the 341,000 mark.

Here is what mine looked like at the peak of its former glory:

 

wow, other than the crack and roof rack, that is yummy

 

Glad you like it! I'm going to start saving for the project soon. I have studded snow tires on the original 12" steelies, and I took it up skiing a few times, that's why the roof rack.

That pic above is its "good side," the other side has a few sizable dents because my cousin parked it on a hill and the e brake gave out and it rolled into a tree. I had to replace the driver's side fender, but I couldn't find a color that matched the original paint, so the other side doesn't look nearly as good. It also has 3 or 4 good sized rust spots that need to be cut out and fixed. There was a rust hole in the roof near the corner of the windshield when I got the car. I did a temporary patch with bondo, but its rusting again now, so it needs to be sent to a shop.

 

Very cool Firehawk!
Sounds like you kept it pretty well then.

haha, I've never even seen a civic that old.