i dont know if i should buy this car, its a 98 civic lx with 200k miles on it, it has all original parts on it. the price is 3k. i am thinking of getting it because i will be able to pay it in payments over 15months, and dont have a car right now... based on this, would it be worth buying, would i need a new engine soon, if so how much would it cost, would i need to replace anything else soon, is the price too much.........

 

might want to check all the drive belts, leaks from engine area, exhaust components, rust, bushings.

That price sounds close somewhat, could probably drop to around 2500.

 

Ask about maintenence. See if the timing belt and water pump have been changed (probably twice with 200K miles on it). If maintenence has been kept up and there are no major problems, you should be fine. If it needs to have the timing belt/water pump/belt tensioner done, you may be able to haggle the price down because that's a big maintenence issue that'll need to be taken care of.

About the engine, its tough to say. It depends on the previous owner and how they drove it. If the owner was a kid and drove it like a race car, the engine could be in bad shape. If the owner is a more mature adult, the engine is likely fine and has been maintained.

We've got a 2000 DX with 263K miles on it and it's still going strong. It has had oil changes every 3-5000 miles and all major maintenence issues have been taken care of as needed. It's still going strong.

 

3000 to 2500 whatever, what are the terms of the loan? How much interest are you really paying? There are a bunch of used cars dealers that are close to loan sharking if you are not careful.

Hard to say how long an engine will last, some engine last longer than others if oil changes were done, how hard the motor was pushed(raced), and among other factors. Also, you need to check out the brakes, transmission, axels, and tires. Those major wallet hits.

If the maintenace are up to date and you think the car will not need any major service while you are paying down the loan, then it may be a fair deal.

 

My wife bought her 98 civic lx new and it now has 198,000mls just changed timing belt,water pump thermostat for the first time!! My mechanic said everything was mechanically sound I was in total shock this car has taken a beating and still runs like a champ.

 

haha 200k miles for 3k ... fuuuuuck that

 

sorry but 200k miles for 3,000$. Your getting ripped off. Craigslist has way better deals than that.