Hey guys and girls,

I just purchased my first Honda about three weeks ago, a 1999 Civic EX Coupe, and I love it! Quite an upgrade from my first car, a 1989 Ford Escort (and yes, it was Found On Road Dead, though my father was the one who initiated its death).

The vehicle was purchased from a car broker, and it seems like it was well taken care of, interior and exterior, and I have no complaints, other than seats that don't quite fit me.

I just wanted to know if there's anything I should look out for as a first time owner. I saw this recall, is it something I should be concerned about?

I also wanted to know if there are any easy upgrades or modifications you would recommend to a new owner. I'm far from a gearhead, and I have no intention of increasing top speed or accelleration as it would surely lead to me driving faster (I got a speeding ticket in my Escort just a few hours before it died). However, I am very interested in keeping this car well taken care of, increasing efficiency, and having fun with the vehicle.

Thanks in advance,
J Dubb


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Well, you can take it to the dealer and they can tell you if you already had that recall taken care of.
But I am assuming it was already taken care of, since the owners were notified in 2002.

 

Just do the routine maintence, and get the valves adjusted every 60k miles or so (don't know the exact mileage). And if your car has over 100k when you bought it than the timing belt probably has been changed. ButI wouldmake sure cause that can ruin your engine if it snaps. Buy a Haynes repair manual for your car if you haven't already. You might also want to use some seafoam on your car if it has over 100k miles, itcould restore the life of your car by a lot. Search for more info.

 

Thanks for the input, guys.

A few questions:

Is Seafoam something I put in my engine, or elsewhere?
My friend recommended RedLine Fuel Injection cleaner, do you concur?

Got any tips for cheap Haynes Manuals online?

 

Seafoam is something you put into your engine by putting it into the gas tank when you refuel, and into the intake system. It cleans out carbon deposits, and it does the job well. However, putting it into the intake can be a little tricky for beginners so if you are one, I would just use a simple cleaner like the one your friend suggested.