Hi everyone, I just bought a '99 dx hatch, and i'm totally in love, exactly what I need to go to and from the city to work, bloody brilliant car.

I was just wondering if you had any recommendations/things to look at that may be problematic in the past.

I am a licensed mechanic so I'm pretty capable and have gone over the basics, but maybe I've overlooked a few things.


Thanks for the help!

 

Overall it's a very solid car. Two well known problem spots on that model are fraying of the wire harness on the back of the engine, and the combo exhaust manifold / cat converter is prone to crack. For the former get under the car and check that the wires leading to the alternator, etc. are not rubbing on the manifold bracket and tape up if necessary. Nothing you can do to prevent the manifold from cracking though.

 

Make sure the timing belt is up to snuff. These are interference motors, so it's something you'll want to make sure is done.

Also start cleaning out the inner fenders. Hondas are very prone to collecting dirt on the inside lip and rusting out the fender from the inside.

 

Go to hondatech.info: Honda service manuals and search through the manuals. The factory service manual is available there in .PDF format. It will tell you anything and everything you ever wanted to know about that car.