we have a 2002 civic we just purchase. When applying the brakes there is a little bit of pedal travel before they engage.when they do they grab. Is this normal?

 

Since you just got the car, start by inspecting all 4 wheels for worn-out linings or other obvious problems.

 

Also consider getting your yr's service manual from the link in my signature. I'd consider bleeding the brake lines as well.

 

Pads could be worn out, there may be too little fluid, or a small amount of air in the fluid. Check the first two, and then bleed the brakes if it still feels that way.

 

rotors could be worn too. one of my rotors is worn more than the other and my brake engages when i just barely push the pedal down, but it grabs to one side because of this and when i fully apply the brake pedal it grabs both rotors. i need to take care of that soon.