High Mileage '01 Civic: Should I Fix It ?
#1
High Mileage '01 Civic: Should I Fix It ?
I have a 2001 Civic EX coupe with 360,000 miles on it (90% highway). The rear seal is leaking a little and it will cost me around $800 to fix it, and likely around $1100 if I replace the clutch and associated parts as well (clutch is original).
There are a few other minor problems which should be fixed, but aside from that it's my daily driver and it gets me to/from work (100 miles r/t) just fine each day (although my cruise control mysteriously stopped working today).
Shocks/struts will need to be replaced in the next year or two, as well as tires, front brake rotors, and maybe A/C work (I live in Florida).
So, is dumping a couple grand into a car like this over the next two years insane, or should I just try and get some money from the dealer on a trade-in ? Maybe i should just keep adding a little oil when needed and drive it till it drops.
There are a few other minor problems which should be fixed, but aside from that it's my daily driver and it gets me to/from work (100 miles r/t) just fine each day (although my cruise control mysteriously stopped working today).
Shocks/struts will need to be replaced in the next year or two, as well as tires, front brake rotors, and maybe A/C work (I live in Florida).
So, is dumping a couple grand into a car like this over the next two years insane, or should I just try and get some money from the dealer on a trade-in ? Maybe i should just keep adding a little oil when needed and drive it till it drops.
#3
I would add a little LUCAS Oil Treatment to the oil. Maybe a half a quart @ oil changes. I have had good luck stopping or slowing down leaks with their products. It won't hurt a high mileage or low mileage engine one bit. I use it in my junk all the time.
I would just drive it until it quits.
Trading to a dealer your going to get a screwing. You would be better off when the time comes to sell it on Craigslist & find another vehicle. Anytime you have a trade-in the dealers just bend you over & they lube you up so good you don't even feel it until later.
I'm an old man, that is a retired mechanic that worked in dealerships & I have dealt with enough that I really try to buy PRIVATE PARTY.
I would just drive it until it quits.
Trading to a dealer your going to get a screwing. You would be better off when the time comes to sell it on Craigslist & find another vehicle. Anytime you have a trade-in the dealers just bend you over & they lube you up so good you don't even feel it until later.
I'm an old man, that is a retired mechanic that worked in dealerships & I have dealt with enough that I really try to buy PRIVATE PARTY.
#4
Thanks for your advice. My clutch seems 100% OK at this time...no slippage as I can tell, albeit most of my driving is in 5th gear. Two dealers and one independent all quoted me that apporx $800 number. I'm gonna change oil with Valvoline Max-life, going up to 5W-30 or maybe even 10W-40 and just keep driving it for now. I don't know how the heavier oil will efffect my V-TEC activation cause it's oil pressure controlled. Might kick in at lower rpm.
#5
I would add a little LUCAS Oil Treatment to the oil. Maybe a half a quart @ oil changes. I have had good luck stopping or slowing down leaks with their products. It won't hurt a high mileage or low mileage engine one bit. I use it in my junk all the time.
I would just drive it until it quits.
Trading to a dealer your going to get a screwing. You would be better off when the time comes to sell it on Craigslist & find another vehicle. Anytime you have a trade-in the dealers just bend you over & they lube you up so good you don't even feel it until later.
I'm an old man, that is a retired mechanic that worked in dealerships & I have dealt with enough that I really try to buy PRIVATE PARTY.
I would just drive it until it quits.
Trading to a dealer your going to get a screwing. You would be better off when the time comes to sell it on Craigslist & find another vehicle. Anytime you have a trade-in the dealers just bend you over & they lube you up so good you don't even feel it until later.
I'm an old man, that is a retired mechanic that worked in dealerships & I have dealt with enough that I really try to buy PRIVATE PARTY.
#6
Thanks for your advice. My clutch seems 100% OK at this time...no slippage as I can tell, albeit most of my driving is in 5th gear. Two dealers and one independent all quoted me that apporx $800 number. I'm gonna change oil with Valvoline Max-life, going up to 5W-30 or maybe even 10W-40 and just keep driving it for now. I don't know how the heavier oil will efffect my V-TEC activation cause it's oil pressure controlled. Might kick in at lower rpm.
I just believe why change anything that has worked for this long this well. One thing I experienced with my Civic was it ran (NAPA oil) Valvoline from new & I bought a bunch of 10-40 Quaker State oil cheap $1/quart. Since running it I notice it uses a little more oil than before. My point is changing isn't always better.
Maybe you have a million mile Honda. Maybe check & see what the record number of miles on has been run GO FOR THE RECORD. I'll cheer you on for sure. Why buy another one as long as this one is doing great. Every month stick the money you would pay on a car note in the bank. Oh & don't forget the extra insurance cost & license fees.
What I do is I have towing insurance on my junk, through my car insurance agent, like $16/year. I went this way because then if I need a tow truck I get one quick because I pay them & give the bill to my agent & in a few days I get reimbursed. I tried AAA & that stuff & I have had to sit on the side of the road until my turn. At night that isn't my idea of fun.
Keep us posted PLEASE.
Last edited by 90 Civic; 10-09-2012 at 07:59 PM.
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