After getting what I thought was a great deal on a 2001 Honda LX automatic Coupe with just 56k miles in Jan. of this year, I have had one problem after another. Just after I got the car the check engine light came on with error codes P0420 and P1298. After checking the Honda TSBs I think I have nailed down the P1298 by replacing the ELD but the P0420 keeps coming back. After talking with the local independent Honda service shop and describing the P0420, along with the car running rough at low RPMs (it almost dies when coming to a stop at stop signs and traffic signals), the tech asked me if I had a hairline crack in the manifold. I was pretty impressed as I had only mentioned the P0420 along with the car running rough but that is exactly what my car has, a crack very close to where the upstream O2 sensor connects into the manifold. So I was told that if I replace the cat and both O2 sensors this will fix my problem (by the way the car runs great at highway speeds). So my big question is with only (now) 59k miles should I be having problems like these (I also failed to mention that the automatic transmission also had to be replaced recently, which I understand is unusual for a Civic)? Since this is my first Honda (and maybe last) maybe Hondas are a tad bit overrated? So last question, if I were to buy an aftermarket direct fit cat are any brands better than others? Eastern Catalytic, Magnaflow, etc? Thanks, GF

 

Check for a recall / TSB on the manifold, some were being replaced for free. The automatic transmissions are not particularly durable. Manual Civics are much better.

 

If you buy a cat please dont buy the 2 piece units that have the exhaust manifold and cat separate...i did calling myself saving some bucks...well...those suck i should have just went ahead and spent the money and bought a one piece unit. My original had a two cracks leading from the upstream o2 sensor hole. I was at about 252K. I have a 2000 5sp so not sure if they sell the 2 piece units for the 2001 but probably.