Hi guys,

I’m an owner of a 2000 Honda Civic EX with approximately 241,700 miles on the odometer. I’ve had the car since 2005 and have recently decided to upgrade to a newer vehicle and keep the Civic as an extra commuter/beater car. After taking the Civic to the shop due to a clunking noise coming from the front of the car while driving (especially on bumpy roads), it was found out that the tie rods are pretty much shot. In fact, the entire rack & pinion assembly will need to be replaced as it has been leaking for some time, but it’s been a slow, manageable leak. Other issues found by the technician include worn, leaking front struts and a leaking radiator, which will need to be replaced sometime soon.

Other existing issues include bad rear bushings, oil leaks from the engine (rear main seal and possibly oil pump) and a leaking clutch master cylinder.

I do my maintenance as far as fluid and filter changes, and anything else within reason to make it safe and drivable. At this point, with the car being nearly 18 years old, I’m not going to throw several thousand dollars into it to make it perfect again, especially with the body in bad shape from dings and dents acquired over the years along with paint fading and peeling away. However, I’d like to continue driving it for local travel. The engine, transmission and air conditioning are all still pretty solid, so I’m not sure if I should give up on it yet.

My question is this car worth keeping if I just spend the money and take care replacing the radiator, rack & pinion and tie rod ends for now? Or will I see this becoming more of a money pit as time goes on? Also, has anyone experienced any mechanical repercussions following the replacement of the rack & pinion assembly and tie rod ends, such as a failing power steering pump later on? (Kind of like what one would see with the water pump if they replaced the timing belt without replacing the water pump at the same time).

Like I said, I plan on using this car to do local travel and drive no more than 7500 miles a year. I have to make a decision this week when I purchase my other car on whether to trade it in or not. They’re only offering me $500, basically scrap value.

I should also note that all the radiator hoses were replaced a year ago and the struts 67k miles ago (I know it’s time for them). The engine, clutch, transmission and all air conditioning components except for the refrigerant hose are all original.

Lastly, I live in a condo community with an HOA and have no access to a garage nor do I have special tools other than a basic wrench set. Doing any sort of major suspension work in the parking lot on jack stands just isn't going to fly. As much as I'd like to try this on my own, I'm just going to save myself the stress and headache and have a trained mechanic do the work.

Thanks in advance for anyone that can offer some advice or insight.