Tips for buying a decent priced car while in college (Honda, horsepower)

[Croye22]

Yeah, you're right.

I am not car savvy, but my dad has loads of experience with cars, and those problems I listed are indeed problems that I know of. And I may not be car savvy, but I know enough to know when someone's trying to dupe me.

But yeah, it has no major problems to speak of.

[sterlinggirl]

Think about your own plans here. Your Civic needs work, so you want to sell it to get something in better shape. The problem you'll run into while you shop for a new car is buying cars from other people out there doing the exact same thing that you're trying to do.

Get the struts done right away if it's handling bad, wearing out tires unevenly, making noise in the front end, etc. If your catalytic converter is bad, you should hear a lot of rattling from it. If you don't hear a bunch of noise, the problem is most likely the O2 sensor which should be replaced every 50-100K miles anyway. If you don't have much money right now, the AC can always wait until next summer.

[Croye22]

Thanks. I do tend to hear the clicking noise whenever I pull off from a steep incline, and I don't hear any other rattling. I'll look into getting the parts and probably have my dad put them on for me.

[sailordave]

Get a bicycle for traveling around campus. Not easy to do a beer run on a bicycle but you can go from class to class faster on a bike.

[josmchicago]

Bicycle is a good call for getting around campus.

I'd recommend using the bus system for going to class if you have the chance. And sticking with your Civic sounds like a pretty decent idea.

[whiteboyslo]

Originally Posted by sailordave

Get a bicycle for traveling around campus. Not easy to do a beer run on a bicycle but you can go from class to class faster on a bike.

i don't know of anyone in college who uses a car just to go class-to-class. i'm sure the OP has other needs for an actual vehicle.

Mike

[fierce_flawless]

Keep the Civic. Use whatever you were going to spend on a new car to take care of what the Civic needs, within reason. It doesn't sound like you're talking a huge amount of repairs...?

I understand being without A/C though. I'm in Texas, so I feel ya there. See what's wrong with it then decide. It may just need freon.

If I were you I'd just hold on to it.... speaking as a student (and also a mom of 3 kids).

[sailordave]

Originally Posted by whiteboyslo

i don't know of anyone in college who uses a car just to go class-to-class. i'm sure the OP has other needs for an actual vehicle.

Mike

Didn't say going class-to-class. Said going around campus. Some campuses have stores, churches, banks, restaurants, and nightclubs all within easy bicycle distance. Some drive even these short distances even in good weather.

[M3 Mitch]

Originally Posted by Croye22

Yeah, you're right.

I am not car savvy, but my dad has loads of experience with cars, and those problems I listed are indeed problems that I know of. And I may not be car savvy, but I know enough to know when someone's trying to dupe me.

But yeah, it has no major problems to speak of.

You are in a non-rusting climate so you can very easily keep this car through college and beyond.

Try to get car-savvy, there is really no substitute for knowing what you are doing. Keep in mind that this car has a timing belt, unless I am mistaken, and will bend valves if said belt breaks - at least most Honda do. Changing the belt is not cheap, but it's cheaper than replacing the head.

[Wing Feathers]

Get yourself a Saturn SL2. You'll have a ton more horsepower than a Honda, better MPG (now that you don't have to floor it all the time) and Saturns last for 300k easily... they have timing CHAINS instead of rubber belts.