1981 Honda Civic going to be a money pit?

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courtneyinnz

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Found a 1981 Honda Civic in good condition with only 100,000km on it.
1300cc automatic. 2-door hatchback.
It will be my first car [well first that I will drive]
Is this model reliable, despite being very old?
Would I just end up spending loads of money to keep it going?
Any information about this car would be appreciated :] thanks.
 
I think that is carburetor engine. They are notoriously difficult to keep running (especially when old). I would stay away from them.

I have a 94 Civic (188K miles) and it runs great (fuel injected - not carburetor). But even so there are lots of old parts that are always on the verge of breaking. Luckily I know something about cars and I like working on cars.

Last week I found out my distributor rotor was all worn about to fail. For me it was $25 and 30 minute fix. For somebody who don't how to fix that would have ended up broken down, towed, and forced to pay whatever (probably total of $300 to $400). I say $300 to $400 because when towed the mechanics tends to overcharge you.


Good Luck... ;-)
 
Any used car can be a money pit. Buying a Honda is smart IF the owners have records of maintenance (especially routine oil changes). Also, find out when the TIMING belt was changed. They must be done every 90,000 miles or so. If not replaced, you are taking a chance of this belt breaking while going down the road at 45mph, and this can cause heavy damage to the engine. Don't be afraid of high milage in a Honda if the records are good a clean.
 
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