need advice on buying a 99 1.4 civic

[kwif007]

Hi guys

I don't have much knowledge in cars and had an absolutely awful experience with a Renault megane, long story short I need a new car asap

I need the car to last a couple of years have decent mpg, and be reliable. I have heard great things about Honda, and going to see this one on Sunday

http://m.gumtree.com/1999-red-honda-civic-1-4i-s-f...

Could anyone give me a bit of advice on if this would be a decent buy. I'm habit worried about the mileage but heard a lot of people say how long they can last.

Are there any aspects I should look for when I see it

Any help is appreciated

Cheers

Kris

[Lawbags]

Check for rust round the rear arches and sills. They are prone to it. Even if it just looks like a bit of surface rust, chances are, it'll need new rear arches.
I thought mine was just surface stuff, but once I started poking around, I found it needed new inner and outer arches, sills and a bumper mount one side.

[LiquidSwords]

Had a VTi-S In this shape, check to see if the heaters work on all 4 settings, usually they only work on setting 4 meaning the resistor pack needs changing (located behind the glove box). Rover 400 ones are the same and shouldn't cost you more then £30-40 if needs be.

[kwif007]

cheers guys, appreciate it unfortunately my knowledge of cars is somewhat questionable but want to get better

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Civic-1-8-sr-a-c-V...

looking at the above car, as i wasnt impressed with the last one, lots of filler round arches. Whats the difference in insurance for this model compared to the 1.4?

any help would be most appreciated

Kris

[Willy Nilly]

I have a 1998 1.4 se. Had it since 2002. It has been utterly reliable. The original battery was replaced 15 months ago, it had the original refrigerant replaced about that time too and is now needing to be done again, it's used about a litre and a half of oil in 90,000 miles or so.

She's getting old now but still drive fine, may be a little bouncier than it once was. Check for rust around the rear arches, mine is rusting, I have had them repaired, but the battle is starting to be lost. There was a bit of rust on the underside at the front a few years ago I put some hammerite on it and it has been fine since.

Mine is not fast, but I have driven it hard at times. The worst MPGs I have had is 27, but that was thrapeing it. I have see over 47 over a tank full, all short journeys around tow with the ac on.

It is getting old now but has been a good car, not fun, but it has done a job for me. At this age you need to see evidence that it has been taken care of, Honda owners are normally the sort that look after their cars.

I'll get another Honda of some sort.

[Mr2Mike]

kwif007 said:

cheers guys, appreciate it unfortunately my knowledge of cars is somewhat questionable but want to get better

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Civic-1-8-sr-a-c-V...

looking at the above car, as i wasnt impressed with the last one, lots of filler round arches. Whats the difference in insurance for this model compared to the 1.4?

any help would be most appreciated

Kris

That's likely to be significantly higher in insurance than a 1.4, since it's a VTi model which is effectively the "GTi" of the Honda world. This model of Civic (Chassis code MB6) was a joint development with Rover; it's essentially a Rover 400/45 with some styling changes and a Honda engine. A generous sized boot on these and 5 doors make them very practical, but they do feel a bit wallowy with standard suspension (easily upgraded though).