1990 Honda Civic with only 20,000 miles - go for it?
 

My great aunt in western canada is too old to drive now. She lives on Vancouver island.

She has a little red 1990 Honda Civic 4 door with only 20,000 miles!?! I think it is rust free and in great condition.

Am I crazy to spend a grand or two to have it shipped across the country to use as my 2nd city car ?

From what I hear they last forever if taken care of.

It is 22 years old though. If I change the oil and tranny fluid, the brake pads and fluid and get new tires and a new battery, the car is going to be practically like it came off the lot, right?

No,

Cars that sit can have more problems than cars that get used.

You should be able to get it shipped between $500-$1,000 so I'd say it's worth a shot.

I would make the timing belt the first priority and the change the water pump while you're in there.

Good little car though.

Preventive maintenance for sure. But I would do it. I miss my '77 Honda Civic CVCC.

I would jump on it...

Yes you must change ever belt and hose and all fluids (never worked on a civic but imagine you could do that in a weekend).

These cars are known for ticking over 200K miles... it might out live you.

Just my two cents.

I bought my sister-in-law's first car under similar circumstances (20 year old Nissan with 20k miles owned by an older gal). A little TLC and preventative maintenance brought it up to par. Sis is still driving it after YEARS. Stone cold reliable and super tight.

I'd say go for it.

Al

1990 Honda Accord EX...a good car.
 

I own a 1990 Honda Accord EX with 220,000 miles on the clock. It's still going strong. As said, only replaced timing belt, water pump, some worn front end parts, front rotors and pads. I hope to see 300K.

Yes, jump on it.

Change the timing belt. You'll need to remove one of the motor mounts to do it.

Flush out the fuel system, change the oil, tranny fluid, brake fluid and inspect all the rubber bits very carefully.

I'm currently selling a '94 Accord EX with 234K miles. I have little doubt this engine, and transmission, will go at least another 100K.

Change out all the rubber and fluids, TB and water pump, and you could easily put 200,000 milles on it. That D series motor will run forever. My buddy has one that had 425,000 on it when his sister backed it into a ditch in the snow.

Budget a couple grand to replace fluids, belts and tires

The car will hold up easily. However, I would be worried about safety of the car. Toyotas back then are worse then new hyundais today.

They are great cars! Do what has already been said regarding the belts, hoses, and waterpump, and you should be good...