Topic: Looking at a 97 Accord... OOPS I mean Civic

[KDXSR5]

So my girlfriends parents are selling their 97 Honda Accord. I don't know much about other than its a coupe and its a manual. And it needs CVs and/or ball joints because it clunks when turning. Can anyone give me a little insight on this car? Like problem areas or a reasonable price to pay? Just general info about these cars would be nice. Thanks!

[46&2]

How many miles does it have? I had a 94 Accord LX and it was a great car. Very stout. In terms of weak areas there really arent that many, I had zero problems with mine (except for rear ending someone  ) except for the AC which after it went out i was never able to get to work quite right again. Otherwise they are awesome cars, if it is in good shape and not super high mileage (over 250K) I would say go for it. I took mine to 250K before I sold it and it still ran like a champ. I also abused my honda a lot harder than most people ever would (jumping it, mudding it, wheeling it at Greenhorn, just generally thrashing it) and I did all the regular maintenance and that thing still ran perfect when I sold it. The only thing that sucks about them is the air bag sensors are VERY sensitive, takes very little impact on the front end to set off the air bags. I hit someone going about 2mph and the airbags went off, so if you do get it, make sure she doesnt bump into anything.

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Thanks for the info, thats just the kind of stuff I was looking for. I am pretty sure its under 200k miles. I rode in it once but wasn't really paying any attention at all because I was concentrating on the female beside me. About the only thing I remember is the heater works really well and the snow/slush that the rear tires throw is loud when it hits the wheel wells, but I don't really care about noise that much. I am just looking for a nice commuter care for when I go to college so I don't have to take my truck. What kind of mileage were you getting out of it?

[46&2]

Thanks for the info, thats just the kind of stuff I was looking for. I am pretty sure its under 200k miles. I rode in it once but wasn't really paying any attention at all because I was concentrating on the female beside me. About the only thing I remember is the heater works really well and the snow/slush that the rear tires throw is loud when it hits the wheel wells, but I don't really care about noise that much. I am just looking for a nice commuter care for when I go to college so I don't have to take my truck. What kind of mileage were you getting out of it?

Well they are awesome cars. If it is the 2.2 L with the 5 speed its going to have a very nice low torquey band of power, especially first gear. I ran a set of Toyo's most agressive mud and snow tire they offered at the time and I regularly drove home in a foot or more of snow, they handle very good in rain and snow. i got about 30 mph with mine too. You can also squeeze a couple of extra ponies and MPG out of em by running one of those cheap K&N knock off open air filter and tube intakes. makes the little 2.2 sound a lot more pissed off too hehe

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Is the 2.7 the v6? I am not sure if this one is a v6 or not. Either way I don't think I will be paying more than 2.5k-3k for it.

[46&2]

I don't have any experience with the V6 models. The 4 banger however is a stout engine. 2.5-3k should get you a clean, lower (150-200) mileage vehicle for sure.

Man, I really miss my little Honda... that car and I had a lot of fun together... 

[BLACKDOG]

Obviously a bit older, but spotter had a '91 honda accord, 4cyl (not sure which one) and 5spd.  Got 24x,xxx miles out of it before we got in a wreck and totalled it.  Thing still drove like a top, could pull the pass to donner summit @ 65-70 mph the whole way, drove well in the snow, etc.  Basically same experience as 46&2.  Good fun little car.  got 30-35mpg as well.

[*FFC*]

My dad had a '97 Vtec and loved it.  I've had 3 older hondas and have loved them.  The CV's shouldn't be too much of a chore.  Let me know if you get it I'll shoot ya the procedures for the half shafts

[Rocksurfer]

Don't know of a bad Honda model. The CV's are easy to replace. About the only problem that I know of is the high theft rate, they are very popular cars.

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Thanks for the info guys and gal I will wait and see what the situation is with it.

[LOL @ IFS]

No the 2.7 is the 4 cylinder. I don't have any experience with the V6 models.

WRONG!

The largest four cylinder Honda has ever put in an Accord sold in North America is the 2.4L K24.  All '97 Accords with four cylinders recieved a 2.2L engine making anywhere from 130 to 150 HP, depending on year and trim level.  A 2.7L engine could be found in a '97 Accord, but it was most definetly a V6.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Accord#Fifth_generation_.281994.E2.80.931997.29

[Rocksurfer]

  Yup 2.7 is a V-6.

[*FFC*]

However, while the 2.7L IS in fact a 6 cylinder, the 2.7L did not come stock in an Accord Coupe in '97, only came in the Sedan... so it would have to be the 2.2L. 

[Rocksurfer]

I hate these parts guru kno-it-alls.

[*FFC*]

I hate these parts guru kno-it-alls.

I have the information at my fingertips, I don't claim to have it all stored that handy

[Rocksurfer]

I have the information at my fingertips, I don't claim to have it all stored that handy

Me too, if they made it I have the engine size and what it was put in.

[46&2]

However, while the 2.7L IS in fact a 6 cylinder, the 2.7L did not come stock in an Accord Coupe in '97, only came in the Sedan... so it would have to be the 2.2L. 

Doh thats what I meant, 2.2. Reading too much about the 3RZ that day

[oddball]

It doesnt really matter what engine it is you cant go wrong with a Honda

[*FFC*]

It doesnt really matter what engine it is you cant go wrong with a Honda

[Rocksurfer]

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Turns out the car is actually a Civic. SO... anything I should know about Civics? Again, any info would be much appreciated. Car just went over 100,000 miles a few months ago.

[Rocksurfer]

Civic is smaller than an Accord.

[BLACKDOG]

Turns out the car is actually a Civic. SO... anything I should know about Civics? Again, any info would be much appreciated. Car just went over 100,000 miles a few months ago.

Same as rocksurfer said.  Quality of the car is the same

[jimbo74]

97 civics are pretty decent, what model is it? they are good stout little cars, good for economy. 100k isn't much for a civic, just need to make sure timing belt has been done

if you can get it for a good price, go for it... always nice to have an econo bucket

my sister has a 99 civic ex coupe with all the options, and a sohc vtec engine, its pretty quick, and i can chirp second, its bone stock.....

[*FFC*]

Turns out the car is actually a Civic. SO... anything I should know about Civics? Again, any info would be much appreciated. Car just went over 100,000 miles a few months ago.

They get better mileage than an accord.  Not by much cuz they bot get great mileage, but since the civic is smaller, it'll get a couple more mpg.  100000 is barely broke in... I had a honda that had over 350k on it when I sold it for $500 cuz it wouldn't smog.  Another one I had had 270k, and my very first one was 209k.... no complaints here.

The price is more than right for that car too!