I'm thinking about getting a 2003 civic from a dealer that has 179,000 miles on it for a commuter. They're asking $1499 for it. I live many hours away from it and was thinking about buying sight unseen. While I would prefer to see and drive it, are there any major things to be wary of with these where it'll turn into a $ pit quickly? Is the combo of supposed Honda reliability with that many miles something to be concerned about? Thanks for the help! Love your content.
Jason
Forgot to say it’s a manual transmission.
Make sure you can see it in person, and have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection on it
The 2001-2002 automatic transmissions were horrible and find a spot on the Worst Vehicle Complaints list in the Used Car Buying Guide linked below.
2003-2005 mostly solved those issues but you would still want to make sure it shifts fine etc.
That isn't a lot of money so hey if its in good shape why not.
How about the manual transmissions?
Honda manual transmissions are bulletproof.
Never buy a car without checking in person.
If it's an automatic, I would probably pass. The 2001-2005 Civics had pretty weak automatic transmissions (I speak from experience). With 179K miles and sight unseen, you're taking a big gamble on the transmission since you won't get to have a mechanic check it out. But, since you're only paying $1500 for it, even if it lasts you a couple years and 20K miles or so, you will get your money's worth. Those make great commuter cars if the transmission is still in decent shape - up to you if you're willing to roll the dice on it.
How about the manual transmissions?
The manual transmissions are very good. That engine and transmission combo is quite reliable - it’s a great commuter car. Just be careful because it’s still sight unseen so other things could be wrong with it.
Thanks much!
it might be a good buy the time a mechanic check it out in the only thing I be worried about is the transmission
That sounds like a worthy consideration. The price is not alot money, and liking the manual transmission. Hey, its a Honda can be 'nuff said. Being many hours away, hmmm, that may make the deal not such a good deal (spending money/time) just to see it. Keep going back to $1500. Are you prepared to lose $1500, then buy it sight unseen, it will be very exciting with the anticipation of what will show up. Can also save more moeny and consider something closer. Practical approach: see it, can maybe talk down price. Gamble: dont see it, and lose $1400 (most likely will have some functioning parts that can be sold for $100). My recommendation: see it in person to verfiy it is an actual car and not a Honda Civic Hot Wheels. You never know?
