Honda Forum

[hondont]

I’m going to see a 2002 Civic Coupe tomorrow and want some advice on what to look out for. I know Hondas are meant to be reliable but just want to see if there are any known problems with the 2002 coupe to be wary of.

It is a 1.7 VTEC engine at 120bhp with 50,000miles on the clock in a high spec (ex demo) including alloys, AC, electric everything and tan leather interior.

I can spend as long as I like looking around it and under the bonnet and wheel arches and it has quite a good service history, but I can’t drive it myself although the owner will take us for a spin.

My main concern is that the owner is selling it so soon after buying it (only in January) and losing a little on what he paid for it. Their reason is having owned preludes before they’re finding it too much of a ‘sensible’ step-down and wanting another prelude, which seems genuine enough.

Many thanks, from a hopefully soon to be Honda enthusiast!

[marky]

Hello and welcome,

I don't know of any major issues with the coupes as with all hondas, just check for the usuall, headgaskets, clutch wear, accident damage, run the engine till hot to check cooling system, genuie car not cloned,check all vin plates, all electric items work, air-con, service history(has the cambelt been done), any docs etc etc.

How comes the owner wont let you drive it? I wouldn't buy a car unless i could drive it.

Let us know how you get on.

Mark

[hondont]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the tips I checked everything you suggested and more and everything seemed good.

He had mentioned before the bumper having a 'matt' section which was about halfway along and halfway up, clearly a not quite a match respray but you have to get close to notice it. I looked inside under the boot carpet and there was no signs of damaged or recently welding and the bumper was still a perfect fit.

He didn't want me to drive it just for insurance reasons, since I'd only have 3rd party. He took us out in it for about 20 minutes on various road speeds and it seemed good, although the only concern I have (made slightly worse by reading more into the car) was an occasional very slight judder/stutter when changing gears. It seemed random when it was, sometimes moving off and sometimes changing from 2nd to 3rd or 3rd to 4th. Could this be the sign of a failing clutch (expensive?) or just a fuel valve needing a clean?

Thanks

[marky]

Well it all seems ok, if it was juddering whilst pulling away or changing gear points to a clutch problem, either worn or oil contamination. It ones of those things unfortunately, as long as it does not slip on the biting point is ok than i would imagine it will be ok.
It could be a worn engine mount, or If it is more of a juddering when applying power it could be an ignition or fueling problem. Such as TPS, pulgs, leads, coil, AFM, MAP, pressure regulator etc. When was the last service carried out?
Engine management lights comes on with ign and goes off ok with engine running?
As long as its ok through out the rev range and pulls cleanly than it wouldn't be anything major.

Mark

[hondont]

Well it all seems ok, if it was juddering whilst pulling away or changing gear points to a clutch problem, either worn or oil contamination. It ones of those things unfortunately, as long as it does not slip on the biting point is ok than i would imagine it will be ok.
It could be a worn engine mount, or If it is more of a juddering when applying power it could be an ignition or fueling problem. Such as TPS, pulgs, leads, coil, AFM, MAP, pressure regulator etc. When was the last service carried out?
Engine management lights comes on with ign and goes off ok with engine running?
As long as its ok through out the rev range and pulls cleanly than it wouldn't be anything major.

Mark

It was general pulling away/gear changing that it happened, was'nt really like a loose engine mount. It certainly pulled ok there wasnt a lack of power or vibrating all through the rev range. The last service was January.