280,000km's on a 1993 Honda Civic

[BullyCanadian]

Ive always wanted a Honda as a beater. Anyways currently saturn is a beater. Saw and ad for a Civic (1993) two door, with sunroof/air for $750. Body from the pics looks GREAT. I'm going to see it tomorrow, anyways he says it needs new breaks for sure, and some engine work (he said should be no more than $500). Either way gonna get it checked by my mechanic.

What do you guys think? Toss the saturn (160 000 Km's, rad leaking BAD ) for a 1993 civic coupe (280 000 km's with little problems, well depending on what my mechanic finds)

 

[Zenmervolt]

You're almost doubling the mileage.... Granted, it's a beater but I'm sure that you can find a much better beater with fewer miles. Even as a throw-away car, I'm not sure that it's a great idea unless the Saturn is costing you a lot in maintenance right now.

Honestly, old, large, American gas-hogs make the best beaters because parts are so cheap and they're so east to work on yourself. Maintenance costs are almost zero because everything is so cheap.

ZV

 

[BCYL]

I wouldn't do it... with almost 300,000km something serious is surely due soon

 

[0roo0roo]

civic+coupe = abused by driver
"some work" really needs to be defined ...engine work can cost thousands if they have to take it apart..brakes cost a bit..and more miles = so much more stuff about to break. hondas reliable, but wear and tearis wear and tear/

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

not a wise idea, imo. Your giving up a one beater for another with TWICE the mileage. Unless your beater is a money pit right now I'd stick with it until it dies and look for something better.

 

[The Stigenator]

keep teh saturn, you can get a reconditioned radiator for about 250.

easy gix.

 

[0roo0roo]

yea..bearings joints and gaskets.. all gonna be on the ragged edge...

 

[CycloWizard]

You can find just about any Honda radiator online for ~$100 new - that's how I got mine. With about 175k miles on it, you're looking at a new timing belt very soon (at 180k), plus the other stuff. If you can do it yourself, it's not too much, but if you're going to pay someone then the price of the car just went up to about $1500-2000.