Hi, guys!
So I've got a new car...Suzie, replacing Lucy (my Tempo). I spent all afternoon test driving her, with mechanics and this crazy Honda fanatic who can tell you just about anything you'd ever want to know about an older Honda.
She's a 1986 Honda Civic two door hatchback with manual windows, manual locks, manual transmission, a choke and shaggy black seat covers. Minimal rust, but its not the original paint color. It's a sky blue that's begun to flake on top so in a bit I guess it will be blue with grey polka dots.
I test drove her along Highway 2 (up to 140km/hr...no wiggles, wobbles or instability of any kind). The steering wheel stayed totally straight, and she felt solid. The clutch felt a little soft but the mechanic said she's got a lot of use left if I drive properly (I thought the previous owner said she'd replaced it, but I heard wrong). The front end is brand new, the front brakes are 4 months old, 4 6-week-old All-Season tires and the muffler is a year old. The previous owner also just had a tranny flush and rad flush. Also, a file full of every service record and repair receipt for the last three years was given to me when I signed the bill of sale. These people have really looked after the car. I talked her down to $700.00 because the windshield is cracked, and the rear brakes are at 30%. I had a pre-purchase inspection done (for free!!!) at a local shop and the mechanic seemed honest. He recommended this old fart that kicks around town and owns a farm out by Ininisfail. Apparently on his property he has over 100 old Hondas (Accords, Preludes, Civics, etc) and he restores and sells older Hondas. So I went and talked to this guy. He looked at the car, took it for a spin, and brought it back beaming. He said he was "impressed by yet another impeccable product from Honda".
The only thing is...in the paper it said the car had 215 000km on it...and the odo says it has 293 000km. But both the mechanic and the Honda lover said that 300 000km is nothing on a Honda; especially one that's been maintained so well.
I'm feeling elated with my purchase. I'll post pics tomorrow.
