Honda Civic 2005 and earlier

backy

My '01 Elantra does this occasionally too. I have traced the cause to my kids, who like to play with the key fob that I often leave conveniently hanging by the garage door.

dchakra

I have to commute between 2 cities which are 100 miles apart (one way) 3-4 times a week. That's about 1000 miles a week at high speeds on the free way. I am wondering if Honda Civic can sustain these high speeds and long distances regular basis for next 2-3 years. Obviously, Accord would be a better choice, but Civic fits my budget a lot better.

Any advice would be great!

Thanks,

sobers

at the same price as a new Civic LX auto.
Locate a low mile Certified 99/2000 Accord

Or find a used 2001 Accord Lx with 10-15K miles which could be gotten for around 15500 + ttl

Of course Civic would be better on gas (35-38 on freeway) Accord 30mpg

dabimmer

Thanks to all, I agree that what is happening is the remote in my pocket is the culprit. I am
now trying a different location and will see how that works. Thanks again.

tlindeman

Although I have complained about some of the problems I have had since buying my 2001 Civic LX sedan last May (including a weak air conditioner...solved by installing upgraded condenser, faulty driver's window switch...replaced under warranty, vibration at highway speeds...finally fixed by replacing passenger front wheel bearing...) I have driven the competition and have to say that I like the drive of my Civic the best. I have had no mechanical issues with the drivetrain (average 32-37mpg with a healthy dose of city driving...best was 43 mpg on a trip under 70mph) on this car. The rear bounciness seems to have "settled" a little with time and miles (currently at 17,000) and the only complaint I have now is the rattles that have developed (I plan to pinpoint and eliminate them first thing in the spring). Quite frankly, the new Corolla, although put together well and sure to be dead-reliable has an awful driving position and numb steering compared to my Civic. The Elantra was a pleasant surprise and it looks that Hyundai may have a winner here. Both Edmunds and the owners have nothing but praise for this car and aside from resale value and unknown reliability (although early reports on reliability from owners seems to indicate that this car is going to hold up well), I would consider it. I have to admit that the 2002 Focus I drove (5 spd) was very nice...nicely screwed together and a very supple ride. Looks like Ford is getting their act together and the Focus is benefitting from learned mistakes on the early models. I still think the Civic has the best steering and hands-down the best shifter of the bunch. I've made a few improvements to my LX including 15 inch wheels with Yokahama Avid touring tires...used 1956015 size to retain speedometer accuracy and a driver's seat from a wrecked EX with height adjustment (got both from a junked Civic EX out west...the car only had 3,000 miles and I got the wheels and seat for a great price). I've also added sound-deadening to the trunk, floor pan and door pillars which has greatly quieted the ride. I like sitting up higher with the adjustable seat and the 15 in. wheels and tires worked wonders for the handling. Future plans include additional sound deadening in the doors and firewall and some replacement shocks and struts to improve ride and handling. I am using Mobil 1 5W30 (NOT 5W20) and Mobil 1 filter and plan on keeping my Civic for the long haul. Despite some initial reservations, I think I made the right choice.

dabimmer

I have not had any more unwanted locking of my EX since I changed key location
in my pockets. I must have been pressing the lock button on the remote in sitting
position with the key in my right front pocket. It's been 4 days now and the car only
locks when I want it to, thanks to all who posted to solve this for me. It was driving me
buggy.

bsme1991

It's about time Honda!

Special AHFC 2.9% APR financing for 36 months, 4.9% for 48 months and 4.9% APR financing for 60 months available on all new 2002 Civic models,excluding natural-gas, and the 2002 Civic Si model. Offer valid through: 3/4/2002

http://www.ehonda.com/Brand/HondaAllCurrentSpecials.asp

maringa

I have a 02 Civic 4dr. EX with about 3,000 miles. My first tank of gas gave me the best mileage at 34 mpg. Since then, it has steadily declined to about 29 mpg. I drive mostly highway miles and drive usually around 65 mph. I'm not thrilled about the mileage after hearing people getting about 38 to 40 mpg. Is it possible that there is a problem with the ignition system? Oxygen sensor? Anyone have similar problems?

carguy62

They've been running that finance offer for a while here in Chicago. Accord (SE for sure, maybe others) also has 2.9%

I found AHFC to be pretty good in terms of rates. I bought a CR-V and I got a good rate.

dermen

I am shopping for a new used car and I test drove the above car. It has 30,000 miles and they are asking $15,000. I really liked this car and would like to get it but the price is a little more than I was looking at. Kelly Blue Book Retail value of this car was $17,000 which I thought was outrageous so I just ignored that. I went to NADA and their retail price was $14,600. I was wondering if anybody knew why there was such a big difference? I look at edmunds and they said the TMV was $13,300. So I am thinking about trying to get the car for between $13,000-$13,500. Does this seem like a good deal or what do you guys think the most I should pay for this car is?

Another thing. I was reading some of the posts from a while ago and read that on some civics you can't replace the stereo with an aftermarket one. Is this true for 2000 models?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

jrct9454

Around here, NEW 2002 EX Civic sedan autmatics are retailing for $16.5k. I think your price target for the 2000 Civic in the mid 13s is right on.

Nothing could be less meaningful than the so-called Kelley Retail Price. Kelly generously allows dealers to mark up a car 30-35% or more over wholesale book when they set their so-called retail prices. Ignore all of this, including TMV. The place to start with used cars is the same place to start with new cars: what the dealer paid to get the car. This is harder to determine with used cars, but I always start with the Kelley and Edmunds WHOLESALE TRADEIN price, since this is the max any dealer would pay [many cars at auction will be way under this price]. Given a reasonable allowance for rehab, and a reasonable profit, then you have the basis for a retail offer.

Assuming this was an automatic [you didn't say], WHOLESALE book is in the neighborhood of $12k. Thus, your offer in the low 13s is fair, and one any reasonable dealer would take in a heartbeat. Let us know how it turns out....

isellhondas

It's always the prevailing MARKET that determines price.

Why should it matter what the dealer paid? the car is either a good value or it's not.

Make what you feel is a decent offer. It may or not be accepted.

It's the dealer and not the shopper who will determine what is "reasonable".

Also, the longer it sits in inventory, the better the price may become although if it's nice it'll probably get snapped up pretty fast.

Good luck!

dermen

I did look at the tradein value which was in the low 12s for the automatic. I knew Kelly retail is always high. But $17 seemed a lot higher than usual. I have to either sell or trade my truck in before I can try to get this car. I recently got in a accident with it and the rear fender had to be replaced so next week it is going in to have the spray in bedliner put on the fender so it matches the rest of the truck. Hopefully it wont take them too long and when I get it back I can take it to the dealer and see what they will give me and if it isnt too low then we will make an offer on the civic.

Thanks for your help.

sobers

My friend got this one from local Honda dealer for $12,700 with certification (new tires)
+ ttl

gasguzz

I'm with Isell. Again, BB/Edmund's/MSRP/Invoice - they are all guides. The final price will be what the buyner/dealer agree on - no more no less. Make a REASONABLE offer - period.
"the longer it sits in inventory" - mostly that's a theory in Honda/Toyota car lots.

jbollt

Has anyone here upgraded the rear speakers in a 2001/2 Civic EX SEDAN? Stock 6.5s. I don't want to add an amp, or change the Head Unit, just want a little more bass. I have added some tweeters to the sail panel inside from the door mirrors (standard on coupe), and this has made a HUGE difference in the clarity. Looking at some Pioneers (model 1647?)at about $47 at Best Buy, but Crutchfield says they won't fit...tweeter too tall? Best Buy installers say they will fit, no problem. Any advice from anyone who has changed them and what have you installed? Thanks for any advice.

4car

Thanks everyone for your info. Finally bbought a 02 civic lx AT sedan last week:) Everything's great xcept the brakes and the noise:)
I am frequently hearing "klunk, klunk..." noise after a full stop while waiting for the light to turn. Should I take it to a honda dealer or should I wait after 600 miles since the Owner's manual stated that it takes ~600 miles break in period. The car only has ~480 miles on and I've always braked very gentely.
In addition, I just thought that the humming noise from the engine was unblieveably lound for a brand new car when accelerating from 0-30 mph. Any comments?

valleyguy

4car, relative to noisy 0-30, I don't know what your used to driving, but I too have noticed the buzzy engine noise on acceleration on my new 2k2 Civic, but then I'm comparing to a Corolla and a Camry, definitely quieter cars.

At 5600 miles, we love the car, no problems, klanks, rattles, but will have to replace the radio as the tape player wobbles during playback.

nautiker

I have a 01Civic EX Auto and was wondering if any of you w/ the same vehicle have a loose or wobbly front driver's seat?? I've already taken it to the dealer and they state that all of them are like this. . .I don't think so but wanted to get other opinions. I have had to replace the entire front dash assembly due to the fuel gauge sensor reading incorrect. The only problem is that the new dash assembly has a new odometer as well--now reads "0000". This will bite when I try to sell the vehicle. Honda gave me a sticker to put on the door panel, but still. . .I have also noticed a "thunk" sound on the front strut when I go over bumps. Haven't had this looked @ yet. Overall, a great car but not up to the Honda standard I am used too. I have previously owned a 92, 94, and 95civic. One last item I wonder if any of you have noticed. . . The VTEC no longer has that "pull" @ about 5k rpm like the old ones did..I Miss That!!! I know the new engine is supposed to be spreading out the torque and power over a wider powerband, but I feel like I should have gotten a 5spd w/ this engine. . .oh well. . my problem. . --Maybe a K&N air filter will help--Not available for 1.7L yet, but soon. . .

pj23

There is a technical service bulletin out on the front seat. Mine is doing the same thing ('01 EX coupe), and the dealer has the parts on order to fix it. Lots of people have complained about the problem here and on the other Civic discussions, so maybe that's what they mean by "all of them are like this." I'd demand they fix it, and remind them of the TSB.

cartagram

In post 1720, Nautiker described assorted problems with his or her 2001 Civic EX. I described a similar problem and concern in Honda Civic Problems, post 1153.

The new fuel guage appears to work. At 1/16th of a tank, it registered below-Empty on the next start up. That's probably about as close to accurate as anybody would need.

devore

The seat is loose because the factory-installed bushings are flawed. As someone said, there's a TSB on this. Locate the TSB, take it to your dealer, and ask them to order and install replacement bushings. I had this done about 3 months ago and my seat hasn't started wobbling again.

Question: Why will having the odometer set back to 0000 be a _disadvantage_ when selling the car? (I think this is a stupid question, but I don't know.)

g_love

jbolt, tweeters are too tall, you need shallow tweeters or need to cut out the back of the tweeter housing liek everyone else.

devore, do you mean odometer or trip meter?
making any changes whatsover to the odometer is illegal, especially when selling the car.

nautiker

In most states, it is illegal to "knowingly" sell a vehicle if the mileage has been changed. Most states require you to sign an odometer disclosure statement stating the mileage stated is accurate to the best of your knowledge. I believe this info also carried over to a private sale where you list the "actual" mileage on the back of the title. I guess that want to be as honest as possible when I go to sell this vehicle. I would want others to do the same if I was buying a used vehicle. Breaking the law in this manner is not my bag of tricks. I appreciate all of the posts helping me w/ the seat problem--I'll get a hold of the tsb and take it to my Honda dlrshp. . .

devore

But, surely it can't be illegal to sell a car that has had the odometer replaced, if when you sell the car, you say, "The odometer was replaced at XXXX miles, and here is the official sticker reporting the old odometer mileage."

I mean, are you saying that if your odometer is EVER replaced, it instantly becomes illegal to sell the car, since the mileage WILL have been changed? There must be some way to report this or complete the sale legally, I would think. Good to know, though.

tazereli

My parents had a 1981 Subaru wagon that had the speedometer and odometer quit at about 71K miles in 1986. They kept driving the car until 1988 when it was replaced with a new dodge caravan. My father was able to fool the dealership into thinking that it just happened before the Subaru was traded in. He even signed a sheet saying that the true milage was only about 500 miles more than what the odometer read. That car must have had close to 90K miles when it was traded in. It may have been illeagal but it garnered my dad another 200 for his trade in.

Kyle

rudy1000

Quite the guy that Dad of yours,it amazes me that someone would damage his integrity for $200....and you seem quite proud of him to boot.Remind me never to buy a used car in your town!!

vmaturo

The April (Car)issue of Consumer Reports is out........and it's not good for the Civic.
Very poor showing for a Japanese car. Something to watch.

civicw

Consumer Reports says Civic EX is their recommended small car. So what is bad about that?

backy

Maybe vmaturo was commenting on the "average" reliability rating for the Civic, which for Honda is quite a come-down. Some first-year glitches are expected, but in the past builders like Honda and Toyota have managed to do better than others even in the first year. But compare the Civic to the likes of the 2000 Focus (abysmal reliability, many recalls) and 2001 Elantra (a bit below average, in CR's report). It will be interesting to see if Civic can spring back to its usual above-average rating for the 2002 models.

dermen

I am going to the dealership tomarrow. I finally got my truck ready to sell so I am going to go see what they will give me for it. I'm pretty sure it won't be enough and I will have to sell it myself. But I figured it can't hurt anything to see what they will give me. It shouldn't be to hard to sell if they dont offer me enough. They are really popular trucks around here and all of them for sale are either 10 years old or almost brand new.

zoop

nautiker writes - "I have also noticed a 'thunk' sound on the front strut when I go over bumps"

My '01 Civic EX also has this 'thunk' noise when I go over bumps. Its especially noticeable and irritating when I go over speed bumps. The noise comes from the front driver-side strut.

I brought my car in to have it looked at, but all the dealer did was lubricate my front suspension. Does anyone have the TSB # for this problem and has anyone successfully had this problem fixed? If so, what was done to fix it.

jimjet

There is a post a few weeks old asking for comparison of Civic versus Accord stick shifts. First, I agree that Honda makes the best front wheel drive stick shifts, period. And, one of the best front or rear wheel drive. I am comparing the 96-00 gen Civic versus the current Accord: they both shift very cleanly ("like on rails" as one magazine stated) and nice, pretty light clutches. I prefer the Civic because it is definitely a shorter throw between gears and thus more sporting. If you buying a Honda, get a stick.

jjpcat

I also heard this noise when I went over speed bumps and it also came from driver side. Does anybody know why? Does this "defect" render the safely or reliability of the car? If no, then I can live with that since this problem is nothing comparing with the bounce from the rear suspension.

dermen

Well they offered me $5000 for my truck. I can easily sell it for $8000-$8500. So I will start advertising it for sale and hopefully the dodge dealership wont sell the Civic before I can sell my truck. But as I said above it shouldnt be too hard since so many people buy them. If I go back I will speak to a different salesperson. The one I talked to lied to me 3-4 times. He said a new Civic EX would cost me $22,000 at least. I could almost buy a new Accord for that. Then he said they would try to sell my truck for $7000 which is the trade in value and most of the cars they had there are priced over retail. And it was advertised on the internet and in the newspaper for $1000 less than at the dealer. They asked where I heard that price and then went to talk to somebody. He came back and said nobody had heard that price before but they would honor it. If the ad really didnt exist they wouldnt have honored the price. But most of this is what I expected. Once I sell my truck I am going to go back and try to get the car for a little under $13,000 because it has some flaws.

jrct9454

...can be had for $17.7k around here for an automatic LX, just for reference [central Calif].

seminole_kev

just my two cents, but why go back to this dealer? I wouldn't want to do business with a dealership that doesn't mind having those kind of salesmen working for them. I walked out of a Mazda dealership recently because of a weasley car salesman and I didn't bother to go back. Civic's are pretty common, you should be able to find one you like elsewhere.

gasguzz

"I can easily sell it for $8000-$8500"... then why don't you and get top dollar(?).
A Civ-EX for $22k? "If you don't get this today, it'l be gone in 10 minutes". Is that the last Civic on earth?
"because it has some flaws"... what does that mean, is that a demo?
Looks like they're going both ways, on the value of your trade and the rpice of the new car (naturally, of course).
Good luck.

ayhlee

We had the same "thunk" noise when going over bumps, and yes it came from the driver's side front suspension as well.
It was fixed under warranty when we took the car in for its first oil change. On the repair receipt, it says "both front springs replaced". The service guy said he suspected it was improperly installed at the factory. Hope this helps those who have this thunk noise from their front suspension.

biker5

First time on this board,
Is anyone change their coolant on EX 96 civic, Are all civic have the same radiator size? I want to do it myself.
Thanks,

th83

Other than the new Civic hybrid coming out in April, has anybody heard if there's going to be any changes to the Civic for 2003? I read somewhere a few months back that the Civic coupe/sedan will eventually get a version of the Si's engine with a little less power. I'm trying to decide if I should get a '02 or wait and get a '03. I like the Civic the way it is now but it would anger me if I bought a '02 and found out a few months later that the '03s are going to have more power.

dermen

It is a used car. It has two burns from people smoking. It has a small dent in the trunk and a small scratch below the dent. I am going to sell the truck. I just went there to see if they would offer me anything reasonable. I havent found many 2000 civics for sale. If I find a car similar to it I probably wont go back there but I havent found another 2000 EX. I am picky and only want a 2000 EX. I was there another time and talked to a salesman that was nice and didnt tell me anything that I knew to be false. He seamed very honest but it was his day off.

punkintoze

I paid $14,710 (US) before my trade (automatic trans). I traded in my '98 Civic DX Hatchback because I'm having a baby and need a 4-door.
So far I really like it. I got black. I was going to get a used SUV but my husband felt better about buying new. We test drove the LX on a whim today and ended up taking it home!
The only problem is - what to do with my dog? Luckily, she's beagle-sized, has very short fur and doesn't shed much. I'll get seat covers I suppose. She only rides with me every now and then. Any suggestions on where to get decent yet inexpensive seat covers for the front and back? Also, do you guys think I got a decent deal on my car? It happened so fast I didn't really get to research it, but I have bought from this dealer before and they have always been honest.
Thanks in advance!
Christine

jrct9454

The deal is market-correct for our part of the country [Nor Calif], without knowing where you live. Sometimes they will go for a couple hundred less, but advertised prices around here for an LX automatic are in the range you paid.

punkintoze

Sorry, I should have mentioned I am in NH, about 1 hour North of Boston.

Christine

2001civicowner

I just had the 10'000 mile check up on my 2001 civic. I paid around 90 bucks, including tax. Does anyone think this is outrageous?
-Ryan-

gasguzz

$90 for what... inspect front-rear brakes / check parking brake adjustment / fill washer fluid?
Well, if they did an oil change then you got that genuine Honda oil/filter. 90 bucks, huh.

devore

Can someone characterize more specifically the "thunk" noise they hear when the car goes over a bump? I mean, if I roll my car over a bump in the road, I _expect_ to hear some kind of noise - how do you distinguish this "thunk" from the normal noise a car makes when it goes over bumps?

ayhlee

For our car (2001 EX), it was actually more like a short "dong". We could tell it came from the front left side. It didn't happen for every bump, but when the car hits a medium size pot hole or a dip in the road, it usually produced that "dong" sound. It sounded like the spring was stressed the wrong way, or the suspension hit its travel stop. At our first oil change, I mentioned that noise to the service advisor, and told him I suspect its the springs. They replaced both front springs, and now that noise is gone.

After the spring replacement, the car started pulling to the left (in order to go straight, the steering wheel has to be turned about 10 degrees to the right) so I guess the next time we take the car in, I'll have to ask them to check the alignment. Fixing one problem lead to another.... oh well....

seminole_kev

but the "short dong" part made me laugh pretty hard. Yes, I'm only 3 years old ;-)