What to look for : Buying 1979 Civic Wagon
Veedonfleece
Band Wagon
Hello-
First time posting, new to forum. I tried looking around the forum for a post or article about 1979 CVCC wagons and potential issues to look for and didn't see anything. If I missed something, please forgive this post and direct me to the right place.
I found a 1979 wagon in remarkable condition as far as body and interior. It's very clean, all original, and has 66,000 original miles. Small bit of rust in passenger door, not through, but paint bubbling. Hasn't been driven in a couple years. Owner says points need adjusted and brakes need bled and choke needs adjusted. As it is, without working brakes, I cant drive it. However, I looked at it and he fired it up and let the engine run. It wasn't smoking, bucking, missing, knocking, banging, pinging or anything like that. I thought the volume of the engine running with the hood open was a bit loud, but we were under an aluminum car port. Plus I guess it is from 1979.
After the car was running for a while, the owner commented that maybe the points are fine after all...he said it was running rough a week ago when he posted the ad, but he hadn't let it run as long as when I saw it....which was about 15min.
All lights work, wipers, heater, etc. The engine fan came on while I was standing there once engine reached proper temp I am guessing.
He has original paperwork/warranty cards, etc. and is second owner.
So as far as the brakes, there was fluid in the reservoir and a slight bit of pedal. It stays up, but will hit the floor with little effort. He said it's about enough to stop it from garage to driveway where it was sitting. Emergency brake works fine. I'm worried about master cylinder, but if fluid is in reservoir and nothing is shooting/leaking out when I press pedal it should just be air in the lines, correct?
Also, since I can't drive it is there any way to test the shifting/clutch? He said I could have it towed to local Honda dealer for inspection, which I would pay for ($110.00) but it doesn't have current tags (expired in Jan 15) so I'm not sure how that will work. Plus, if it all checks out aside from the brakes, I'm afraid he's gonna jack up the selling price.
He's basically wanting someone to take it as is and hasn't had luck because it can't be driven. Of course, he seems trustworthy and says it ran fine last time he drove it but I'm not wealthy enough to throw money away on a broken car.
Below are a couple pics, he is asking a firm $2,500.00
Are there any specific things to look for on this model? Thanks so much guys and gals.
First time posting, new to forum. I tried looking around the forum for a post or article about 1979 CVCC wagons and potential issues to look for and didn't see anything. If I missed something, please forgive this post and direct me to the right place.
I found a 1979 wagon in remarkable condition as far as body and interior. It's very clean, all original, and has 66,000 original miles. Small bit of rust in passenger door, not through, but paint bubbling. Hasn't been driven in a couple years. Owner says points need adjusted and brakes need bled and choke needs adjusted. As it is, without working brakes, I cant drive it. However, I looked at it and he fired it up and let the engine run. It wasn't smoking, bucking, missing, knocking, banging, pinging or anything like that. I thought the volume of the engine running with the hood open was a bit loud, but we were under an aluminum car port. Plus I guess it is from 1979.
After the car was running for a while, the owner commented that maybe the points are fine after all...he said it was running rough a week ago when he posted the ad, but he hadn't let it run as long as when I saw it....which was about 15min.
All lights work, wipers, heater, etc. The engine fan came on while I was standing there once engine reached proper temp I am guessing.
He has original paperwork/warranty cards, etc. and is second owner.
So as far as the brakes, there was fluid in the reservoir and a slight bit of pedal. It stays up, but will hit the floor with little effort. He said it's about enough to stop it from garage to driveway where it was sitting. Emergency brake works fine. I'm worried about master cylinder, but if fluid is in reservoir and nothing is shooting/leaking out when I press pedal it should just be air in the lines, correct?
Also, since I can't drive it is there any way to test the shifting/clutch? He said I could have it towed to local Honda dealer for inspection, which I would pay for ($110.00) but it doesn't have current tags (expired in Jan 15) so I'm not sure how that will work. Plus, if it all checks out aside from the brakes, I'm afraid he's gonna jack up the selling price.
He's basically wanting someone to take it as is and hasn't had luck because it can't be driven. Of course, he seems trustworthy and says it ran fine last time he drove it but I'm not wealthy enough to throw money away on a broken car.
Below are a couple pics, he is asking a firm $2,500.00
Are there any specific things to look for on this model? Thanks so much guys and gals.