What should I check or consider when I buy a wagon?

jkwanusjkwanus New Wagonist
in General Civic Wagon Discussion
I have searched a wagon but I do not know what I should check before buying it.

Generally, I ask to seller if a wagon has rust, dent, torn out, worn out or severe mechanical problem.

I am not sure if it is enough questions to buy a wagon.

any more specific questions before buying a waon? or check list?

Thanks

Comments

  • dirtydirtydirtydirty Wagonist
    it really kinda depends on if it is an RT or fwd and your background knowledge of hondas/D series motors
    for the most part the information you request bout covers everything needed to know
  • ilikehonda2ilikehonda2 Band Wagon
    Hope this helps


    My first question is always, what's wrong with the car? Reason why is because most of these cars are well over 150k and they're all going to have a few small problems. No matter what they say I ALWAYS test drive the car, NEVER buy a car that doesn't run (unless you know enough to fix it your self ), the reason being is because they could say something like "it just needed a new dizzy" and the next thing you know, your changing out a head gasket or even worst it might need a ring job, which is heck of spendy. I had to learn this the hard way.

    I've been buy EF's for 10 years and still have not came across one that doesn't have at least a few small problems. Hope this helps and good luck with you search.
  • boosted90crexboosted90crex Band Wagon
    thats some good info thanks
  • TogTog New Wagonist
    RUST! ususal honda places are the rear wheel arches and the sills, bul also check by the seals. On the subject of seals, check that they are in good nick, cost a fortune from honda, maybe more than the car! Also, open oil cap check for milky substance and general common sense things like tire wear etc.
  • rouge180rouge180 Band Wagon
    When I go look at a car I also ask that they not warm it up before I get there. I want to hear the engine start up from cold. A lot of people hide issues that way. Thank god Honda parts are cheap but still, the less work you have to do the better. I also look at the frame rails for rust and I look in the trunk to see if it's square meaning no rear end accidents. Never EVER buy sight unseen. That's just asking for trouble.
  • jasnalljasnall Wagonist
    When I go look at a car I also ask that they not warm it up before I get there

    Wow wouldn't have thought of that, great tip.
  • from_si_to_isfrom_si_to_is Wagonist
    it also doesnt hurt to get a carfax to see where the car has been how many owners and damage they might not have told you... If they dont wanna give you the VIN number off the car chances are there hiding something
  • SiWagonSiWagon Council Member
    What type of Wgn do you want?
    1)Basic WagoVan with vinyl interior & NO split rear seats(but tilts).All others get cloth & split seat.
    2)4WD(gets worst gas mileage) ,2WD,Stk or AT(doing tranny swap?)
    3) 4WD getsPS, CRX Si motor&bigger brakes.
    4)Want PS(faster than CRX Si turn ratio)?
    5)'88-89 (lighter) or'90+(heavier).
    6)Power seatbelts('90+) or reg.
    7)ABS,cruise,PW,PL,etc. :lol: Sorry for NON-USDM Wgn. only. :cry:
    :!: :arrow: Move FAST.Wgn. sell FAST.
  • jloehleinjloehlein Band Wagon
    Definitely look for rust. I ask for service records, see when the last time the timing belt was changed. I also generally look for other stuff that I can use to knock down the price in negotiations or will make passing state inspection annoying: tire wear, worn pads or warped rotors, exhaust leaks, condition of fluids (brake, oil, antifreeze), belt(s). If it's an automatic, definitely check the condition of the transmission fluid. If it's black or milky, be careful. I usually compression test cars if it's easy to get to the plugs, like on a Honda and check for suspension wear. Look for leaking struts. If you can take a jack with you, check for tie rod, ball joint and wheel bearing play.
  • wagovanloverwagovanlover New Wagonist
    Thanks SiWagon. That is info that i didnt know and wouldnt have thought about.
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