To keep or not to keep, that is the ?

Dale DeSteno · 06-10-03, 10:25

So the freakin' Bonneville is becoming more of a headache than it is worth. $700 into it this week because the fuel systems went out...pump, and a couple other things. About 2 weeks ago I put $1200 into new struts, brakes, and sway bars...not to mention there is STILL something wrong with the rear brakes!!!!!

So anyway, I think I am ready to throw in the towel...my coworker is selling a 199_ (early 90's) Civic in which he is the original owner. 106,000 miles on it, he recently did the timing belt and water pump...but other then that it is in good running condition. I just want to get something where I can turn the key and drive every day and not worry about what is going wrong next.
I really don't want to add another new car and have 2 freakin' car payments..... ya know...
On the other hand, with all this ching in the Bonneville (1990 w/126k), is there anything else that CAN go wrong?? New parts (meaning newer then the car, not necc. brand new):
Alternator
Tires
Brakes (still has problems)
Struts
Sway Bars
CV Joints
Radiator
and now the fuel system....

What would you do??? We have a 2001 Civic and it is GREAT! Not to mention the MPG, we both commute the better part of 25 miles per day to work, 50+ round trip...

The Civic is sound pretty good...but I just don't know...
Since you are wondering, $2200 for the Civic plus I have to detail one of his other cars....

Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!

84GTV6 · 06-10-03, 10:41

Keep the Bonnie.

I don't know why, I like them better than the Honda.

But then again, you could sell the Bonneville for about $2,000 and the Honda would be "almost" free. Hmmmmmmm

Dale DeSteno · 06-10-03, 11:40

Quote:

Originally posted by 84GTV6
I don't know why, I like them better than the Honda.

Really? why? (from an experience???)

Jake11375 · 06-10-03, 11:54

I'd say go for the Honda if you want something that is reliable. I can speak from experience. I owned a '92 Honda civic before the one I have now. I put just over 200,000 miles on it and all I had to do was put another clutch and distributor on it besides basic maintenance. When I traded it, it ran very well but just needed some struts and a timing belt change. The '95 Civic I have now has 195,000 miles on it and runs excellent! I've had to replace the clutch on it as well. ('m hard on clutches)

Other than that, it's been very good to me, no other major work. However, I'm going to replace the struts soon. They are long overdue. So over the years, Hondas have proven reliable in my case. Just keep the oil changed, fluids checked etc. Best of luck to ya.

Dale DeSteno · 06-10-03, 12:05

Jake, I like your style! Actually, I just got off the horn with my coworker (telecommutes, lucky b____d!) and he is going to let me borrow it over night to give it a whirl. The distributor on the model is a problem, according to Edmunds.com, but he replaced it last year. So it has a new distributor, timing belt and water pump. Gotta like that!
Good, basic, reliable tranportation is what I am looking for...
Supra next! (hopefully!)

Jake11375 · 06-10-03, 12:24

I figured there was problem with distributors on those civics. I'm surprised they didn't do a recall on those you know. From experience, I would say go easy on the clutch becuase they will go out on you. Only $400-$500, but who wants to waste $500 on a clutch.

FYI: That '92 I actually bought it with 101,000 miles on it and it ran like a top 'till I traded it. Just gettin' broke in.

Dale DeSteno · 06-10-03, 12:38

yeah, the clutch is a concern of mine, because I get 25 miles of stop and go traffic from a far north suburb to heart of downtown Minneapolis!! Yes, the entire way! Oh well, if it goes, it goes, but it would be nice if he woulda had to replace it!

When did you replace your clutch, anyway?

Also, his wife was the primary driver of the car, and from what I hear, she works in the suburbs and drives against traffic on the freeway.

Jake11375 · 06-10-03, 12:56

On the '92 I replaced it at 180,000 miles, the '95 at around 170,000. Neither were replaced before I assumed ownership. I did a lot of high rev shifting though. (A.K.A. racing)

I think if you don't wind it up too tight, you'll preserve the life of the clutch dramatically. Stop and go shouldn't hurt it too much and if it's an auto you should be fine. A tip I recieved from the tranny shop is when you come to stoplights, stop and go traffic and such, don't ride your clutch. If at a light, let the car rest in neutral opposed to holding your car in first gear, and the same with traffic never ride your clutch, get in the desired gear and stay off the clutch until you need to change again. It's also better to brake in neutral, not only for clutch extension but icy weather as well. You don't have gears resisting the slick surface. So it's easier on the clutch and safer on the roads.

Dale DeSteno · 06-10-03, 01:01

Thanks dude! Sounds rad to me!

tkr128 · 06-10-03, 01:15

My sister had a 92 Civic that was okay. She only had it for a year. The only thing that went bad was the clutch, but that was from her new experience of driving stick. Other than the high theft rate and being broken into monthly, there was nothing really wrong with the car. It was a fun little car that drove good until it was totaled. So, I would invest in the Civic.

Good luck with whatever your choice is.

Jake11375 · 06-10-03, 03:05

Quote:

Thanks dude! Sounds rad to me!

Anytime. Hope everything works out for you.

DetailGirl · 06-10-03, 03:15

Are you sure you really want a car with that many miles on it? I try and stay away from cars that are over 100,000 miles because that's when things start going wrong with them and not only that, it just means you're going to have to get another car sooner than you might want. Honda's are good cars, but look at the longevity of the vehicle and take in all possible costs that could occur, especially living in Minnesota, and also the fact that no car has the same history as the next. I'd be cautious.