04 civic 1.4i advice please

readytosnap

Young one is thinking of getting a 2004 3dr civic 1.4i,
does anyone know of any major issues or things to look out for on these cars?
thanks.

Tea 1000

They're very reliable, nothing really goes wrong with them. Just avoid modified or abused ones and get one with a history.

bazz26

The most common problem on that model Civic is a failed bearing in the gearbox. My father had one a good few years ago and the gearbox was becoming a bit notchy which is the sign that the bearing was on the way out. It only happened on the 1.4 litre models so mach sure that the gears change smoothly otherwise you will be facing a nice bill for a replacement bearing.

Seweryn

bazz26 wrote: »

The most common problem on that model Civic is a failed bearing in the gearbox. My father had one a good few years ago and the gearbox was becoming a bit notchy which is the sign that the bearing was on the way out. It only happened on the 1.4 litre models so mach sure that the gears change smoothly otherwise you will be facing a nice bill for a replacement bearing.

I heard the same thing. Is it only the 1.4 models with that problem or would the 1.6 have the same gearbox?

By the way, as far as I know there is no more 1.5E, which was dropped from the previous generation. Pitty.

kneemos

Two words you don't want to say to an insurance company are Honda and Civic.

bazz26

Seweryn wrote: »

I heard the same thing. Is it only the 1.4 models with that problem or would the 1.6 have the same gearbox?

By the way, as far as I know there is no more 1.5E, which was dropped from the previous generation. Pitty.

Only the 1.4 litre models afaik. 1.4, 1.6, 2.0 petrol and 1.7 diesel (UK market only) was the line up in the 2001 to 2006 Civic hatchback.

Seweryn

kneemos wrote: »

Two words you don't want to say to an insurance company are Honda and Civic.

True and for what reason I have no idea. My insurer wanted over €250 for a 1.5 Honda per year on top of a two litre engined Mercedes, which I used to drive. Shopping around is the only solution here.

kneemos

Seweryn wrote: »

True and for what reason I have no idea. My insurer wanted over €250 for a 1.5 Honda per year on top of a two litre engined Mercedes, which I used to drive. Shopping around is the only solution here.

Boy racers I'd imagine,must be ten years since I've seen an unmodified one.

Seweryn

kneemos wrote: »

Boy racers I'd imagine.

Sure, but I asked the Insurer "In which insurance group is the Civic?" and then "In which insurance group is the Mercedes?" Mercedes was way higher scheduled for the insurance rates, but the Honda was dearer. They couldn't explaint it in any way (rather than saying, "oh, it's a Honda Civic..."), so I just left it there and went elshwere.

kneemos wrote: »

...must be ten years since I've seen an unmodified one.

My 1997 example if completely standard and still has the factory fitted radio. It can't receive any national stations except the Radio 1 or something like that (Japanese tuned version), but it looks well in the dashboard.

islanderre

I drive a 2001 1.6 version of this car for the last few years, bought it @ approx. 67K miles and now their is approx. 165K miles on it. Thankfully nothing major has gone wrong on it bar usual servicing........ with regard to the gearbox bearing issue; a neighbor of mine has a 3 door 1.6 face-lifted model and had to put in a recon G/Box recently so it seems that maybe some of the 1.6 versions are to blame.
Regards,
Islanderre

readytosnap

kneemos wrote: »

Two words you don't want to say to an insurance company are Honda and Civic.

She drives a micra has done for the last 5 years, full irish licence, 5 years NCB, micra renewal was €267
civic quote (from same company) €699

miller50841

The reason is the insurance band it falls into due to all accidents involving that model (boy racer car)

For a 1.4 these cars are very quick and can do 130mph easily

Ronnie Beck

Seweryn wrote: »

My 1997 example if completely standard and still has the factory fitted radio. It can't receive any national stations except the Radio 1 or something like that (Japanese tuned version), but it looks well in the dashboard.

You can get an adapters for that as far as I know.

decosr1

They are known for leaky head gaskets after about 100k miles. Check oil filler cap for creamy Mayonaisy type substance, oil in coolant reservoir and also check to see if the heater works properly, if not this is a sign that its low on coolant (loosing coolant)

Lovely little car to drive and very reliable if looked after properly.

Avoid souped up boy racer cars.

decosr1

Also check that the same key operates the door lock and the ignition. Its not uncommon for the door lock barrel to become loose and fall off.

gibbon75

The other common issue (besides gearbox bearings) with post 2001 Civics is the failing steering racks.
If the steering feels weird,vague and after a turn or bend the steering wheel won't center itself: walk away...

Tea 1000

miller50841 wrote: »

The reason is the insurance band it falls into due to all accidents involving that model (boy racer car)

For a 1.4 these cars are very quick and can do 130mph easily

They can't, run outta steam in 4th above 110, and you need a loooonnnng downhill to get much more. Quicker than most 1.4's though.

islanderre

Be careful of insurance too on these cars...... renewing insurance on mine now and AXA want €510 for the 01' civic but €460 for a 96 E220 Coupe.
Civic still has the boy racer image thus higher premiums then other similar cars...

readytosnap

Thanks everyone for the answers and sorry for the confusion but it is a 2002 1.4

does all the previous answers still apply? 160k miles

bazz26

If it is this model then yes:

readytosnap

yeah looks like that, thanks.