What should I know when buying a 1988 donda civic for sale?

Honda Civic
1

What should I know when buying a 1988 donda civic for sale?

so a while back, I thought I’d be the next big car collector and decided to buy a 1988 donda civic. man, what a ride that was. first off, I had to do some serious hunting. they’re like unicorns now, super rare. found one and it looked good in pics, but you know how that goes.

and then, when I rocked up to see it, the owner was all like “it runs great”, but I was like, yeah right. took it for a spin and wow, it felt like driving a go-kart on a bumpy road. you gotta check for rust, like seriously check it. I missed that part and now I got some nice little spots to clean up.

but yeah, also ask about maintenance records. I didn’t and now I’m stuck wondering if the engine’s gonna drop out on me one day. ever seen an engine drop? it’s not fun.

so, anyone else got stories about their rides? or tips on things I shoulda checked before buying this classic?

2

so I remember when I got my first civic it was a '90 but trust me the vibes were the same

check for rust especially around the wheel wells I’ve seen some hidden gems but also some that looked great on the outside and were a total mess underneath

the engine is super important make sure it purrs and not roars it’s an old car so parts can be tricky to find but when you do it’s like hunting for treasure in the junkyard

3

I had a buddy in college who had a 1988 civic and it was the most reliable little thing I’ve ever seen. Super fun to drive around Seattle. Just make sure to check the rust under those wheel arches. Mine got eaten alive in the rainy season.

Also look for maintenance records cause those old engines can be a bit of a mystery if not taken care of.

4

saw one of those rust buckets in a junkyard last summer in Winnipeg

I ve always loved the look but man the repairs could get wild

5

I remember when I had a 1988 Honda Civic back in college in Toronto. It was a little rocket. Fun fact I ve seen some go for decent prices but condition matters a ton.

Check for rust especially around the wheel wells and undercarriage. I found one once that looked perfect but had hidden issues.

Also listen to the engine closely it should purr like a kitten.

6

I remember the first car my buddy got was a 1988 Honda Civic in Toronto. Man that thing was a rust bucket but it had this charm to it. I’ve heard they can be reliable but do check for frame rust and engine issues

Parts are cheap but finding one without a million miles is tough

7

I ve owned a 1988 Honda Civic before and it was super reliable but check the rust especially in salty regions like upstate New York

Don’t forget about the timing belt too it’s crucial for keeping the engine happy. These little guys can be a blast to drive if they’re in good shape.

8

I ve owned a 1988 Honda Civic for years in Minnesota it was super reliable but rust can be a real pain. Check under the hood good luck.

9

I remember my buddy had a 1988 Civic back in college in Michigan it was a tank but also kinda quirky. Check the rust especially around the wheel wells if its been in salty areas like the Great Lakes.

Mechanically they’re simple to fix I’ve kept mine running for ages but watch out for overheating issues. Just hope you find one without a ton of miles.

10

I’ve always loved the 1988 Honda Civic. Back in college in LA I had one that wouldn’t quit.

Make sure you check the rust especially in the wheel wells.

Good luck finding a gem.

11

Ive always loved the old Civics. My buddy back in Toronto had a 1989 hatchback and we used to race it around the city. Good times

When buying a 1988 Honda Civic definitely check the rust under the wheel wells. Those things can be rust buckets since they are so old.

Also check the engine and transmission. You don’t wanna get stuck with a lemon. I’ve seen some nice ones but watch for shady sellers.

12

I remember my buddy in Toronto had a 1988 Civic he named “Rusty” cause it was literally falling apart.

Check the rust like it’s a treasure map

I ve seen those little cars run forever if loved

Bring a mechanic if you’re serious

The engines are small but mighty

Just don’t expect luxury features

You might find a real gem or just a headache

Good luck

13

I remember when I bought my first Honda Civic back in the day in Toronto It was a blast to drive but man the rust was a killer issue I ve noticed a lot of 1988 models just have that problem Maybe it’s the age but check under the wheel wells
Also the mileage can be a surprise I ve seen some with crazy high numbers

Good luck finding yours

14

I ve had a 1988 Honda Civic back in college in Canada it was a little rust bucket but man did it run forever. You’ll wanna check for rust especially around the wheel wells and undercarriage.

Also peek at the maintenance records because these things can be gems or nightmares depending on how they were cared for.

Don’t overlook the suspension either springs can sag and that can be pricey.

15

I ve always loved old Civics but be careful with rust around the fenders that’s a common issue you know

Also make sure to check the engine because finding parts isn’t always easy

16

I ve always loved those old Civics. My buddy had a 1988 in Seattle and it was a blast to drive. Just make sure the rust ain’t too bad since they can rust like crazy especially around the wheel wells.

Also check that engine everything else is secondary.