Buying car - need advice
 

So I'm buying a 94 Civic DX hatchback for a daily driver. Pretty good condition other than shitty paint. 140k on the clock. Transmission has been replaced once w/ an S20 OEM tranny by a Honda shop. $2400.

My concern was that there was no other in the reservoir. There was water in the radiator neck though, but I noticed a white bubbly film on the top layer. The oil was super watery light viscosity (not sure what oil he uses).

It did not overheat when idling and WOT. I forgot to check for white exhaust smoke. When I opened the radiator cap, it depressurized and water came out that looked white, bubbly, and frothy. Water was still green.

Any other ways to check if HG is going bad?

Is it just me or is that a bit expensive?

I paid 2500 for a first owner 2000 Civic with 120 on the clock which my mom drove for a year and we sold it for 3500.

With the shit you mention I say pass and look for a newer car. If you have that kind money to spend I recommend a 2000+ ford crown vic or mercury marquis.

crown vic or marquis?
lol
might as well look into Hummers while you're at it

But to answer question in OP - I'd definitely pass. Its a super old car and if the coolant doesn't look right its probably because something is messed up.

Our 99 CV manages 25mpg on the highway. Sure it's no civic in terms of mpg but it is more luxurious than one.

Relevant: I'd pass on the Civic too, for reasons stated above.

Also a lot less likely to be fucked with and probably more reliable to boot. Not to mention can be had for dirt cheap if they are ex-cop cars. So either look for a P71 former sheriff car or skip the police version and get one that belonged to an old guy. Its such an under-rated car its not even funny. If you want reliable cheap transportation and you spend a lot of time on the highway, this is the only way to go.

Get the marauder version if you're a baller. 24v motor from the cobra.

Am I the only one that would buy a civic/integra/crv WAYYYYYY over a crown vic, or some POS mercury?

Also i'd look at older imprezas, foresters, etc.

Oh and old proteges, i believe the 89-93 LX came with a BP.

91-94 is first gen with BP.

Also 94-98 "ES" model.

Also see: 1991-1996 Escort GT, Escort LX-E, Tracer LT-S, and first gen Kia Sephias.

I'd rather have the Police package Crown Vic, and pass on the funky coolant car.

check my avatar.

You already know what car I'm gonna say. Got it for free.

FROM JEWISH NEIGHBORS.. YEAH FREE, JEWS. USED IN THE SAME SENTENCE

POS mercury? Come on man. Youre just being silly.

The engines in those cars have been proven up to 300k miles with neigh a hiccup and the bodies are good for a million as proven by the NYC Taxi Cab company.

Not to mention insurance is notoriously higher on the cars you mention because they are less safe and they have higher rates of theft, specially the teg. Furthermore, you dont have to replace the timing belt on a 4.6 Modular and replacing a water pump can be done with a spanner, chisel and hammer. Go do that on a civic.

CRV's arent cheap, they cannot be had for 2400 bucks unless they have 200k+ miles on them. You may be able to find an ancient Rav 4 for that much.

-------

I regret I didnt have the money back in the day to buy a marauder, I loved that car. If you have the money, go for it.