To anyone that can help, here is my dilemma. Purchased a 92’ civic dx hatchback w/218k miles on it. Was told by the owner that it was mechanically fine, it’s not. Took it to a trusted mechanic. Found two leaks in valves, clamped them, then found major pressure being lost from the head gasket. Due …

A '92 Civic with 218k miles is probably nearing the end of its useful life, even with a good head gasket. I wouldn’t throw any more money at it. I’d cut my losses, sell it, and next time spend $100 to have a trusted mechanic check out a car before I’d buy it.

I would try to get my money back.

Umm a used head gasket is a really bad idea. Plus a new one probably does not cost much more then that.

Yeah, that does seem penny wise, pound foolish.

Hondas – if they’ve been taken care of reasonably well – can last well past 200k. If the car is otherwise if good condition, no rust problem, replacing the engine is a reasonable choice. Before doing so, verify the brakes and transmission are in good operating condition. You’ll likely have fewe…

If the head gasket failed because of overheating you might consider another engine as overheating can ruin piston rings and cylinder walls. This can lead to the engine being an oil burner once repaired and a compression test, wet and dry, should verify this. Coolant diluted engine oil can also wipe…

Jesmed: Yeah, I learned my lesson, I also didn’t listen to my gut, plus I was sort of on a time crunch, I had to get a car, so I sort of was forced to pull the trigger and hope that it worked out. Things felt a little off, but it was late when the guy called me back, it was dark when I went over the…

“Umm a used head gasket is a really bad idea.” Maybe the friend was offering a used head for $40. Anyway, if the body and interior are in great shape a low mileage used JDM engine is the way I would go.

"Buying a car that old is playing the lottery. " You got me thinking that “buying a car that old is like playing Russian roulette with an automatic”. Seriously, Listen to Raj’s advice. Definitely get whatever you buy next checked.

Mechanics - replacing head gasket vs the engine...?

Maintenance/Repairs

raj August 7, 2012, 10:32pm 10

Pay a mechanic to check out your prospective before purchase. Buying a car that old is playing the lottery. Don’t take steadfast rules of Ford Crown vic or whatever. Condition is what matters at this age of vehicle not who made it. Maybe avoid Euro cars due to expense fixing them.

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Mechanics - replacing head gasket vs the engine...?

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