2005 Civc EX with radiator fluid in cylinder #2

92K miles isn't all that much, if the car's been properly maintained and there's nothing else major wrong with it. How much is the shop quoting for pulling the head? If it's the head gasket, Repair Pal estimates $650-850, and almost all of that cost is labor.

It comes down to how committed you are to the car. If they pull the head and find out it's cracked, would you call it a day, eat the labor for pulling the head, and junk the car, or accept a much larger repair bill and maybe try to mitigate the cost by sourcing a replacement head from a junkyard.

$1,500 for labor. Was $1,750 estimate at Honda dealer. $900 of that to pull the head and evaluate. We are moving forward. If the head is damaged then will re-evaluate. It is a 2005 bright red EX SE coupe with 5 speed manual, factory spoiler and factory aluminum wheels. The wife still loves it.

Lynn

And the car is in awesome condition with only some paint scratches.

Lynn

$1500 seems on the high side, but I've never had to have a head pulled so I don't have a frame of reference what my preferred local shop would charge for that. Still, the car's worth quite a bit more than that, probably somewhere between $6-7K depending on whether an individual or a dealer is selling it. I'm biased toward paying close attention to maintenance and fixing things when they break or wear out instead of letting them go. Both of my Hondas are several years older and with significantly higher mileage than yours. They still look good and drive very well. IMO people are often too quick to get rid of perfectly serviceable cars, but then again most folks have no knowledge of, or interest in, how they operate.

The head is not cracked but slightly warped. We are getting the head milled for another $900 for a total cost of $2400 (including tax).

Lynn

I don't believe I'd make a repair costing about a third of a vehicle's value in one of that age and mileage. Too many other "hardening of the arteries" type issues just beneath the surface maybe getting ready to bite you on your butt.

Buy your wife a nice red Porsche. She'll forgive you for junking her Honda.

Earlier this year, we performed the 100K mile maintenance (new timing belt and plugs). And got a new clutch and throwout bearing. And replaced the bearing in the manual gearbox since one was growling. So, we have spent the $6K that the car is worth, all one job at a time.

Since we work (and may live soon) on a gravel road, I would not buy her a Porsche. But a Rav4 is looking very nice. No more Hondas according to Consumer Reports.

Lynn

Ah, well you've already addressed a lot of the potential problems I was concerned about...so go for it. In for a dime, in for a dollar.

Me? I'd be ready for a nice new ride after 11 years!

The wife really likes the car a lot. And she hates change. And she hates larger cars.

Lynn

We own a 1997 Honda Civic EX also with 102K miles as our backup car. The interior and exterior are falling apart, etc. But it still starts and runs just fine. The wife wanted to know if I could move the 97 engine into the 05. I said no ...

Lynn

I've had five Hondas with manual transmissions, and I've never had to replace the clutch in any of them (although my CRX's clutch was just starting to slip a bit occasionally after 17 years, when I sold it). Not too long ago I was discussing this very subject with the owner of the independent shop I use, and he said he couldn't ever remember having to replace a clutch on any of his customers' Hondas.

I might be inclined to suggest that if you had to replace a clutch at

100K miles, your wife might be better off with an automatic transmission. But I understand that you might want to remain married, and would thus be hesitant to make that observation. :-)

Too many short trips with lots of shifting. Her average trip is around five miles or so.

And she tells me that I shift like a spastic monkey.

Lynn

The total cost was $2100 (including tax). The car runs very well.

Now it needs a new alternator and an EGR valve. I feel like the man building a car in the old Johnny Cash song.

Lynn

As long as you're at it, why not a paint job, new tires, and new exhaust system as well....

The original paint job and exhaust system are awesome. Just put new tires on it last year. Put a new radio in it two Christmases ago. Not much left to replace.

Lynn

You're a wonderful example of a consumer! Keep those landfills topped up and make sure you've always got the latest and greatest!!!

I'm happy with my 1986 Honda. It's had a slightly rattley little end for a couple of years now though so I've had to go a bit light on the fast pedal. I must get around to swapping in the spare engine that I picked up for a box of beer (after I put a new timing belt in it). I'll be able to fit the new clutch that I have on the shelf at the same time.