Is it even worth it to do repairs on my car?
I drive a 97 honda civic dx that I paid 3000$ "rip off" 155,000 miles for as a first car, Ive fixed the cv joints, control arm, balljoints, and two sets of front tires. I know I need tie tods because I hear clunking when I hit the breaks at a low speed, its not bad enough to eat up my tires though so it isnt urgent. New brakes, atleast the front tores, both my manual windows wont roll up or down, the left hand doors interior is all ripped. My front bumper got hit. Im already in the car 3500, All those repairs even with a low cost mechanic I know will be atleast 1000-1209. The KBB value was at best 3000. even if I fix everything and get it to an almost new car "parts wise" will it help? Could it be possible to sell for 4-5k? I see on craiglist clean hondas the same year with engine mods and suspension and fresh selling for like 6-7k
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The only thing I see you having the need to replace is your tie rods and brakes. If it drives, then you're good. Your windows, bumper, and interior can wait til you actually get some money in. It's your first car, it's suppose to look s*****. I doubt you will be able to sell for 4-5k, and most likely, I doubt anyone will buy it for that much. If money is really an issue to you, you could always reduce labor to 0 and do all the work yourself. There are many informative threads on the internet, each with their own pictures, to show you how a certain part is done.
Look, these cars are a dying breed. first off, yes you were very ripped off and it looks like years of Preventive maintenance was ignored for far too long. You will be throwing up new parts on this car over and over before it gets to original spec again. I know people still like to drive these around, but nobody wants to pay 6-7 gs for these things anymore. (except for type r, gsr, and h22 equipped cars) However, it is very easy to build these things into a fun toy and ebay offers a majority of sweet bits and pieces. But the truth is (like it is with many cars) your never going to get what you put into this thing. As it is, your in too deep and you havent even built an excellent condition car yet. But, if you like the car, keep it.... for a looong time. Hondas have a very long road life. Replace the gaskets on the engine, maintain your fluids, and dont rice the S*hit out of it. If your packing an 18b your torque curve will remain strong and entertaining but you will never keep up with the big dogs without a proper (and expensive) swap. It all depends what your looking for also. If you like the honda and you want a long lasting car... keep it. if you want speed, cornering, and excitement... well.... im sorry but there is too much money involved. Especially when a $1,800 v8 anything will rip your doors off. UNLESS you have serious cash to blow.
It sounds like yout throwing good money after bad. the car has seen better days and its time to think about lthe boneyard for it. You'd better use the new wifi diagnostic tool - VDM UCANDAS WIFI Full System Automotive Diagnostic Tool to diagnose if you are sure that you can solve it by yourself, or you can also consult a professional mechanic. Easy and Qucik. Applicable to all types of car. You must always monitor your car's current state. The below website may be helpful for you to find the tool. hope it is helpful to you.
how long do you plan on driving it? a maintained vehicle is way more important than mileage, but turning a profit? no that aint gonna happen. think of it this way, it costs more than gas and insurance to drive.
if i had the throw it away attitude, this old ford wouldnt be mine. i dont care how much money i shovel into it, its my dd.
It sounds like yout throwing good money after bad. the car has seen better days and its time to think about lthe boneyard for it.
But with 155,000 miles on the engine. Would probably be hard.