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My son is after a first car, auto, to learn in. He has seen a 2002 Honda Civic 34,000k, NZ new with one previous owner, for $9,000. Does this sound like a good option? Is there anything to look out for or any common problems with this model?

This sounds like a very good option. It is a model with a good reputation for reliability, and being NZ new with very low kms, although it is a little higher priced than others of its age, the mileage is an attraction.
Check that the cambelt has been changed, as despite the low mileage, Honda's recommendation is to change the belt at 100,000km or 5 years, whichever comes first.