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Anon

I have been looking to buy a Japanese import Honda Civic 1.5 2001 Hatchback. I like the look of it and its big enough for my teenagers legs!

There are a number on the market that have done mileage around 20km - 30km, but after reading your site I am concerned about the transmission problems and lack of service history.

Apart from noise, is there any way to tell or predict transmission problems?

Would I be better to buy a car with higher mileage as everyone keeps telling me these cars probably haven't got out of 1st gear. I'm hoping to spend about $10 or 11k.

Penny

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 24 December 2009

jbiddle

Our concerns about Honda's of late are around a particular type of transmission. Many imports (and some NZ new) are fitted with what is called a CVT or Constant Variable Transmission and there have been a number of reported problems with them. The main issue is a shudder on takeoff and Honda have worked hard to eliminate this with varying amounts of success over the years.

The problem with buying a used import is you get no or little support from Honda New Zealand (in the case of buying a Honda) and any problems after purchase are normally dealt with by trying the cheapest options first. That may be a second hand transmission or a repair which may not be long lasting.

If you buy NZ new it is highly likely HNZ will offer some support if the transmission was to develop a problem in the future and repairs would be carried out as per instruction from Honda Japan (obviously there is a time and mileage limit on such assistance).

The Civic you are looking at may not have a CVT transmission fitted but you need to check it out. Simply ask the seller " Is this car fitted with a CVT transmission".

All automatic transmissions are higher risk than a manual but the CVT raises the risk factor a little higher.

I don't believe the Civic hatch was ever sold new in NZ with a CVT transmission.

Our comments around a proven service history are all about having some peace of mind when you take ownership of a used car. If somebody can show you a past service history showing regular maintenance and items such as cam belt and fluid changes (transmission / cooling system etc) being done, that has to be better than not knowing if those items have ever been attended to.

History would suggest regular servicing is not a high priority in the domestic market in Japan. That's not to say every NZ car is serviced regularly either but it is much easier to prove if it has.

I notice the Honda you are looking at is fitted with a 1.5litre engine. The NZ new Civics of this age were fitted with a 1.7litre engine so make sure the car has the power output you are looking for.