My DD (only car) engine block cracked. Looking for a cheap used car

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

Rip 2006 honda civic.
not sure how it cracked. Saturday it started pissing coolant and i was able to limp it back home without it overheating too much (didn't hit the red). The thermostat was siezed so that got replaced and it seemed too fix the issue. No more leaking and no more overheating. Well this morning on the way back from dropping my friend off at work it started overheating and leaking again so i let it cool off and limped it to the shop which is where i am now. So now im looking for a cheap used car. Not opposed to going to a dealership and getting a more expensive cheap car and putting a sizeable amount down and have small payments for a year or two. Would prefer a manual transmission but I can't be picky in my circumstance. Just need a reliable beater that I don't have to sink money into.
Shit happens i guess. Just got find a new pair of pants XD

[pghp8ntballer]

The blocks cracking and leaking coolant was one of the few issues with the 06-11 body style civics. And I speak as a former master Honda tech. Unfortunately you would be long out of the extended factory warranty for that issue (which was 10 years, or 125k (but possibly unlimited mileage; no joke - I can’t remember the specifics though).

If you would get it fixed (only fix is a short block or used engine) the heads are pretty stout. They would rarely warp even if overheated due to coolant loss.

[Mr. Hick]

I was also wondering about this. This style car is pretty abundant, have you looking into a motor swap?

[Jonnydread]

Boring Toyotas are reliable as heck. If you can find a newer used Camry or Corolla it'll last you for a long time. Newer Corollas can be found in manual transmission, newer Camrys not so much. My brother has a manual 04 Corolla with 220k on it and other than some rust from salty New England roads it hasn't given him any trouble at all.

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

The blocks cracking and leaking coolant was one of the few issues with the 06-11 body style civics. And I speak as a former master Honda tech. Unfortunately you would be long out of the extended factory warranty for that issue (which was 10 years, or 125k (but possibly unlimited mileage; no joke - I can’t remember the specifics though).

If you would get it fixed (only fix is a short block or used engine) the heads are pretty stout. They would rarely warp even if overheated due to coolant loss.

Unfortunately it has wheel/suspension issues too so the cost to fix both would be more than the car is worth. It has a lot of other small stuff too so id just like to get something else. it has 147000 miles on it and 10 years have gotten behind it so thats a bust on honda doing anything free

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

Boring Toyotas are reliable as heck. If you can find a newer used Camry or Corolla it'll last you for a long time. Newer Corollas can be found in manual transmission, newer Camrys not so much. My brother has a manual 04 Corolla with 220k on it and other than some rust from salty New England roads it hasn't given him any trouble at all.

A manual 1999 corolla with 206000 miles just popped up in my hometown on craigslist today. Owner says it just passed a full maintenance inspection and is asking $2900 for it (idk if thats firm)

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/d/naperville-1999-toyota-corolla-speed/7359460715.html

[Jonnydread]

I would ask to see that maintenance inspection and vet the garage that did the work. I have been impressed with the longevity of Toyotas, but 22 years is a long time. If it's not firm and you could get the number closer to $2k it may be worth considering!

[Shaftski]

I'd be on my way already to check out that corolla, new tires so there's money saved right away. My wife had that model year when we met, no mech issues at all, built like a tank.

[Jonnydread]

That's a great point, the tires do up the value significantly.

[Cdn_Cuda]

Look at a Pontiac Vibe! It’s a rebadged Toyota Matrix that is cheaper because it’s got Pontiac badges. Nice sized car with a hatch.

[punkncat]

I would probably consider just finding a used motor and doing a swap. Admittedly it's been years since I have done one. It typically isn't too hard if you just pay attention. I HIGHLY suggest taking lots of good pictures and video looking around under the hood at the various connections, hoses, etc.
This would depend on the car not being too terribly clapped out aside from the paint.

[FredMnkyDad10]

Damn 147000 miles on it, that is nothing at all. I had a 1999 civic ex, manual. Only major thing I replaced was the clutch cylinder. When I sold it in 2012 it had 235k miles, still running great, no noise and still had the original clutch in it. Clean inside and out. I so wish I kept that car, try to get it 600k or get it to turn over back to zero.

[pghp8ntballer]

Sorry to hear about the suspension issues as well. I understand the situation though. The info I gave was merely for background. I had a strong hunch that the cost of repair would outweigh the value at the point even if it was just the engine. Just wanted you to know why the block cracked because that is generally very uncommon... except for those civics.

The corolla in your area has potential but look into it thoroughly. It’s hard to go wrong with a corolla.

[punkncat]

With the Corolla, particularly good cars in some years. Actual timing chain instead of belt. Rock solid builds aside from the door handles...

[Macdave06]

A manual 1999 corolla with 206000 miles just popped up in my hometown on craigslist today. Owner says it just passed a full maintenance inspection and is asking $2900 for it (idk if thats firm)
https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/c...359460715.html

That seems pretty high unless prices have doubled recently. I can tell you I bought a 97 with 70k miles on it for 2400 and that was 8-10 years ago. A 200k mile car at that time was maybe 1500. That said they'll go for a long time and I saw as high as 42mpg on a drive to southern Oregon.

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[Jonnydread]

Yeah my first car was a '92 Corolla and I would regularly see 40+mpg on highway trips. I still miss that little shit box.

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

That seems pretty high unless prices have doubled recently. I can tell you I bought a 97 with 70k miles on it for 2400 and that was 8-10 years ago. A 200k mile car at that time was maybe 1500. That said they'll go for a long time and I saw as high as 42mpg on a drive to southern Oregon.

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Inflation during the pandemic made used vehicles prices go up. Hard assets are worth more now.

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

Anyone here got an opinion on saturns?

[pghp8ntballer]

Moons ago I had a 2002 Saturn SC2. I loved it. I bought it with about 35k on it in mid 2004. The oil pump needed replaced at 40k. Years later I found out that the 1.9 liter engines in SL, SC, and SW models were known as “sludge pumps”. Besides that hiccup, I liked it a lot. But these can all be found with manual transmissions!

The “L” series (L200, L300, etc) were made using some Saab parts - moral of that story: parts can be expensive.

The Ion was essentially a cobalt. Same engine, very similar (or same) chassis. Never heard a complaint about the ions though (much unlike cobalts).

The Vue is an average small SUV like a CRV or RAV4 but maybe a smidge bigger. If you are trying to maximize fuel economy, it’s probably not your best bet.

TLDR: as a former Honda tech, I would certainly consider buying a Saturn if I was in a pinch and looking for a beater. I would just go over it with a fine tooth comb and base the decision on overall condition and price.

[pghp8ntballer]

I would look at a cavalier long before I would dare look at a cobalt.

The Pontiac Vibe is a good option if you want a 5 foot hatchback. It was essentially a Toyota Matrix.

If you want to get super tricky, hunt down a Geo or Chevy Prism. It was literally a Toyota Corolla with a different badge. They stopped making them around the mid-late 90’s.

Scions would be a good choice. They were made by Toyota.

If you have any Honda or Acura specific questions, feel free to ask. I can go deep down that rabbit hole.