What to look for when buying a used CB7

[Kemosabe]

I am just throwing it out there.
I just picked up my used 91 Coupe, I know I have seen threads like this for other vehicles. It would of been good to know that I should of checked the spark plug tube for oil. I bet there are many little things other members on this forum could suggest.

[Stormtrooper]

Did you look through this forum before you bought the car?

[Kemosabe]

Did you look through this forum before you bought the car?

Yes just for a short while. And also another site. I had very little time to make the choice on the Accord. It looked pretty clean and the price seemed fair. Just if I had known a little bit more about the car I may of been able to talk her down a few more dollars. Just I have seen stickies with such information for another cars and it seems like a good idea.

['93CB7Ex]

if its auto, make sure to service the trans often with honda atf only. other than that, its just like any other car.

[Stormtrooper]

Well reviewing a car is pretty much standard practice no matter what the car, but there are certain things to look for in a FWD.

There are a million things I could suggest, but as far as the CB7 in particular, I can't really think of anything other than the oil leak in the plug wells, although I've only owned mine for like 5 months so I'm definitely not a CB7 expert!

[Kemosabe]

I would like to add checking the front rotors on fourth and fifth generations. I do not know about the later generations. Because they are captive rotors and the work involved in removing them, it is worth taking the tire off for a quick look.

[dysfunk]

Check for:
Leaks:
spark plug tubes
Valve cover gasket
head gasket
distributor gasket
oil pan
camshaft seal
crankshaft seal


Check suspension components:
Tie rod ends
Swaybar end links
Swaybar bushings
Upper and lower ball joints


Check engine mounts.

[dhill_cb7]

Check for:
Leaks:
spark plug tubes
Valve cover gasket
head gasket
distributor gasket
oil pan
camshaft seal
crankshaft seal


Check suspension components:
Tie rod ends
Swaybar end links
Swaybar bushings
Upper and lower ball joints


Check engine mounts.

Beside all of that. Check out the RUST issues on the quarter panels and the trunk area. Best of luck man!

[Raf99]

Beside all of that. Check out the RUST issues on the quarter panels and the trunk area. Best of luck man!

Yeep. And to add what others have said while anything is fixable you want to check for the big $$$ items:

- Rust (may cost $500-$2000 to fix the known rust areas of the car)
- Oil leaks (implies seals are gone, expensive to fix)
- Transmission leaks (implies leaks) as mentioned above make sure it shifts nice
- Bad/leaking shocks (if broken, you will most likely have to replace all 4)
- Muffler system (a whole new system can be expensive)
- Brakes (worn down rotors and pads)

Take the car for a drive, check for drive-ability. Is there play in the steering wheel, brakes, or other components. Does it shift hard or not properly? Try all the gears at a slow speed, make sure they engage. Make sure the windows go up properly too.

Best of luck.

[biggmatt207]

Wouldn't be a bad idea to check the trunk and tail lights for leaks as well.

[AuCaMa95]

Starter/alternator

I had to replace both my starter and alternator around the same time. Not super expensive fixes but are a pain in the butt sometimes.

[Stormtrooper]

So, you recommend starting the car before buying it?

[infamouscb9]

you should always start a car before buying! listen for engine noises, and always try and take the car for a drive! try all windows, lights, wipers, horn, stereo, ac/heat, power locks/mirrors/windows, everything! it gives you more leverage to talk the price down, plus it should give you an idea of what kind of money you will have to dump into fixing problems. try driving at all speeds, over bumps, listen for any abnormal vibrations/sounds coming from suspension or other areas....if you do not know enough, you can always pay money to take it to a mechanic to get checked out. this can save you thousands of dollars in buying a used lemon that needs tons of work!

[Miho1269]

Not really cb specific but one thing i always do is check the vin with the vin on the title before i even think about lookin the car over. with a 20 year old car you never know what kind of crap some people try to pull.