To buy or not to buy hch1 (06 Civic Hybrid) 220k $1000?

[Formula413]

I have a 2003 HCH with 162,000 miles and a manual trans. I bought it with 68,000 miles and it started having intermittent IMA problems around 85,000 miles, and it gradually got worse to the point where the battery couldn't provide any useful assist without setting an IMA light.

The way I work around this is to disable assist by closing the clutch safety switch, which stops IMA functions, and adding a relay to open the switch when the brakes are applied so I still have regen. I don't know if there is a way to do this on a car with an auto trans. With just an 85 hp motor to move the car it is pretty slow but it is manageable. The mileage is still excellent, generally 40-45 mpg in mixed driving and low 50's on the highway. The factory MPG gauge does read about 5% high.

The IMA battery is still strong enough to run the car's electrical system and accessories. I tried cycling the subpacks but the battery problems persist. At the moment I am entertaining the idea of buying an aftermarket battery for the car. The only other major issue it has is that it often sets trouble code P1420, for the three way catalytic converter, when driving on the highway. I just reset the light and make sure the computer shows ready if I need to go for an emissions test. I like the car, it's comfortable, nice interior, drives nice, handles well, and has needed very little work.

Basically the only thing that would stop me from buying the car in question is that it is an automatic, which are known to have issues, plus I don't know if I'd be able to fool the car into passing emissions like I can with mine. But other than the IMA systems and the CVT autos they are nice cars and very reliable.

[prelude91sir]

so he offer it to me for $1000 what yall thing now???

[elhigh]

At 220K miles the example in question is well beyond the date I'd expect it to start throwing codes for any/all of the 3 O2 sensors. Your CEL may be nothing more than O2 sensors needing replaced. Two are kind of affordable, one is a bit pricey.

My car throws the IMA once in a while, more if the wife drives (she doesn't stay out of the battery at all). Treat it gently and a grid charge for balancing will make the IMA go away for weeks and weeks, hammer on it and it won't last a day. New battery packs aren't cheap but it is awfully nice to have the light stay off.

No suggestions re: CVT. No experience.

The price makes me wonder. My HCH I bought last year, admittedly from an independent dealership so they had their markup, but still - it cost one hell of a lot more than just $1500. Good friend or not, the seller is taking a bath on this car at that price. Mine was $6000 once all the papers filled out and I ran like a thief when it was done. Edmunds says private party price on an HCH like the one you're looking at should be about $3400, he's awfully motivated to let it go for such a discount.

[prelude91sir]

kbb only has it at around 1300 trade in..i never pay private party prices when buying a car.
i only feel like im getting a deal at trade in or below values!

[Xist]

You have five posts now. Can you post pictures?

[vskid3]

What are you currently driving, what MPG does it get, and what distance/city vs highway?

For $1000 I would consider it as long as it can be a project car. With that many miles on a CVT (do you know if its original?) I wouldn't rely on it as my sole transportation.

[prelude91sir]

i currently have a trailblazer horrible gas milage. looking at buying this 07 galant maybe today. but 1000 for a 2003 running civic hybrid or not seems like a steal!

the car is in great shape all around interior and exterior! I took it for a lil spend and it runs good nice and smooth!

[MetroMPG]

I'd probably pull the trigger for that price given the amount of fuel you'll save.. But I also have a Plan B vehicle in case the CVT goes south.

[Xist]

Have you taken it to a mechanic? Some charge for inspections and some do not. AutoMD.com shows two shops near me that do not charge for a diagnosis with a check engine light, and three shops that do not charge for a general diagnosis, without a check engine light.

It looks like a remanufactured CVT transmission is around three thousand. I do not know anything about this, but a rebuild kit (without solenoid seals) is $136.51 on Amazon: Amazon.com: Honda Hybrid CVT SZCA Super Overhaul Rebuild Kit: Automotive