Best Small Car To Buy Second-Hand HONDA Civic V Hatchback (EG) (10.1991 - 11.1995)

What to look for when buying a Honda Civic EG (1991–1995):
1. Rust (the main problem!):
- Sills, arches, underbody – especially under the carpets.
- Side members and rear suspension mounts – critical for safety.
2. Engine (usually D-series, less often B16A):
- Oil in antifreeze / antifreeze in oil (sign of a punctured cylinder head).
- Smoke at start-up (worn valve stem seals/rings).
- VTEC knocks (if the engine is B16A – expensive repair).
3. Electrics:
- Sunroof (if any) – check the drive and tightness.
- Check Engine light – should go out after start-up.
- Ignition switch contact group (frequent gap).
Additionally:
- Gearbox – crunching when shifting (worn synchronizers).
- Suspension - knocks of front struts, silent blocks.
If the body is intact and the engine is leak-free - Civic EG is a great choice! But rust kills these cars faster than engine wear.

When considering a second-hand 1994 Honda Civic, here are key points to watch out for regarding rust, engine reliability, and electrical issues:

* Rust
- Premature rusting can be an issue, especially related to exhaust and suspension components. This is often due to a bad batch of parts from suppliers and can be detected during an underbody inspection on a hoist by a professional technician.

* Engine Reliability
- The 1994 Civic is generally known for engine reliability, but common complaints include engine mounts and overheating issues, so these should be checked carefully.
- Look for any signs of engine overheating or damage, and verify the maintenance history, especially oil changes and cooling system upkeep.
- A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a dealer or trusted mechanic is highly recommended to detect hidden engine or mechanical issues.

* Electrical Issues
- Electrical problems are relatively common in this model year. Owners have reported issues such as:
- Power window failures and blown fuses.
- Problems with the main fuse or under-hood fuse box causing the car to appear dead or requiring manual wire bridging to start.
- Malfunctioning brake lights, turn signals, and dashboard gauges, even when fuses and bulbs are fine. This may indicate wiring harness or relay issues.
- Blown fuses related to wipers or power accessories.
- Hazard lights activating when using turn signals and other erratic electrical behavior.
- It's advisable to thoroughly test all electrical components (lights, signals, dash instruments, power windows) during inspection and have a mechanic check the fuse box and wiring harness.

* Additional Advice
- Verify the vehicle’s service history and maintenance records to ensure regular care, which strongly influences reliability.
- Consider a full vehicle history report to check for past accidents or recalls.

- Have a professional perform a thorough inspection, including a hoist check for rust and suspension condition, and a diagnostic scan for any electronic fault codes.

In summary, a 1994 Honda Civic can be a good buy if it has been well maintained and inspected carefully for rust and electrical issues. Electrical problems, especially fuse and wiring faults, are common and should be closely examined. Rust underbody inspection and engine condition checks are essential before purchase.