Looking at used car, engine seems to shake more than normal?

Question

I'm looking at buying a used Honda Civic 2003, the engine seems to shake (forward/backward) more than that of my Pontiac Sunfire. It is a lot quieter, but does make clicks (I am assuming its the valves). The engine does not have a knock... Is this normal? I know 4 cylinders shake, but this moves almost 1/2 inch from front to back. Also, the car only has 27000 miles on it.

Answer 1

Before you buy anything, always ask to have the car checked at a reputable repair center. Honda engines are built on very close tolerances and should not have a "shake" in the engine. This is something amiss in this engine, could be a simple repair such as a spark plug fouled to an ignition wire that has burned . Or it could be more than it seems. On the bright side, if the price is right for you, the engine should still be under warrantte if it fits under the 3 year 36000 mile limitations. Being that the 2003 makes it 4 years, i would ask the seller if he purchased an extended warrantee with the Honda, then the warrantee is transferrable to you. If not, take the car to a garage for a diagnosis and estimate for repair, then renogotiate a new price before you buy. The clicking noise you hear is not valves. It is the injectors opening and closing to allow fuel to enter in to the intake system. When they are new and clean they emit this clicking noise. When they become dirty, then they will be quiet, but less performance and economy will be affected. You may want to check for a vacuum leak for the cause of the shaking too.
good luck........

Answer 2

It doesn't sound like a big problem, but it's hard to say. It could be a dirty fuel injector, bad plug or plug wire. A five year old car with that few miles just needs to be driven! It is just as bad for a car to not drive it, as it is to drive it too much. Add a can of top cylinder oil, drive it a few days or a week, then change oil. The clicks will likely be gone after the gunk is flushed out.
Also hold a piece of paper near the exhaust pipe and rev the engine just a bit. Check for a small amount of black carbon, a sign that it just needs a tune up.
But if there is any oil or excessive smoke, STAY CLEAR OF THIS CAR!

Answer 3

A 2003 should have better diagnostic computer.. make sure the check engine light comes on while you start it..the shake may be normal..but the computer will pick up a missfire before you do ..not familiar with the civic but i am with the sunfires..might just be an apples to oranges comparison..can you feel it in the car?

Answer 4

first off i would not buy a 2003 with 270000 miles on it unless its for $500 but i sounds like a wiped out lobe on the cam the car was probpley driven really hard and over reved.do not buy this car

Answer 5

then you should ask them to let you take it to your mechanic to check it out. because Honda 4 cylinder engines are usually very smooth

Answer 6

Take it off your list of considered vehicles.

If you don't, make sure you have your mechanic check it before you buy it.

Answer 7

that engine is frog top.
if you ,still ,want the car lower the price to almost Junk Car price.

Hondas don't shake, unless....

Answer 8

Hi
You can find thousands of different auction and repo cars really cheap at http://www.carauctions.co.nr

Answer 9

sounds like it needs motor mounts, take it to a mechanic or call one, they can answer any questions you have.

Answer 10

COULD BE IT NEEDS ENGINE MOUNTS