918CIVIC
10-20-2008, 12:38 AM
Hey folks, hate to write this in my *official welcome post*, but I'm not going to put up with an issue that is already rearing it's ugly little head, and it seems to be a common issue too. (I know I know....long post. Cliffs at the end =P )
The sad little story starts off when I wrecked my 96 Accord last month. I had owned it since 2000, and put about 125,000 miles on it (bought used at 75k, had 199,6xx miles on it when it got wrecked). I can't say the entire ownership experience was trouble free, but for the most part it was a good car. Worst issue I had is when the top of the radiator blew apart at 180,000 miles, and at 175,000 miles the cat. converter went bad. Anyways, I loved the car so much, I bought a brand new 2008 Civic Si coupe, and it pretty much started me out as a Honda fan. While I love the Si, I wanted to buy a used car to replace my Accord which I was using to drive to work, go to the store, gym, etc. My Si is a garage queen and I didn't really wanna rack up the miles on her.
Anyways, I started looking for a replacement for the Accord last week, and came to find a 2001 CRV with just a tick over 83k on her that had just been traded in. The salesman was a friend of a friend, and I thought I was getting a pretty good deal ($5,900...ended up being 6,800 out the door). I ran the numbers prior to closing the deal, but I failed to look up any of the common issues the vehicle might have. During the initial test drive, I noted that the idle seemed a little low, and that the A/C did not get cold quick enough. Sales guy promised the issues would be fixed the next day, and I of course could take it for a test drive before taking delivery. Also of note, the battery was dead when he first showed me the vehicle, and it appeared someone had left the dome light on.
Fast forward two days. I arrive to the dealership with my girlfriend, and was told that the issues were corrected. The salesman mentioned that the vehicle had even stalled on him prior to being looked at by mechanics. At that point, I take the vehicle for a test drive. I noticed that the A/C got very cold very fast, however the idle was still a bit low (between 500 and 600 RPM's). To be honest, my little inner voice told me to walk away, but I didn't listen. I was told the vehicle had a 15 day / 300 mile warranty, and if any issues arise, to bring it in. After signing the final papers, I brought her home, and didn't even drive her the rest of the day.
The next morning, I go to start it, and noticed it was idling around 500 rpm's again, and the engine was even slightly stuttering. After letting it warm for a few minutes, I place the tranny into reverse, and after going back about 3 feet it died. Arg! It finally warms up enough, and I get it to work. 8 hours later....I get off work and lo and behold, it dies again when I'm trying to back out of my work parking spot. When I get home, I spent about 3 hours on this website along with a few others. I thought at first due to the dead battery, a simple Idle learn procedure would cure the issue. When that did not work, I even took off the IACV, and noticed it was not even dirty.
Of course, after these couple hours of on line research, I had learned that the first gen CRV's have a valve issue, and the valves may need to be tightened, or worse, resleaved. Based on this, and the fact it has stalled several times in two day, I will be calling the dealer tomorrow and letting them know that they are going to be getting it back. I'm sure they will put up a fight, and even offer some service, but I really don't think I am going to put up with it. It's really unfortunate because I really like the vehicle when you take the idle issue out of the equation. I really should have done my homework on this car, and I know I just fell into the trap of "falling in love with a car".
I just wanted to post this because this website has been the most informative board out there for CRV's, and many of the posts have helped me a great deal. I will post up tomorrow what the dealer says.... not looking forward to that phone call at all.
Ok, cliffs as promised:
*My 96 Accord gets totaled
*I find a 2001 CRV with 83,000 miles at a good price
*During test drive, idles low, but dealership promises to fix it
*In the first two days of ownership, it stalls about 4 times and idle issue is
prevalant
*I find this website, and discover 1st gen CRV's have valve issues
*Spend my first post in the welcome section writing a huge rant about said
issue.
Phew! Sorry folks for the long winded introduction, and once again thanks for the informative members. This site reminds me of 8thcivic.com, which I am a member of.
Here's some pics of my 08 Si....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/KEVINSBRAIN/01-05-08007.jpg
Here she's stock, about 3 days old:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/KEVINSBRAIN/IMG_0152.jpg
The sad little story starts off when I wrecked my 96 Accord last month. I had owned it since 2000, and put about 125,000 miles on it (bought used at 75k, had 199,6xx miles on it when it got wrecked). I can't say the entire ownership experience was trouble free, but for the most part it was a good car. Worst issue I had is when the top of the radiator blew apart at 180,000 miles, and at 175,000 miles the cat. converter went bad. Anyways, I loved the car so much, I bought a brand new 2008 Civic Si coupe, and it pretty much started me out as a Honda fan. While I love the Si, I wanted to buy a used car to replace my Accord which I was using to drive to work, go to the store, gym, etc. My Si is a garage queen and I didn't really wanna rack up the miles on her.
Anyways, I started looking for a replacement for the Accord last week, and came to find a 2001 CRV with just a tick over 83k on her that had just been traded in. The salesman was a friend of a friend, and I thought I was getting a pretty good deal ($5,900...ended up being 6,800 out the door). I ran the numbers prior to closing the deal, but I failed to look up any of the common issues the vehicle might have. During the initial test drive, I noted that the idle seemed a little low, and that the A/C did not get cold quick enough. Sales guy promised the issues would be fixed the next day, and I of course could take it for a test drive before taking delivery. Also of note, the battery was dead when he first showed me the vehicle, and it appeared someone had left the dome light on.
Fast forward two days. I arrive to the dealership with my girlfriend, and was told that the issues were corrected. The salesman mentioned that the vehicle had even stalled on him prior to being looked at by mechanics. At that point, I take the vehicle for a test drive. I noticed that the A/C got very cold very fast, however the idle was still a bit low (between 500 and 600 RPM's). To be honest, my little inner voice told me to walk away, but I didn't listen. I was told the vehicle had a 15 day / 300 mile warranty, and if any issues arise, to bring it in. After signing the final papers, I brought her home, and didn't even drive her the rest of the day.
The next morning, I go to start it, and noticed it was idling around 500 rpm's again, and the engine was even slightly stuttering. After letting it warm for a few minutes, I place the tranny into reverse, and after going back about 3 feet it died. Arg! It finally warms up enough, and I get it to work. 8 hours later....I get off work and lo and behold, it dies again when I'm trying to back out of my work parking spot. When I get home, I spent about 3 hours on this website along with a few others. I thought at first due to the dead battery, a simple Idle learn procedure would cure the issue. When that did not work, I even took off the IACV, and noticed it was not even dirty.
Of course, after these couple hours of on line research, I had learned that the first gen CRV's have a valve issue, and the valves may need to be tightened, or worse, resleaved. Based on this, and the fact it has stalled several times in two day, I will be calling the dealer tomorrow and letting them know that they are going to be getting it back. I'm sure they will put up a fight, and even offer some service, but I really don't think I am going to put up with it. It's really unfortunate because I really like the vehicle when you take the idle issue out of the equation. I really should have done my homework on this car, and I know I just fell into the trap of "falling in love with a car".
I just wanted to post this because this website has been the most informative board out there for CRV's, and many of the posts have helped me a great deal. I will post up tomorrow what the dealer says.... not looking forward to that phone call at all.
Ok, cliffs as promised:
*My 96 Accord gets totaled
*I find a 2001 CRV with 83,000 miles at a good price
*During test drive, idles low, but dealership promises to fix it
*In the first two days of ownership, it stalls about 4 times and idle issue is
prevalant
*I find this website, and discover 1st gen CRV's have valve issues
*Spend my first post in the welcome section writing a huge rant about said
issue.
Phew! Sorry folks for the long winded introduction, and once again thanks for the informative members. This site reminds me of 8thcivic.com, which I am a member of.
Here's some pics of my 08 Si....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/KEVINSBRAIN/01-05-08007.jpg
Here she's stock, about 3 days old:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/KEVINSBRAIN/IMG_0152.jpg