Ten year old Honda Civic - repair or scrap? | Ask Honest John

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Ten year old Honda Civic - repair or scrap?

I have owned a 2003 Honda Civic Type S for 10 years and it has only done 25,000 miles. However the steering is stiff in the centre position making small corrections difficult.

The air con has also stopped working although it has been re-gassed. The compressor does not seem to engage and I have noticed that the condenser is partially blocked with debris.

Given the problems and the age of the car is it worth repairing?

Asked on 18 April 2015 by Bill D

Answered by Honest John

These are great cars, mainly because of their fantastic, almost bulletproof de-tuned 160PS 2.0 litre Type R engines. The air con fault is probably the electromechanical clutch of the a/c pump. But obviously if the condenser matrix is blocked with debris that needs to be cleaned off. Worth getting the PAS checked and fixed.

Tags: air con technical issues buying and selling

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

Honda Civic heater has broke - how can I fix it?

My 2003 Civic has been ultra reliable from new, but in the recent cold spell the heater fan has stopped blowing, although I can feel some heat behind the grilles. The fuses appear to be ok. Any ideas?

Air conditioning no longer working - what should I do?

My 2001 Honda Civic was recently checked by a friend and it was discovered that the air-con was no longer working. No reason was given. Will it be worth getting the air-con fixed? Will there be problems...

How much is my 2003 Honda Civic worth?

I have owned since new 2003 Honda Civic 2.0l Type S. It is a great car but I am aware that it will probably soon need work doing to it as it has done 112,000 miles. You recommend that you don't pay more...

Related models