1996 Honda Civic EX review from North America

Original engine threw a rod at 85,916 miles - attempted to drive through a flooded road and water was sucked into the engine (also had water damage to interior). Insurance replaced engine, carpet, and some wiring under flood damage (replacement engine was a 1998 with approx 50k miles).

Replaced original battery at 87k.

Replaced drivers side window regulator when window came off track at 90k (happened during below accident).

Replaced front right wheel bearing, lower control arm, steering knuckle, tie rod end, wheel, tire, brake line, fender, bumper, headlight, and front sway bar at 90k (lost control on ice and hit a high curb + tree).

Replaced primary oxygen sensor at 95k.

At 140k, manual transmission started whining and clutch was also starting to slip. Had transmission rebuilt and clutch replaced.

Had both drive axles replaced while transmission was out - outer CV joint boots were both split, and both CV joints had been knocking for some time.

Replaced lights for cruise control switch around 110k ($5 from dealer).

Replaced a couple of warning lights on dash at 110k (seat belt, trunk open indicators).

Replaced split upper radiator hose at 130k (also replaced lower hose and thermostat at the same time).

Replaced rear defroster switch at 145k with junkyard item.

Been through 3 sets of front brakes since I've owned it (90% city driving), most recently at 147k - never had to touch rears except for adjustment.

I deliver pizza 20-30 hours a week in this car, and consider every "delivery mile" to be equal to at least 3 to 5 "normal" miles. I also admit to driving the car very, very hard, and it's held up very well to the abuse it's been put through.

The engine has started knocking for about 30 seconds after sitting overnight, and it's started burning a significant amount of oil (approx 1/2 quart every 800-1000 miles). The engine will be rebuilt in the spring by my normal mechanic.

Considering that the car is used for pizza delivery - I would consider it to have over 300,000 "real world" miles now.

The car still looks great inside and out, still drives great, and still consistently gets 28 mpg in the city and 32-35 on the highway.