Automatic vs. manual transmission in a used Honda Civic

[Jacqueline Passey]

I am trying to find a good used Honda Civic hatchback with a manual transmission in the Seattle area and so far haven't been having any luck. I have found a few with automatic transmissions. The reason I was looking for a manual is that it's a cheaper repair if/when it breaks than an automatic (this is a car that I want to be able to drive for a long long time) but since it may not be possible to find one I was thinking maybe I should compromise and go for the automatic instead.

Can anyone tell me more about how likely the automatic transmission is to break down, at what approximate mileage range, and how much that repair costs when it happens? Vs. breakdowns and repairs with the manual transmission?

Thanks!

 

[TeGGeR®]

I am trying to find a good used Honda Civic hatchback with a manual transmission in the Seattle area and so far haven't been having any luck. I have found a few with automatic transmissions. The reason I was looking for a manual is that it's a cheaper repair if/when it breaks than an automatic

Uh, not really. Go price tranny rebuilds for both. Don't forget to include clutch replacement for the manual version.

NO-body will give you a hard-and-fast number for rebuilding a manual transmission. EVERY-body will give you a quote on your slushbox.

(this is a car that I want to be able to drive
for a long long time) but since it may not be possible to find one I was thinking maybe I should compromise and go for the automatic instead.

Can anyone tell me more about how likely the automatic transmission is to break down, at what approximate mileage range, and how much that repair costs when it happens? Vs. breakdowns and repairs with the manual transmission?

Your questions are quite unanswerable as arguments in themselves.

 

[Earle Horton]

I am trying to find a good used Honda Civic hatchback with a manual transmission in the Seattle area and so far haven't been having any luck. I have found a few with automatic transmissions. The reason I was looking for a manual is that it's a cheaper repair if/when it breaks than an automatic (this is a car that I want to be able to drive

No, it isn't.

for a long long time) but since it may not be possible to find one I was thinking maybe I should compromise and go for the automatic instead.

Can anyone tell me more about how likely the automatic transmission is to break down, at what approximate mileage range, and how much that repair costs when it happens? Vs. breakdowns and repairs with the manual transmission?

A broken manual transmission is just that, broken. Automatics on the other hand have a lot of parts that wear out, but can be replaced. Typically, one buys a kit, replaces all the friction materials, and the auto is good to go for a hundred thousand more, assuming that the fluid is replaced at the recommended intervals. When a manual transmission goes, something breaks, and typically pokes a hole in the side of the transmission case, resulting in a total loss, of the transmission anyway. If you are looking for an older car, and you do find a manual, it will probably last a pretty long time, assuming that the previous owner didn't use the clutch pedal for a foot rest. Clutch replacement isn't so bad though.

Comparing manual transmission repair costs (or anticipated repair costs) with auto transmission repair costs, is a lot like comparing apples and oranges. Hope this helps. The main reason to get a manual transmission, in any car, is that you like driving one.

Earle

 

[nm5k]

I am trying to find a good used Honda Civic hatchback with a manual transmission in the Seattle area and so far haven't been having any luck. I have found a few with automatic transmissions. The reason I was looking for a manual is that it's a cheaper repair if/when it breaks than an automatic (this is a car that I want to be able to drive for a long long time) but since it may not be possible to find one I was thinking maybe I should compromise and go for the automatic instead.

The automatics are fine as long as the previous owner didn't beat it to death, or never changed the fluid. IE: I usually wouldn't be afraid to buy an automatic from any older person that drove reasonably, and did the upkeep over the years. On the other hand, if the owner was a young guy who fancies himself as Speed Racers lost stepchild, I'd run away as fast as I could. I like manuals myself, as I get to pick when to change gears, and the mpg is generally the best. But the automatics are ok, and some "most?" have lock up converters so that helps. The 89 accord that I bought with 150k on it has a 4 speed auto with lock up converter. It could bomb out, but being I don't dog it, it'll probably last a while. If it did, I would probably go find one at a junkyard if money was an issue. The junkyard will warranty it long enough to see if you have a lemon or not.. :/ The difference in

salvage auto trannys and salvage manuals is probably not that great. If the car was owned by a sane person, and it seems to shift right, I wouldn't be afraid to buy it. I would change the fluid right off the bat if it needed it. Thats what I did on mine, and it made it shift better I think. I actually need to change it a couple of more times. You don't get out all the dirty fluid on one change. So you have to cycle the stuff around and do it again.. I still think it's easier than say yanking a pan, filter, etc. With the drain plug, it's as easy as an oil change.
MK

 

[Eric]

No, it isn't.

A broken manual transmission is just that, broken. Automatics on the other hand have a lot of parts that wear out, but can be replaced. Typically, one buys a kit, replaces all the friction materials, and the auto is good to go for a hundred thousand more, assuming that the fluid is replaced at the recommended intervals. When a manual transmission goes, something breaks, and typically pokes a hole in the side of the transmission case, resulting in a total loss, of the transmission anyway.

Not in my experience. I've rebuilt several Honda manual transmissions. They typically just need new bearings, seals, and synchros if they're worn. Honda manual transmissions are very rebuildable.

Eric

 

[TeGGeR®]

I've rebuilt several Honda manual
transmissions. They typically just need new bearings, seals, and synchros if they're worn. Honda manual transmissions are very rebuildable.

Mine has nearly 300K miles on it. I've been mulling over rebuilding it myself, since it's light enough to carry into the basement.

It's fine now except for a bit of noise from the bearings, and my mechanic figures it will probably go another couple of years. An eventual rebuild is inevitable, though.

What special tools would I need besides a hydraulic press?

 

[Earle Horton]

Mine has nearly 300K miles on it. I've been mulling over rebuilding it myself, since it's light enough to carry into the basement.

It's fine now except for a bit of noise from the bearings, and my mechanic figures it will probably go another couple of years. An eventual rebuild is inevitable, though.

What special tools would I need besides a hydraulic press?

Find out if Eric will do the job.

Earle

 

[jim beam]

I am trying to find a good used Honda Civic hatchback with a manual transmission in the Seattle area and so far haven't been having any luck. I have found a few with automatic transmissions. The reason I was looking for a manual is that it's a cheaper repair if/when it breaks than an automatic (this is a car that I want to be able to drive for a long long time) but since it may not be possible to find one I was thinking maybe I should compromise and go for the automatic instead.

Can anyone tell me more about how likely the automatic transmission is to break down, at what approximate mileage range, and how much that repair costs when it happens? Vs. breakdowns and repairs with the manual transmission?

Thanks!

1. civic autos are good for 300k or more if maintained ok and not taken to a rip-off mechanic who'll use the wrong transmission fluid, then tell you jerky shifting [as is what happens with the wrong fluid] is a sign that the transmission is "about to go" and that you should give them $3k to fix the problem "before it gets worse".

2. automatics are a lot more re-saleable.

3. it's cheaper to buy a jdm import transmission than it is to repair any existing one. but again, unless you're looking at a vehicle with very high mileage and intend to be high mileage yourself, civic autos are very reliable so i wouldn't worry about it.

 

[ACAR]

I am trying to find a good used Honda Civic hatchback with a manual transmission in the Seattle area and so far haven't been having any luck.

Kinda hilly in the Seattle area, no? That makes a difference. A well cared for car with an automatic is likely to be cheaper to keep than a manual transmsission car unless you are sure the manual was driven by someone who knew enough not to wear out the clutch.

The Scion tC (coupe) is also a hatch but it's pretty new so even used prices are likely high.

 

[Jacqueline Passey]

Thanks all for the information. I did end up finding one with a manual transmission, so I went with that.