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To buy or not to buy...03 Civic Hybrid

Created June 28, 2009, at 1:05 pm by Bubble

I test drove a 2003 Civic Hybrid, automatic transmission with 110K miles on it.

I immediately noticed the "judder". I didn't know it was called that at the time. I thought I needed to go easy on the gas pedal, but no matter how lightly i pressed it, the car juddered at every startup. Also, I noticed a definite pull to one side.

I liked everything else about the car and attributed the two things listed above to the age of the car. But, reading the blogs here, I am really concerned.

The overall carfax is clean. The maintenance records are very limited and show that the routine oil changes have been done. The car passed all emission inspections, including the last one in 2008.

I am reading about all the possible parts that may need to be replaced such as the 2 catalytic converters, the battery, etc. One of the bloggers (Greg, Honda Mech) said that owners should sell the car at about 110K!

I would appreciate any feedback from 03 civic Hybrid owners. How are your cars doing now after 6-7 years? Do you think I should buy this car?

Fareeha

2 years ago

I bought a 2003 Civic a approximately 141k miles. it has about 150k now. it drives well, but it has teh same issues. cat converter and o2 sensor. the IMA battery has come on a couple times but the car has given me no trouble. i get about 40-45 mpg.
and yes, it does jerk but changing the transmission fluid every once in a while, it makes it better.

how much are you getting it for?

Anonymous

2 years ago

I have an 03 with 196,000 miles on it. It has the same problems juddering in the transmission, this was a recalled item but my car had to many miles to have it replaced. Also, the batteries are now needing to be replaced IMA light is always on. I would not purchase one with high miles, due to future problems, especially since the batteries will go out eventually and cost around $3000 to replace.

philip1111

2 years ago

The Honda CIVIC of which you are talking is considered a good
car!!
The jugger of which you are talking might be because of some problem in the fearing system!!
You might it checked!!
----------------------------
philip1111
foreclosure auctions

michelleb83

2 years ago

I am considering an 03 civic hybrid with manual transmission. I was wondering if anyone knew if the "judder" problem occurs in the manual transmission as well.

Thanks,
Michelle

Anonymous

2 years ago

I have an '03 manual transmission, now at 94K mi. and I have no idea what this "judder" issue is - so my car, at least, doesn't do it. Until now, the only problem I had with it was a couple years ago the egr valve had to be replaced (caused some jerking/surging during the time the original was going bad) - cost about $250. Otherwise it had been a great car, avg 48mpg hwy and 40mpg city.

The current issue is the IMA battery light came on and it was due to IMA battery deterioration. I was pretty mad, since this is very expensive and I'm beyond the warranty. To my huge relief American Honda agreed to cover 99% of the replacement cost; I just got it back with a brand new battery for $32.

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