Civic EG

I'm considering buying a 1990 DX hatch with 119K mi. for $400. The seller says his mechanic told him the water pump is going. I'm told the car can be driven but in time it will overheat so it needs to be shut down occasionally along the way. I need to transport it 70 miles. The temperature here in Pennsylvania is staying around freezing during the day when it would be driven. That's all I know now, I'm looking at the car tomorrow night. Any suggestions on (1) what to check out when inspecting the car and (2)whether driving the car is a good idea. I don't care if it takes all day to get it home as long as I don't damage the engine getting it here. What do you think???

Hey I just searched and found Honda has a water pump lubricant that is recommended for noisy water pumps, replace some coolant with it. Anyone have any info on this and think this would help any for the drive home? If I get the car I'm replacing pump and belt pronto.

I'm also considering a '93 sedan with 160k mi. for $700 but I haven't seen it either. It's had the timing belt and water pump already replaced and it has no rust (I'm told) but the body is in need of cosmetics.

just buy 5 or 10 gallons (depending on how bad the leak is) of premixed 50/50 antifreeze and carry them with you on the drive home. All long as you don't lose too much coolant you'll be fine. Maybe stop every 10 miles and check on it. Just be sure that is the actual problem and not the head gasket.

wire the fan on a switch so it is always on and keep the heater blasting to help to keep it cool.

try to inspect first the '93 sedan, maybe it would save you more money in the long run. it only have a $300 difference between the two cars.

I drove my car when i had a leak in my water pump.in stop and go traffic it was fine.it did heat up but not overheat.
But to be safe do what TrailerTrash said so it minimizes the chances of heating.

I had bad bearings in my water pump that caused the pulley to wobble and jam the inside against the block, which snapped the timing belt. Which in turn chipped/bent a valve and involved me getting a new head.

My advice, be very careful.