Help me find out the problem

[GasSavers_BIBI]

Ok so I did tried a civic vx 92 with 94 000 miles and the owners ask 2500$. The car looks clean, no rust and interior is ok. The wings of the back have been repainted this summer. The front brake will have to be changed. The alternator is new, gas tank too. The distributor seems to have no more than 2 years, and the radiator too. The engine is running very well and car started easily.

BUT, their is a problem. First of all, in neutral, the idle is erratic, 1000rpm to 1400rpm to 1000rpm on and on. Second of all, when accelerating, the car will severally hesitated and the car seems like to bug and you need to push the throttle. Its probably not just the engine going in lean burn mode. The spark plugs have been changed and might not be the good ones, but I don't think its only that, maybe the O2 sensor, but there is know check engine. So I'm wondering what could it be to see of the car worth it, or if the problem is too major. Anyone have a thought on this?

[GasSavers_BIBI]

I forgot to mention, when the car is in 5th gear at 50-55 mph, the car is running normal.

[SVOboy]

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[jwxr7]

could the check engine light be burned out, or does it come on like it should (key in run with engine off)?

[bfg9000d]

I would get the codes ran on it even if the check engine light does not come on. seems like these civic vx have all kinds of problems. I'm almost willing to bet their are codes on that car.

[GasSavers_TomO]

Bouncy idle is more than likely the IACV (Intake Air Control Valve). There is a How-to posted if you search for IACV on here. There is a small chance that there is a vacuum leak causing it too, but my money is on the IACV.

I bet the wrong spark plugs are in the car as well.

$2500 isn't a bad price for the miles, but what do you mean by "The wings of the back have been repainted"? Do you mean the car had rust and it has been repaired on the rear quarter panels?

[SVOboy]

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