Acquiring another VX

[1993CivicVX]

The body of my current VX that I got in '07 is rotting away. The car has quite a few problems despite still driving great. All of the problems are readily fixable, tho, but will cost a fair amount of money (like a new clutch) but since I may have found a great deal on a "new" VX, I may retire my current one.

I may be acquiring another VX that looks to be in great shape. The only red flag about the car that I can tell from my conversation with the owner is that he claims to get mileage only in the 30s (rather than 40s or 50s). I've already had the seller check to make sure the O2 sensor is a 5 wire and it is. Otherwise here is the checklist of questions I've started.

Does the stick have a lot of travel in neutral (no more bushings).
Make sure all gears engage smoothly
Do a cold start test: have my friend film the exhaust when the car starts. Any blue smoke? (Owner claims the car doesn't burn oil, which would be impressive for the amount of miles on it)
How's the idle when the car is warm? Does it idle at 500 or 800+?
Check tire tread.
How does the engine look under the hood? Is it rusted to hell?
Check for any rust on the under carriage. How does the muffler look?
Does the Shift Indicator Light still work?
Have the valves ever been adjusted?
Maybe ask him to take it for a spin to see how he drives it...

I asked him about why he only getting 30s mpg and he said advertised economy is one thing, real world is quite another. He asked what I get in my car and I told him I regularly return 40s, 50s and 60s. I asked him how many miles he gets to a tank and he says he never checks, so I'm hoping the 30s mpg he came up with is dubious. He gives the impression the car is very well cared for and said he has owned the car since 1994.

Anything else I should ask?
cheers,

[Rusty94cx]

No you've got one and driven one you should know what to look for. Dragging brakes funny tire wear. Bad 1-2 syncros. Coul even be the wrong ecu or wrong 02 still a 5 wire. Ask if any check engine lights are on and if it comes on when starting the car.

[Rusty94cx]

Empty your pm box. Sell me your 2nd set of vx wheels pretty pretty please. Thanks

[1993CivicVX]

If I buy the car I'll consider it! Thanks. I deleted some messages. Should be able to take a few PMs now. Thanks for the tire wear suggestion, that is a good one!

[1993CivicVX]

Well, I'm buying the car. Comes with a new sound system, rear speakers, a bra, new custom paint job, custom sewn VX "logos" on the part of the seats that get ripped, runs perfect, purrs like a kitten.

The guy says he was getting 35mpg, but he also said he is running the tires at 28psi. And the way he drives, I'm not surprised he gets 35mpg, he likes to drive at high revs. Well, excited to actually get the thing home, although I'm not very clear on all the logistics of trading over ownership and insurance to the vehicle, and my license is expired and I live 2 hour drive from the guy.

[IndyFetch]

Pics!

[1993CivicVX]

[Rusty94cx]

Nice vx not my pic on the paint but better than rust. Ild take out, and I'm planning to do it on my new one, take out all rear interior plastics and por15 or some type of rustproofing done. They rot from the inside out so protect them before there is a problem. What are you gonna do with the old one? I need those wheels and a 5 wire and cat as mine has been hollowed out. Sell it as is? Keep as spare? Part it out?

[Rusty94cx]

In Ohio you get title notarized and buy tags regular or 30 day. Call your insurance and tell them vin and that's about it. Or get notarized title a must put your plates on it and drive it home. Is it in the same state you live? some states require and inspection.

[1993CivicVX]

Bought the car!! I'm sooooooo excited!

Rare Honda Civic VX 5 speed