help with possible buy

[johnnybate]

hello,

im new to the honda section of af, but i am here to get some help, and i would greatly appreciate any insight you guys can give me.

im currently looking for a new vehicle and the civic hatches have seemed to catch my eye recently, so in my search i came along what seems to be a nice find.

the ad read as follows:

1996 civic hatch
"black,150k mi,air,5spd std, alloys, jdm front and rear, lip and spoiler, black housed HID high and low. ACT clutch,intake,17", coil overs." -$3300obo

i havent gone to look at the car yet, probably heading down to check it out this weekend. but im wondering what i should look for.

1. how long can i expect the original timing belt to last? at 150k should i expect to see it has or should have been replaced allready?

2. ive been able to find that im probably looking at a CX with the d15b block non vtec sohc. whats the known life of these motors, and what kind of power can i expect to get out of it with some more bolt ons?

3. what kind of rust issues should i be especially wary of?

again i appreciate any information anybody can shed, im trying to sift through my own research on it, and i suppose basically im looking to find out if 3300 is a good price for the 'work' that seems to have been done to it.

i appologize for my first post here being questions im sure most of you have dealt numerous times with before. but i know nothing about these cars and would appreciate a more 'expert' view

Thanks in Advance
jbate

[bluevp00]

1. Honda recommends that the timing belt be replaced at 100K miles, so if it's at 150K already, change it right away.

2. With good care, the motors will easily last over 300,000 miles. It's probably around 100-105 HP stock, with some bolt ons you might be able to get it up to 120 hp.

3. I haven't had any rust issues with my car yet and its been through 7 winters. I've waxed it at least once a year though.