I'm looking at buying a 98 Civic, but according to the owner it really doesn't make "hot" heat. Any ideas on what might be causing this? It's had the engine, heater core, and radiator flushed, along with a new water pump and thermostat installed.
Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

may just need a hotter opening thermostat.

 

It's got a 195 degree thermostat in it. I took it for a test drive yesterday, and the temp gauge went to just short of half way and stayed there the entire time. That test drive was about a 1/2 hour long, included both 35 mph driving, 45 mph and even getting it up to 70 at times. The car ran really good, but the gauge never went up or down once it got to that spot. The heat never really felt "hot" either (like my wife's Accord gets).

I may pass on it though, as it seems like it's a little hard for me to get into and out of. Maybe I'm just used to sitting a little higher off the floor.

 

I would try a 185 thermostat next.

 

I'll make the suggestion to the owner. Maybe he'll try it.

At this point I've got a line on a 97 Accord, which I'm seriously looking at buying. In fact later today I'm going to see it and talk with the owner some more. I really do prefer the slightly larger car (we already have a 2000 Accord which is my wife's car), as I'm not getting any younger, and the Civic seems like I'm sitting on the floor (hard for me to get in/out of).
Thank you for your suggestions and help.

 

Just a follow up, I did end up buying the 97 Accord instead. Now, we have 2 Accords here in the family.