you might've seen my other post but due to some sudden unexpected life events I have found myself in the process of driving a pretty beat up (rust) 2007 honda fit from philly to seattle. So far it's done alright!! I made it to St Louis where I have a friend to stay with and have a couple days to get some quick work done on it. Saw a mechanic who said it looked like it could make it but recommended some maintenance items, was wondering if y'all think I should try to get any of these things done asap rather than wait till after I finish the trip to seattle where I'm moving.

background info: After buying I had the battery, whole muffler, one engine coil, spark plugs, and starter replaced. It has a leaky gasket where the exhaust manifold connects to the cat. It also has pretty worn engine mounts (I was advised to avoid potholes). It still feels like it shakes a bit at idle and especially around 60 (or when re-accelerating), mechanic told me that was the mounts but I've been told on here I should possibly get the valves checked/adjusted. Also has a small leak in the exhaust system causing an exhaust smell through the vents. Besides that it's driving well so far. Lots of rust on the bottom parts.

The last mechanic I saw recommended the following based on their inspection, but also said it looked like it could probably make it to seattle as is.

-replace brake fluid
-fuel induction service (not sure if this means the valves?)
-replace air filter (obviously this I'll do myself soon, thought the filter looked ok)
-clean battery terminals (will try to get ahold of a wire brush asap)

then like I said there's the advice received here that I get the valves adjusted. And there's that manifold gasket that's leaking, mechanic advised me to wait because with the amount of rust they said the manifold could crumble when replacing the gasket and that would be a longer fix, and it should last fine to Seattle.

Anyway like I said I have a brief window to get some stuff done, grateful for any opinions on what (if anything) to prioritize, wanting to be smart but also spend as little as possible before I can get to where I'm going and find work. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

There are some things on your list that I would consider critical safety issues, but which might cause major headaches on a super-rusty vehicle.

1) Brakes and brake fluid - I can't remember if you mentioned the condition of the brake rotors and pads in your other post, but I wouldn't set out on a long (or short) trip without knowing my brakes functioned perfectly. Similarly, if you don't know when the brake fluid was changed and bled I would do that. However, if the break a bleeder or other brake hardware while attempting to mess with the brakes you will be very sad.

2) Exhaust leak - the cabin air intake is located on the passenger side of the engine, basically in front of the glove box. The exhaust manifold is just left and below that. If you're smelling exhaust in the cabin you are also breathing carbon monoxide which has consequences ranging from getting a mild headache to getting dead. I would assume the smell and amount of exhaust/carbon monoxide entering the cabin is reduced on the highway (vs city traffic), but I personally wouldn't chance it. However, as you have suggested, messing with rusty exhaust components can be a slippery slope to despair.

As for basic maintenance stuff, it all comes down to what your plans are for the car. If you're just trying to make it the rest of the way across the country you can probably make it as is. If you're thinking this car is going to be useful for some extended amount of time then you will have to do repairs and maintenance eventually, in which case it would make sense to do them now to increase your chances of success and reduce your risk of catastrophe.

 

thanks Drew, once again this is very helpful. at very least I think I'll try to get the brake fluid flushed, and maybe ask them if they can do a valve adjustment though those look like they can get a bit pricey so I'll see about their estimate. the exhaust leak does go away on the highway and is only when the air is on and set to fresh air, so I think is a postponeable issue for now.

 

Just FYI, you can pick up a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector for $20-30 at Home Depot, Lowe's, or Walmart. It might be cheap insurance and you can reuse it where ever you end up living.