I have just moved to the US from the UK and am SHOCKED at the MPG that Americans think are good and for that reason we have purchased one used 2006 civic that we love, but we need another car just to have to run around town in, as the bus system here is quite lacking. We only have about $2000 cash to spend and someone suggested a hatchback older civic. My question is that we want to purchase a '91 4 -oor hatchback with 189,000 miles on it. The dealer wants $2395 and I think that is a bit high, based on the blue book. Its a manual transmission and the a/c was just repaired, as we live in Texas, this is important. I have driven it once and it seemed fine, but I wanted to ask any one'e here if they have an opinion on the price and any thing mechanical I would need to look out for or ask about? I am very appreciative of any info offered as I am doing this rather blindly. But have fallen in love with our other civic!

Kind regards, kat

 

The 1992 to 1995 generation (all those years are basically the same car) gets better mpg than the 1991 and is overall a little better. Look for one of those instead. I'd readily pay $2500 for one in good condition, but $2300 for a 1991 is a little steep.

 

Ok, I will keep looking around....thank you for the heads up! Better gas mileage is our goal!!! If you know of any mechanical work that should be addressed for those year, let me know. For example I know the timing belts were a bit of an issue over in the UK.

K

 

Timing belts are also an issue here in the US. Replace them as recommended or risk killing the engine if it breaks.

I'd look for something like a 92-95 Civic VX hatch with the original engine. If I recall, that was the most fuel efficient civic of that generation.

(And I agree. "Good" gas mileage in the US is crap compared to European standards.)

 

As you get an older car it gets harder to find parts. I have a 91 and its not to bad. But espescially aftermarket parts the market is so much bigger for 92-95 and up. Easier for swaps etc.