I see it all the time, and basically the same info is given. So here is a post on what to look for when you come across a Civic for sale.


To find out if the car is being offered at a fair and reasonable price, check out these sites.

http://www.kbb.com/(not a favorite)

http://www.edmunds.com/(good site)

http://www.nadaguides.com/

You can also see what people sell em for on autotrader.com or www.ebay.com

Be sure to run a CARFAX to find out the history of the car. Owners, accidents, theft, mileage check and so on.

From time to time we have free ones offered, keep an eye out on the site.

Please note that if the car you are looking at has a turbo, supercharger, nos, or even bolt ons that it should not be a sign to pay a higher price. Cars lose value when modified. The person probably drove the car harder or used it at road course events, 1/4, autox.

Don't worry about a car that has high mileage. We have discussed many times that Hondas are not affected as long as maintence was kept up to date.

The most important thing to look at when a car is at 80+k miles is if the Timing belt/water pump service was done. This is the key maintence for the longevity of our motors.

Ask for maintence records. Oil changes, tune ups, valve adjustments, and so on.

Have the car cheked out at your local dealer where they can put it on a lift and get a full view of the undercarrige. A compression test, and leakdown test give a great idea of what condition the engine is in.

Your spending a lot of money, so be sure you check the car out fully before you buy it. Make sure the price is fair. Lastly don't be shy, ask all the questions you want.

If your unsure after looking at it yourself, bring a friend or family member that knows cars, or just bring it to your service center/Honda dealer.

If you found a 1996 Civic EX in stock condition, and clean with 85k miles for $7,500 with no maintence records. Then found the same car for $6,800, same color with 135k miles and had every record since day one get the car with 135k.

If a car has noticable damage, such as dents, scratches, the famous rear fender rot, ask about it and haggle the price down a little.

I have come to the conclusion that everyone wants a great deal and you have to realize the demand for these cars, and how reliable they are. Be fair and expect them to be fair as well.

I suggest buying one that is stock or mildly modified so you can be the one to make it how you like. Purchasing someone elses headache is never a good idea.

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-Kevin