So... I was looking at getting a Subaru because I need an AWD vehicle and I really like wagons. I could potentially spend up to like $7000, which would easily get me a newer, reliable Suby.

I've been looking at craigslist every day and came across this Civic:
89 civic wagon rt all wheel drive 4wd

I don't know why, but I REALLY want it... I love the old school styling and the fact that it's small and AWD and kind of rare (I guess?).

I like in Tucson now, and if I didn't plan on moving across the country in the spring, I'd probably just go for it. But I'm cautious because I don't want this thing to break down on me in the middle of Nebraska or something. I've never had a Honda and I don't really know what I'd be getting myself into.

I know Hondas are reliable, but how reliable can a vehicle this old really be? Is there any particular maintenance that I should look into?

Any advice about this would be appreciated!

 

I have a 90 Civic that my mom bought new. She gave it to my wife before she died. It only had 100,000 on it & was regularly maintained. If it wasn't free I would of never owned it. They are OK but I have put more money into it than it is worth.
My answer is NO WAY. This guy selling it must live in another world. $2600 for a 200,000 mile, 1989 car, that is worth about $900 TOPS.
Buy a Subaru you'll be much happier in the long run.
I'm sure most on here will disagree with me but I have owned two Honda's in my life of over 65 years & both were money pits.
The 90 Covic I have is OK & fun to drive gets 32-36 mpg I can't keep tires on it, have aligned & replaced front axles, fuel pumps, A/C clutch is gone. it uses oil with 155,000 miles, I replaced the radiator. At 75,000 miles my mom had the Honda dealer go completely through this car new hoses, belts, brakes, timing belt, all fluids, you name it. I over saw what they did.
I can tell you I would never buy another Honda.
My wife teaches school in the Eastern Sierras of California & everyone I know that owns a Subaru drives them to 200,000-300,000 miles with little trouble.
I could of bought a one owner 2000 Subaru Outback with 203,000 highway miles for $2500 a few months ago. It was very clean no dents, interior was perfect. It was regularly maintained.