We are in the USA. Granddaughter is looking to buy her first car. She is
talking Honda Civic. Don't know why, but she believes that is what she
wants. She will have about $5,000 (US) to spend. I lean toward something
not more than 5 years old. Haven't started looking but thought I would ask
this group for opinions re: a Civic. Are all Civics created equal or are
there certain models/years to stay away from?

Thanks for any help.

Tell her never to fall in love with something that can not love back.
Civics are great. So are Corollas, Camry's and Accords. Look for the best
one for the price she can afford to pay.


"DodgeDriver" <wingnut (AT) invalid (DOT) net> wrote

"jim beam" <spamvortex (AT) bad (DOT) example.net> wrote

Thanks for the info. I have not started to shop so didn't realy have any
idea as to the price range for used civics.

Been there and done that. Thanks for the reminder. If granddaughter wants
a civic, and an accord (for example) is a better buy, grandmother will be an
obstacle that must be overcome.


"Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE (AT) mindspring (DOT) com> wrote

On Feb 26, 5:17 pm, "DodgeDriver" <wing... (AT) invalid (DOT) net> wrote:

$5k will buy you a 10 or so year old Civic here in NJ... I like them a
lot but was looking at Accords for my son (I wanted a little larger
car to compete with the SUV's). We ended up with a '99 Subaru Legacy
with AWD that he likes a lot. Paid well under $5k for it, too...

In addition to what the others have said, stay away from any car that
has been 'upgraded' with aftermarket air intakes, wheels, headlight/
taillights, etc. As you'll see, Civics are very popular with the tuner
crowd, but many of them have stuff added with no thought of how it
will work, just how it will look (or sound). Also look for one with
mechanical records, and preferably with the timing belt replaced.

Dan D
'07 Ody EX
Central NJ USA

"Dano58" <dan.dibiase (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

morning.

On Feb 26, 2:17 pm, "DodgeDriver" <wing... (AT) invalid (DOT) net> wrote:
For $5k I'd buy an american over a jap car anyday.
Much better value and reliability because $5k buys you a dilapidated
jap car and an american car in very good shape.
Unless your daughter is a mechanic or runs a repair shop
I won't advise to buy a desirable fun car for that kind of
money. I suggest to get something some boring piece of junk that won't
fall apart next day.

Speaking of that, are 07 and 08 Civics any better than 06s
reliability wise?

On Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:12:34 -0800, isquat wrote:

You smoke crack, don't you? 5K buys you an older jap car that still runs
longer and more reliably than the newer american scrap...

There are no 08 civics (or anything else). There have been no reliability
problems with 06 civics. Hell, my Si is almost a year old, and there has
not been a single recall for it. I don't remember ever having an American
car with no recalls...

<isquat (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

At $5K either a Japanese or American make can be a good deal, but either
will certainly need some attention in the years to come. Depending on where
you live, it can be hard to find a decent Honda or Toyota for $5K that is
less than seven or eight years old. With the American makes 5 years is
reasonable.

Definitely ask about specific cars (model and year) on the appropriate
newsgroups. The common experiences are going to be typical of what you can
expect and you will get warnings to check on various things. Ignore those at
your own risk!

One last word - if the engine uses a timing belt (and most engines from the
years you are looking at do) expect it to need changing immediately. Unless
you can get help from a serious DIYer expect to pay in the $500 range for
that.

Okay - my own prejudice... I don't like the reliability of Dodge/Chrysler
used cars.

Mike

"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull (AT) cybertrails (DOT) com> wrote

I have just started looking at prices and looks like she might have to spend
more than planned.