- #16 of 55
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Re: thinking to buy a '95 Civic [bialy]
by dewaltdakota
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Aug 26, 2006 (8:04 am)
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Replying to: bialy (Aug 25, 2006 8:19 pm)
22mpg is very low for a Civic. You don't say whether it's a stick or auto tranny, but you should easily be getting at least 30mpg in a 1995 LX Sedan. Given the condition of the body, and the fact they've already had to replace the engine, it sounds like your neighbor has been pounding this car pretty hard. I'd wonder what else is on the edge of failure.
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- #17 of 55
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Re: thinking to buy a '95 Civic [dewaltdakota]
by bialy
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Aug 26, 2006 (3:42 pm)
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Replying to: dewaltdakota (Aug 26, 2006 8:04 am)
Dewalt, it's an automatic. That's what I was thinking -- 22mpg is very low. And after reading these boards I was telling my hubby that some of you are getting 30 so it's difficult to understand why this one is only getting 22. Fortunately, however, I did speak to our mechanic who said he would look over the car. He made it seem like the car isn't worth $2750, he said that's what it should get if it's in top shape. He suggested a price of $1500, but at 22 mpg I'm not sure I want to spend even that much. And he also said he wanted to see documentation about the motor, etc. and any other work the owner had done to the car. Then a friend mentioned that I should find out where the owner got the motor and how much mileage it had on it when he put it in the car. The mechanic confirmed that 22 mpg is what the 95 Civic should get. And my friend, who owns an 88 Civic said that hers is getting about that right now. But hers is about ready to fall apart she thinks. Yet you and others say it should get more. When I added up the difference of dollars between 22 and 30 mpg each year running maybe 12,000 miles, it comes to hundreds of dollars. I am so confused and don't know how to look for an older Civic that might be reasonably priced. Thanks for your answer.
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- #18 of 55
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Re: thinking to buy a '95 Civic [bialy]
by dewaltdakota
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Aug 26, 2006 (7:59 pm)
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Replying to: bialy (Aug 26, 2006 3:42 pm)
I had a '92 Civic Si hatchback 5spd stick that would get 32-33 around town and 39-41 on the highway. I then had a '94 Civic EX sedan that was 33-35 around town, and 41-42 highway. My 2001 Civic EX Sedan ran about the same numbers as my '94. Even Edmunds reports the EPA numbers for the 1995 auto at 29 and 36mpg (and I've always gotten higher than EPA estimates on my Hondas). I just don't see 22 coming from any place good. The automatic would only drop you 2-3mpg at most, if you want to compare an auto to my (stick) numbers.
As a side note: there's a big difference between the 1988 Civic and a 1995 Civic, and not just the obvious 7+ years.
A couple of things to keep in mind: a) Just because an engine was swapped out, doesn't mean that the replacement engine was remanufactured to the OEM specs. It could have been one that someone yanked from another car, without rebuilding. b) The engine may have been replaced, but how much more useful life does the transmission have? Honda engines are pretty bulletproof. It's usually the rest of the car that falls apart around it (after a long, fruitful life, mind you).
Having the mechanic go over the maintenance records for the car, as well as any info that can be provided, regarding the source of the replacement engine, would be a wise move. To me though, it appears you're looking for confirmation from someone else, to say it's okay to walk away from this one. If you're not feeling right about it, I say go with your gut feeling. There are other cars out there.
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- #19 of 55
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Re: thinking to buy a '95 Civic [dewaltdakota]
by bialy
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Aug 27, 2006 (7:21 pm)
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Replying to: dewaltdakota (Aug 26, 2006 7:59 pm)
Thank you. Perhaps I am looking for a confirmation to walk away, and I have a mechanic that already told me he wants documentation, etc., and questions answered from the person selling the car. So I feel somewhat secure. However, I am learning a very interesting question in re: cars. When buying a car with as little money as possible it is a difficult and grueling decision. Thank you for your input.
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- #20 of 55
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RE: Walk away
by makoamaile
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Sep 08, 2006 (9:44 pm)
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Replying to: bialy (Aug 27, 2006 7:21 pm)
If your looking for confirmation to walk away then you already know what to do. That low mileage is unheard of in a Civic of any year. The engine probably shot and you'll put more than what you paid just to replace and maintain. You can find a better deal for the same. I'm shopping for a good used one myself with little to spend. What state do you live in?
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- #21 of 55
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RE: Walk away [makoamaile]
by bialy
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Sep 08, 2006 (10:35 pm)
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Replying to: makoamaile (Sep 08, 2006 9:44 pm)
Hi. I live in Florida. I just bought a 2001 Civic for $5800 from a private guy who was moving overseas. I questioned him several times about the car, his usage of it, and I felt I could believe him. He bought the car certified from a big local dealer less than 1 year ago (showed me the paper work), although it has almost 150,000 miles on it. I felt after comparing similar Civics that I got a pretty good deal. I hope I'm right. Thanks for asking, I hope you find something good. Next time I do this I hope I have the time to first check out the local dealers and see what they offer me. It is a nerve-wracking situation to buy a car. 
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- #22 of 55
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RE: Walk away [bialy]
by pat HOST
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Sep 09, 2006 (6:01 am)
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Replying to: bialy (Sep 08, 2006 10:35 pm)
Congrats on your new ride. Hope everything works out with it.
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- #23 of 55
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RE: Walk away [pat]
by bialy
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Sep 09, 2006 (2:52 pm)
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Replying to: pat (Sep 09, 2006 6:01 am)
Thanks! So far so good, I hope of course that it doesn't break down on me right away. There are some spots on the surface, faded paint spots and I bought some wax today but that didn't clear it up. The manual said I could go to Honda & get exact match paint. Should I try this, or is there a board for this sort of thing?
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- #24 of 55
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RE: Walk away [bialy]
by pat HOST
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Sep 10, 2006 (7:56 am)
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Replying to: bialy (Sep 09, 2006 2:52 pm)
You might find some advice in the Civic Care & Maintenance discussion - check it out.
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- #25 of 55
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'02 Civic LX
by kwahraps
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Mar 05, 2007 (7:08 am)
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Greetings all.
Just purchased an '02 Civic LX 2D Coupe at a Honda dealership.
48,000 miles
KBB value of about $12,200
Certified Honda price at the dealer was $12,700.
Clearance price : $9,999
Trade in ('94 Mercury Sable, 100K miles) : $750
Tax and Tags : $700
So, basically I closed the deal on the car for just under $10k. Carfax states that the car had one owner, was leased for 3 years, appears to be normal mileage for that span, and was purchased by the dealership in December '06. After failing to sell at $12,700, they issued the clearance price and I felt I needed to jump on it.
Our salesman stated that the '02-'04 Civic LX lines are basically identical. Anyone have opinions on this statement? And should I have any pause for concern on this deal? Thank you for your time.
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