Im kind of concerned that it may not last because it has a rather high mileage. I would be buying it from a dealer and trading in my 02 Cavalier with 80,000 miles to put towards it. I have seen the carfax report on this Civic, there has only been 1 owner of the vehichle and it has no major issues (according to the carfax report).
But I dont know if I should be doing this. I really want the Civic. It looks really nice--it was obviously taken well care of by the previous and only owner. So, for 6400 is this a deal? Im worried that if I do buy it the timing belt could go at any time--I have no way of telling if it has baan changed before. I also dont know a whole lot about cars anyways, so I really am in need of some fruitful advice. Everyone tells me that it isnt unusual for a Civic to last up to 250,000 miles without major problems. I
I need real, professional, and non-biased advice, please!.
2007-12-23 17:07:04 · 14 answers · asked by CaliDude 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Prepare to have the timing belt changed if they do not know when the last one was done! Honda says change it at 50,000 miles, but at $700 (mostly labor) a lot of people would rather sell than have it changed.
A motor mount needs to be removed to get to it. You *should* change the water pump while you are into it!
Oh, and these are the most often stolen cars of all time.
2007-12-23 17:47:56 · answer #1 · answered by mdcbert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hah, a car with 100K and they STILL want 6K for it? You gotta be kidding me.
I bought my last vehicle, a '94 Ford Aerostar (it's a shortbody minivan) with 3.0L V-6 for $1250, and it has 92K miles only. And I can seat 7 AND carry a little cargo. Spent a little to fix up a few things, but so far still spend less than $2500 (not counting gas)
What are you trading down? Your Cavalier ain't a fuel guzzler and doesn't look THAT bad. It just doesn't have the rep as a toy racer like the Civic does.
Personally unless I know the owner personally I wouldn't touch a car with 100K miles, no matter how nice the history says. For all you know this guy have had the tranny replaced three times and clutch five times since he's a clutch-dragger. That sort of things don't show up on Carfax, just insurance claims and such stuff.
2007-12-24 01:48:01 · answer #2 · answered by Kasey C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, the timing belt should have been changed I believe every 75,000k and a sticker (Metal) will be attatched to engine with miles and date. If this was not done watch out as it is now 700.00 and may have damage if not changed earlier. Second this car new was approx. 10,000.00 so you should be paying maybe 3,000 from a dealer (New car dealer) and know that it had to pass safety inspection by law and a clean carfax is desired. Also your car got an inspection service where oil change and viual and diag is done. ( dealer Fee you ask?) At $3,000.00 money has to come from somewhere. This car also could be a little old lady who serviced car according to manual to a "T" and is worth 5,000.00 even though it is high. Honda, and I am not biased, makes good cars. You could get 250,000 miles.
2007-12-24 02:35:39 · answer #3 · answered by 12pleze 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recently bought a 94 Civic with 102,000 miles and it has been a nightmare! Don't do it. Honda engines are reliable. But that is too many miles for that year and definitely too much money to pay for it. Even if the owner gives you a deal, you're better off looking for the same year with less miles, and it would cost about the same as your current offer.
2007-12-24 04:37:17 · answer #4 · answered by macrosfear 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never trade down. Trading in an 02 with 80k for a 98 with 105k makes no sense whatsoever. And that price is ridiculous. Keep looking, I'm sure you can find another Civic with less mileage for a better price.
2007-12-24 02:35:19 · answer #5 · answered by Mike 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your choice of vehicle is excellent but your dealing with a car 10 years old and $6000. range is a lot of coin unless you will get at least 3 to 4 years service with no major problems.
Here are the steps I would start with, study this link http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html from there make deal " written " subject to an independent inspection, should you not be allowed you must walk away from the deal.
Another area of concern should be how you deal with your trade getting fair value, study the web page " whats my trade worth " to get an understanding how dealer appraises your Cavalier .
With a little homework on your part study the site, you will not become an expert over night but you will pick up a few pointers, it's free advice with no strings attached, good luck
2007-12-24 02:09:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
kbb.com will give you a price quote for your area. For a car that is 10 years old, the mileage is not that high. If the repair history is good, it will go another 100K or more as long as you take care of it. Price is a bit steep; my son paid $6K for a Civic 2 years ago.
2007-12-24 01:28:46 · answer #7 · answered by Huba 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Miles are Ok, but come on, paying 6400 dollars for a ten year old car is a lot.
If your Cavalier is running, keep it, you will be saving a lot of money.
2007-12-24 03:39:09 · answer #8 · answered by wazup1971 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Too much mileage for that car. Keep looking, and never buy a car wit such great mileage from a dealer.
2007-12-24 02:42:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i purchased a 96 civic EX coupe with 100,000 miles on it, for 3,800... in good or great condition, check local things or criagslist if they have it for your city. Mine is one owner, but if you get a CD player then get one with a detatchable face, because mine got broken into for a 100$ one. my timing belt got replaced a few months ago, it costs about 350 in CA. i dont know for your state, ive had mine for a year and put about 700 into it. good luck and if you have more questions feel free to email me :D
2007-12-24 19:58:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋