Having hard time finding '04-'05 Civic at a good price

Slickone

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 1999
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I've been looking for a 2004-2005 Civic EX coupe auto for a couple months now, but can't find any individuals selling, and all the dealers on cars.com and autotrader are asking at least blue book or much higher, some up to $20,000. Do a search yourself and you'll see many for $16, $17, $18K, or more, which is crazy considering for about $18,000 or so, I could get a brand new, all new design/generation '06 EX. Or, for even less, an '06 LX auto, which is now comparable, or better, to the previous generation EX (incl. features, performance, MPG, and the car itself (looks)). Even the base DX now has some of the features of the previous gen EX. Some people are buying new '06 LX's with auto for $16,450-16,700, some a bit higher. I also heard of someone buying a used '06 LX with 15-20K miles for about $14,000. And I could wait just a couple months for an '07 for probably about these prices.

Most of you will say, so get an '06 fool! But I'd still like to have an 04-05 if I could get one cheap enough. I'm thinking $12K, maybe even including TTL and doc fees. Think that's possible? If not, what do you think the very best I could do would be?
I sent out a bunch of offers for $11K, and $11.5 (depending on the car), and only got half replies back, of which all said no. I got answers like "So you're offering $11K for an $18K car?", "KBB/blue book is ____ (ie. ~$17K) on this car" (most said this), and one even said "Let me know when you have a realistic offer". Thing is, the car didn't even sell new for what many of the dealers are asking. Supposedly in Sept '05 (when the '06 came out), people were buying brand new '05's for about $14,000 with 5 spd and $14,800 with auto, because of incentives. But even MSRP was like $16-$17K.
And the above mentioned high prices many dealers are asking aren't just '05's, but even '04's (car could be 3 years old) with 30-50K miles. Probably 03's too.

What about getting them to include shipping? Will they? Do they get better rates? How much does it usually cost to ship a car, say 200-300 miles? I live in TN (if you search, try zip 37203), and there don't seem to be as many for sale around here as up north (or Texas!). We also have that wonderful 9.25% tax.
 

PAB

Banned
Dec 4, 2002
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I'm a dealer, and due to gas - civics are pulling mad money.

You're not going to touch any civic cheap until gas hits $2 again.

KBB is a complete waste. Don't use it. Anyone that does is retarded. The only time I use KBB is when i'm selling something or talking to an insurer and need absolute top dollar.

You're not going to get shipping included. Any volume dealer has transport connections, and the going rate can be up to $1.25 a mile with diesel as high as it is.

If you buy in another state, you may be liable for 9.25% again, when you register it.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
Good luck.

Fuel prices have driven the resale values through the roof on high demand fuel sippers.

Civics
Corollas
VW Diesels

It's a sellers market on those cars right now. The only way you'll get a decent deal is by going private party sales on a car that somebody needs to desperately unload.
 

amdskip

Lifer
Jan 6, 2001
22,530
13
81
Yeah, it's common sense right now. Good gas mileage cars are in high demand!
 

Xyclone

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
10,312
0
76
I'm thinking about buying an older car for a first car, like under $3K. As long as it runs ok and doesn't look like a piece of crap I would be interested. It must have great mileage (Jap/Ger car), anyone recommend anything? <2000 Civic? Integra? Maxima? etc. Sorry for hijacking the thread OP but it's kind of on topic. :)
 

DougK62

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2001
8,035
6
81
Why do you want a newer Civic like that? There are other options that are cheaper to buy , get just as good or better fuel economy, will be much cheaper to insure, etc.

Civics hold their value way more than they deserve to.

 

Slickone

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 1999
6,120
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I realize the cars are in demand because of gas prices, but how could they charge similar prices to brand new, 8th gen. 06's? Are some people stupid enough not to check '06 prices before paying that much for a used 7th gen 04-05 (that gets 2-3 less MPG among other things)?

Originally posted by: PAB
I'm a dealer, and due to gas - civics are pulling mad money.

You're not going to touch any civic cheap until gas hits $2 again.

KBB is a complete waste. Don't use it. Anyone that does is retarded. The only time I use KBB is when i'm selling something or talking to an insurer and need absolute top dollar.

You're not going to get shipping included. Any volume dealer has transport connections, and the going rate can be up to $1.25 a mile with diesel as high as it is.

If you buy in another state, you may be liable for 9.25% again, when you register it.
I've heard others say that about KBB, but it seems most dealers are using prices as high as KBB, and as I said some have even stated KBB price in their reply. Some have also said blue book. Is that different from KBB?

BTW, I wasn't implying trying to get around our tax rate. That's not why I'm searching other states too.
 

Slickone

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 1999
6,120
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Originally posted by: DougK62
Why do you want a newer Civic like that? There are other options that are cheaper to buy , get just as good or better fuel economy, will be much cheaper to insure, etc.

Civics hold their value way more than they deserve to.
I haven't found anything else that I like. Or else they lack some important feature I want. I'm planning on taking long trips too and want something very reliable.
 

DougK62

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2001
8,035
6
81
Originally posted by: Slickone
Originally posted by: DougK62
Why do you want a newer Civic like that? There are other options that are cheaper to buy , get just as good or better fuel economy, will be much cheaper to insure, etc.

Civics hold their value way more than they deserve to.
I haven't found anything else that I like. Or else they lack some important feature I want. I'm planning on taking long trips too and want something very reliable.

Lots of newer cars are just as reliable.

But if it's the only one in that class that you're comfortable in there isn't much you can do...

 

daveshel

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
5,453
2
81
Originally posted by: Slickone
Originally posted by: DougK62
Why do you want a newer Civic like that? There are other options that are cheaper to buy , get just as good or better fuel economy, will be much cheaper to insure, etc.

Civics hold their value way more than they deserve to.
I haven't found anything else that I like. Or else they lack some important feature I want. I'm planning on taking long trips too and want something very reliable.

And you won't either. Not with gat at $3+/gal.

Civics hold their value really well. If they didn't deserve to, the market would not support high prices, and the prices would fall. Thus the rule: never buy a used import.
 

Suture

Senior member
Sep 17, 2003
454
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Good luck getting one of the newer Civics at suggested retail price, or close to it. I've been helping my sister's boyfriend find a second car so he doesn't have to drive his Dodge Ram monster truck everywhere. One of the cars we've been looking specifically for is a Civic, but when we looked at the new Civic LX (4 door sedan) we couldn't find one with less than a $3000 markup.
 

Slickone

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 1999
6,120
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Originally posted by: Suture
Good luck getting one of the newer Civics at suggested retail price, or close to it. I've been helping my sister's boyfriend find a second car so he doesn't have to drive his Dodge Ram monster truck everywhere. One of the cars we've been looking specifically for is a Civic, but when we looked at the new Civic LX (4 door sedan) we couldn't find one with less than a $3000 markup.
No, it is possible. Do not pay any markup. Some dealers try to pull that markup crap, or even ones saying they have to charge MSRP, but if they do just go somewhere else. Look on Edmunds forums and you'll see many people getting them for what I said in the OP (less than MSRP). Though you won't get invoice or below like you can on some cars.

 

PAB

Banned
Dec 4, 2002
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Originally posted by: Slickone
I realize the cars are in demand because of gas prices, but how could they charge similar prices to brand new, 8th gen. 06's? Are some people stupid enough not to check '06 prices before paying that much for a used 7th gen 04-05 (that gets 2-3 less MPG among other things)?

Originally posted by: PAB
I'm a dealer, and due to gas - civics are pulling mad money.

You're not going to touch any civic cheap until gas hits $2 again.

KBB is a complete waste. Don't use it. Anyone that does is retarded. The only time I use KBB is when i'm selling something or talking to an insurer and need absolute top dollar.

You're not going to get shipping included. Any volume dealer has transport connections, and the going rate can be up to $1.25 a mile with diesel as high as it is.

If you buy in another state, you may be liable for 9.25% again, when you register it.
I've heard others say that about KBB, but it seems most dealers are using prices as high as KBB, and as I said some have even stated KBB price in their reply. Some have also said blue book. Is that different from KBB?

BTW, I wasn't implying trying to get around our tax rate. That's not why I'm searching other states too.

They're asking that much on 04/05's because every 06 that comes in is already sold. Any 07 that comes in will likely already have an ass for the seat. I had a guy pay $17k for an 03 civic, if theres any consolation.

KBB = blue book. Again, totally useless info in my opinion.
 

Itchrelief

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2005
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How's a year old Chevy Cobalt do in comparison?

If you're gonna keep it for a long time, the worse resale value isn't going to hurt you too much, considering a 10 year old car isn't going to really sell for much regardless of what it is, and actually helps you when buying it used.

I think it gets acceptable side impact crash ratings when equipped with the optional side airbags, the problem is finding a used one that has them.

The question is whether it is a good car or not, which I have no idea. I think the gas mileage isn't as good as a Civic, though. Gets mileage more like a '96-'00 Civic than the newer ones that get the really good mileage.
 

Slickone

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 1999
6,120
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Originally posted by: PAB
They're asking that much on 04/05's because every 06 that comes in is already sold. Any 07 that comes in will likely already have an ass for the seat. I had a guy pay $17k for an 03 civic, if theres any consolation.
That's not true. At least not 'every' as stated. I've seen 06's on the lot, and have read many other people stating they've seen X number of 06's on lots. Not talking about the Si of course. AFAIK, anyone wanting to get an '06 Civic LX/EX has been able to, many below MSRP. At least, no one has mentioned not being able to get one.

KBB = blue book. Again, totally useless info in my opinion.
I wish all dealers felt that way. Or, maybe they do but they don't have any other excuse or way to 'prove' their price, so they tell me (stating KBB or blue book by name) what KBB price is.
So do you use black book then?
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Originally posted by: daveshel
And you won't either. Not with gat at $3+/gal.

Civics hold their value really well. If they didn't deserve to, the market would not support high prices, and the prices would fall. Thus the rule: never buy a 1-4 year old import.

fixed.
 

Nab

Senior member
May 13, 2002
802
0
0
i've also been in the market for the same thing...03+ civic for under 14k and its near impossible to find anything!!! so i've been looking at other options now ><
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,595
992
126
Gee I wonder I why...and fullsize SUVs and pickup trucks aren't worth a crap.

You'd be better off buying a new one.
 

Dunbar

Platinum Member
Feb 19, 2001
2,041
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I don't know why you want last gen Civic, I rented one for two weeks and absolutely hated it. Anyways, it has nothing to do with gas prices, Civics have always had a very high resale value. I think it's a combination of strong Honda resale value and plenty of naive kids willing to spend whatever it takes to get the car they want. Pretty much all late model (foreign) cars have ridiculously high asking prices at the dealer. You could buy a brand new car for the same price, like you I just don't get it. When I bought my 1.5 year old Accord I ended up buying from a private party and got what I considered a fair price (cheapest dealer wanted $1200 more.) If somebody is asking $17k and you offer $11k, do you really expect to get a positive response? I don't even bother contacting people/dealers who are asking ridiculous prices for a car. If you're willing to haggle I think a you could get the dealer down $3-4k off asking price. It's going to be an unpleasent experience for sure, but it can be done.
 

zainali

Golden Member
Jun 18, 2003
1,687
0
76
why not get a new corolla. dealers in the bay area advertise one for about 12-14 k every week.

if your opinion is that civic looks a lot better, then i guess you have to pay the 4-6k premium, since a lot of people think the same way.
 

Slickone

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 1999
6,120
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0
Originally posted by: Dunbar
I don't know why you want last gen Civic, I rented one for two weeks and absolutely hated it. Anyways, it has nothing to do with gas prices, Civics have always had a very high resale value. I think it's a combination of strong Honda resale value and plenty of naive kids willing to spend whatever it takes to get the car they want. Pretty much all late model (foreign) cars have ridiculously high asking prices at the dealer. You could buy a brand new car for the same price, like you I just don't get it. When I bought my 1.5 year old Accord I ended up buying from a private party and got what I considered a fair price (cheapest dealer wanted $1200 more.) If somebody is asking $17k and you offer $11k, do you really expect to get a positive response? I don't even bother contacting people/dealers who are asking ridiculous prices for a car. If you're willing to haggle I think a you could get the dealer down $3-4k off asking price. It's going to be an unpleasent experience for sure, but it can be done.
Why didn't you like the one you rented?

Actually at first I emailed one or two that were $17-$18K, but since then I think I've only been offering on ones that are $16K or less. Some are under $15K, and I'm offering $11,500 on half of those ($11K if miles are higher), thinking if they at least make a counter offer close to that (say $13K or so), I can go up to $12K, which is what I would be happy paying anyway. So that's within your $3-$4K that you say I should be able to get.