Thinking of getting a Honda Civic, have a few questions I need answers to

[coolred]

Alright, I am thinking of getting a new/used car and had several people recommend the civic, so i am looking into it. I am trying to figure out what civic year and model would best fit my needs and budget. I would prefer a coupe model because it looks a little sportier, but I also have to consider my family. Which only consits of me, my girlfriend and my 8 month old son. So really what i need to account for is access to the rear seat. As of now I need to be able to get an infant car seat into the back seat, does anyone know how easy this is with the coupe? Other then that can you think of nay other reasons to get the sedan over the coupe?

Secondly I am trying to decide what package or trim or whatever it's called(EX, DX, LX, HX...). As I understand it the EX is the top of the line and the HX is geared towards fuel economy. I don't know a whole lot about the others. I am looking for good MPG, but I don't think I need the HX since the fuel economy of the EX seems good enough to me. How about Anti lock brakes, how important are they? Important enough to get the EX model, since that is the only trim level that has ABS? Also I like the idea of having the keyless entry, which i know comes standard on the EX, not sure if any of the others have it, but I also want a security system with my car, so I am wondering if it would be cheaper to get one of the lower models then have a security system and keyless entry installed on my own. Also how powerful are these cars? I will not be using this as a race car, but i do want it to be able to get up and go. I live in the city and most of my comute to work is at 70MPH, so I need a car that can get up to that speed quick enough plus still allow for passing and mobility and whatnot. As I understand it the EX has the most powerful engine engine aside from the Si. I will prolly be coupling this engine with an automatic since my girlfriend doesn't know how to drive standard transmissions, unless I can find a real good deal on a manual, or if I just decide to try and teach her to drive a manual, so that will cut my power and feul economy a bit. How about the moonroof, is that worth having? I can't think of any other questions in this area, as it stands now I am leaning toward the EX package unless i am convinced otherwise by my fellow AT'rs.

Next I have to decide what year is best. I looked into leasing a brand new honda civic and I can prolly afford that 189.00/month deal they got going on the LX right now, but I am not sure that the LX package fits my needs(note to self, find specs of 2002 LX package). The EX package I beleive was out of my price range, but I am checking again to see how much over it was. And buying the car was even more expensive obviously, so i started looking at older models. I think this is a better way to go for me since civics are so reliable a slightly older one is prolly still a very good bet, plus they are a little cheaper. I am considering a certified used civic, but was wondering if it is really worth it over just getting a regular used civic? I guess I am kinda wondering which year everyone thinks was the best year for civics? I am looking at '99's right now since I should be able to get one for under 200.00/month, but what do you think.

Thanks

 

[RossMAN]

Get the LX or EX.

How much is your budget?

You will be buying/financing, right?

 

[eviltommy]

EX = more $$ faster more options
LX = cheaper, still very nice..

i like the 96-99 series the best.

 

[RossMAN]

Assuming you can afford a payment of $200 per month at a rate of 6% for 5 years (60 months) it seems you can finance around $10,345.11

Loan Calculator <--- just leave one variable empty, like loan amount, press the button and it fills in the blank for you.

Here are a few Civics I found in your area through autotrader.com

Unfortunately for you Civic's hold their resale value very well, so finding a good deal on a later model Civic is going to be tough.

 

[coolred]

<< How much is your budget?

You will be buying/financing, right? >>



Well since I will be buying I haven't quite decided completely on a budget yet. Under 15,000.00 for sure, but I would like to keep it at or under 200.00/month in payments. I am researching the LX package right now

 

[coolred]

Thanks for the autotrader link rossman, but I have already been looking there for a while. I also figured that that was about what i could afford, maybe a little more if my girlfriend gets her new job. I would say 12,000.00 would be my maximum

 

[Zenmervolt]

The LX will have everything you will need, should have most of the little things like cruise control too. DX is the stripped-down model, LX is the mainstream model, EX is the high end, and the HX is fuel economy. The moonroof is nice to have, once you've had one you'll never want a car without one, but if you've never had a car with one before, you'll never be bothered by not having one. For all the people who will claim that moonroofs leak, a maintained factory moonroof will not leak. My 1988 Accord has the factory moonroof and it has never leaked, even though the car has spent the last 4 years parked outside. One thing to remember about a moonroof though, do not open it after a light spring rain. Once you open it, the seal isn't so good until you close it again.

If you can afford it, get an EX. You will not regret it. But don't be dead set against the LX, it's basically an EX with a less tweaked suspension, a lesser engine, lesser radio, and no moonroof.

ZV

 

[coolred]

I just checked the price of a brand new civic LX and after I added a few options I wanted even with the special financiang of 4.9% over 60 months it made payment about 300.00, so it looks like I will have to opt for an older model. Which might not be all bad as I get the wishbone suspension

 

[Thegonagle]

Looking out for you and your family, make sure you can afford the full coverage on your insurance. Depending on how old you are, full coverage can be roughly double the cost of liability only.

I recommend buying. Leasing is money down the toilet. You need to give them money down, money every month, and then give the car back, after which, you will need to come up with another cash down payment to get another car. You're also generally limited to 12,000 or 15,000 miles per year. The promo rate of $189/mo is most likely for 12,000 per year. You need to be certain about how many miles you will drive, or you will owe them money at the end. Last thing, how's your credit? You need to have established excellent credit for them to write you a lease. The rationale behind that little factoid is that you need to have proven responsibility, since you are responsible for taking care of the bank's asset (their car).

EDIT: RossMAN's busted out the loan calculator: At $200/mo, you can probably borrow about $8000 for 4 years, or $9600 for 5 with good credit (I used 9%, which is a good used car rate). The coupe to get at that price will be the EX (there is no LX, and the HX is pretty rare), but you should get a sedan until the little one can climb into the car on his own. Ask any parent of a child in a car seat who has a two door.

A sunroof is nice, but it should be pretty obvious that it is totally unnecessary.

If you understand how to brake at the limit and retain your steering ability (this takes practice), you don't need ABS. Otherwise. . . Well I'll let others speak for them, since I don't really care about them one way or the other.

MT or AT is up to you.

 

[coolred]

Why doesn't edmunds have specs for a 1999 LX coupe? They have the LX sedan, which i am assuming is prolly the same, but not sure. But they don't list LX for the coupe

 

[Thegonagle]

There was no 99 LX coupe.

 

[RossMAN]

The good news is you could probably find a BRAND NEW 2002 Honda Civic LX (sedan not coupe) for around $14,500 but if you can only pay $200 per month you'll never be able to afford a $15,000 loan

Under the best circumstances (like Honda is offering special financing AND you have good/great credit) you could borrow a maximum of $12,454.40 at a rate of 4.9% for 72 months (6 years) with payments of $200 per month.

Fortunately $12,454.40 can still buy you a great Civic.

Although the Coupe's "look sportier", unless you're going for the EX I would consider taking a good at the Civic LX sedan they aren't are scarce and are probably cheaper, plus the insurance might be a little cheaper since it's a sedan vs coupe.

I did a search on autotrader.com for 1998 to 2002 price range of $10,000 to $12,500 within 50 miles of zip code 43215 and found 4 Civic's which are CERTIFIED VEHICLES and 37 Civic's which are not certified vehicles increase the range up to 200 miles from zip code 43215 and you get 349 Civic's.

 

[Cyberian]

You shouldn't have any trouble fitting an infant seat in the back seat of the Coupe.
Getting the litle one in and out of the seat is a bit harder. The front seatbacks obviously fold forward, but getting a full size adult into the rear seat is a bit tight.

I think the EX comes standard with a moonroof, but that might have changed since we got our '97 EX.

Just drove back from Florida and 80-85 on the Interstate was no problem. Actually got it up a bit higher than that a few times when there was no traffic around.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Nefrodite]

heh too bad you can't afford the newer civic hybrid

lx is a decent package, power windows etc. but you'll probably be happier with EX since your interested in keyless entry and abs. The ex's also have nicer upholstery, better exterior trim and standard moonroof. moonroofs are always. nice. i only have a lx so no moonroof for me though

as for speed. you dont' have to worry. the new civics have bigger engines then the previous generation. my wimpy lx still can easily hit 100mph+ ..so 70 isn't unreasonable

its best to buy the civic with all the stuff you want. adding stuff after probably will cost you more in the end stuff like abs is only availible on certain trims anyways i think.

 

[b0mbrman]

<< Loan Calculator <--- just leave one variable empty, like loan amount, press the button and it fills in the blank for you. >>


That's still the best online calculator out there...I probably use it 5 times a day

 

[coolred]

Well I guess I just got the answer to why they don't list an LX coupe.

I should have been more clear about the child seat, while it will need to be in the car on occasion, it will not be a daily act. Possiblly 2-3 times a month on weekend to go visit his grandma, and then maybe another few times a month for other occasions. So like I said it's not a daily occasion, so it doesn't have to be a breeze to get it in, it just needs to fit without having to jam it in and cause a big problem. I really do prefer the looks of the coupe, so basically as long as it fits without having to break anything to get it in.

Why exactly is it obvious that a moonroof is totally unneeded? If it was that obvious to me I would not have asked about it. Like you said, I have never had one so I won't miss it if it's not on the car, but I was basically just wondering if it is worth it to have. I mean for example I find to civics exactly the same except for one has a moonroof and say the cost differance is not very much, should I opt for the moonroof?

Yes I know how to use the brakes in a car, but what about when it's raining heavily out and say a dog darts out in front of you, in that instance, who can realy control how hard they brake? i mean most everyone would just slam on the brakes. But I guess if there is no LX coupe in the 99 model, then i will have to go for the EX which will prolly have the ABS anyway.

 

[coolred]

What about an extended warranty? Is it worth it to get one on a civic, i mean they are pretty reliable, but still. I did a quote on edmunds, and for 4 years 50,000 miles, $1465.00 gets me that warranty with a 50.00 dollar deductable.

 

[RossMAN]

I know more about the sedans and not the coupe I had assumed there is an LX coupe but maybe there isn't? Bummer.

I still say you're going to get "the most bang for your buck" with an LX sedan, not an EX coupe.

With a budget of $12,000 you could probably afford a 99 Civic EX coupe and if you look locally in your newspaper might even score a 2000 Civic EX coupe.

Here's 17 Honda Civic's I found searching cars.yahoo.com these are 1997 - 2002 price of $1,000 - $12,000 and they're all dealers selling cars.

Personally I would look in your local newspaper (what's the name of it?) and buy from a private party who has properly maintained the car. You know an old couple who only drives it on the highway once a week, never smokes and religiously changes the oil every 3,000 miles

 

[Thegonagle]

A sunroof(moonroof) doesn't help you or the car in any functional way, so it is not needed. What's so tough about that? I will tell you that they are nice to have, and if you go for the EX coupe, you will have a sunroof and most likely, ABS. AFAIK, they've both been standard on the EX coupe since it was introduced in 93.

 

[Thegonagle]

RossMAN is right about that LX sedan bang for buck factor.

About the LX coupe, the LX version didn't come about until the redesign of the Civic line for 2001.

 

[D0wnL0ader]

I have a 2000 Honda Civic Coupe EX. It is a great car with alot of features. I would suggest that you get a sedan as the coupe might be too small for you,girl,& baby. You definately will have a hard time with the child seat in the back. If I were you I would go for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry which is about the same car just more money and features and get more head and leg room for your car. Ive had this civic for about 2 yrs and would like to sell it as im getting bored with it and would like a car with more pickup. The good thing about Hondas is they have a great buyback value.

 

[Nefrodite]

the lx is probably best bang for the buck. but many times the ex isn't all that much more. the trim is much nicer, and a moonroof is just nice you can't say it doesn't do anything... you wouldn't buy a car with an ugly color right?


but yea, thers no lx coupe. i wouldn't recommend a coupe anyways, you sacrifice room and safety. the 4 door does better in crash tests for obvious reasons

 

[RossMAN]

<< A sunroof(moonroof) doesn't help you or the car in any functional way, so it is not needed. What's so tough about that? >>



Exactly.

Let's say you have a choice of a 2000 Civic EX coupe which is $11,000 with NO sun/moonroof and a 1999 Civic EX coupe for $11,000 with sun/moonroof, which do you choose and why?

I searched the Columbus Dispatch classifieds ads for Honda Civics up to $12,000 and found these 9:

98 HONDA CIVIC LX SEDAN PW/PL, auto, 65K mi., EC. $9495. Call 614-325-6424.

98 HONDA CIVIC EX COUPE red, auto, air, loaded, 30K, EC, $9,650 OBO local (740)964-6001 <--- the best among these choices, LOW miles!

97 HONDA CIVIC DX Hatchback 5 spd., Am/Fm cass., EC, 91K, one non-smoker owner. $5,995 740-602-1162.

97 HONDA CIVIC COUPE, blk, gray int., 4cyl, auto, air, CD/cass., 86K, clean, well maint., $7,900. 251-5725

97 HONDA CIVIC EX COUPE Silver, auto, 72,000 mi., pwr snrf, CD, A/C, loaded, keyless entry. $9450/obo. (614)806-7252.

96 Honda Civic DX, 2 Dr Coupe,black, 74 K, excellent condition, $7500 OBO Call Gary @ (614)561-2522 or (740)362-2180.

94 HONDA CIVIC EX - 2dr, white, clean, good maint. 86K. $5200/obo. 901-3027 or pkd7165@yahoo.com

94 HONDA CIVIC EX, red, 86,000 mi., mnrf., CD plyr., $7,000 negotiable. Call 614-537-1228.

93 HONDA CIVIC DX: 2dr. coupe, plum, clean, grey int., auto, 96K mi., AC, $3200/obo. (614)895-0962

 

[coolred]

Wow thanks for that link rossman, i didn't even know the dispatch had online classifieds.

Given the sitiuation you gave rossman, i would go for the 2000, since I don't actually need a moonroof. I was just asking in case I found one that had a moonroof, I basically just wanted to make sure they werent problematic or if they actually did a good job. I mean when you have one of those does your passenger in the back middle seat get a face full of air? Which i guess either way it's not a big deal, os just forget i asked about the moonroof, if I find a good deal on a car with oen I will get it, if the car i want doesn't have one I'm not worried about it.

I guess I will have to go test drive some civics. The insurance cost of a coupe vs. a sedan is very small. And I am not to worried about passenger room as i very rarely have more then one passenger. I don't like carting around all of my friends. So i will have to check for myself to see if the child seat fits. Thanks for all your help everybody.

 

[RossMAN]

<< Looking out for you and your family, make sure you can afford the full coverage on your insurance. Depending on how old you are, full coverage can be roughly double the cost of liability only.

I recommend buying. Leasing is money down the toilet. You need to give them money down, money every month, and then give the car back, after which, you will need to come up with another cash down payment to get another car. You're also generally limited to 12,000 or 15,000 miles per year. The promo rate of $189/mo is most likely for 12,000 per year. You need to be certain about how many miles you will drive, or you will owe them money at the end. Last thing, how's your credit? You need to have established excellent credit for them to write you a lease. The rationale behind that little factoid is that you need to have proven responsibility, since you are responsible for taking care of the bank's asset (their car).

EDIT: RossMAN's busted out the loan calculator: At $200/mo, you can probably borrow about $8000 for 4 years, or $9600 for 5 with good credit (I used 9%, which is a good used car rate). The coupe to get at that price will be the EX (there is no LX, and the HX is pretty rare), but you should get a sedan until the little one can climb into the car on his own. Ask any parent of a child in a car seat who has a two door.

A sunroof is nice, but it should be pretty obvious that it is totally unnecessary.

If you understand how to brake at the limit and retain your steering ability (this takes practice), you don't need ABS. Otherwise. . . Well I'll let others speak for them, since I don't really care about them one way or the other.

MT or AT is up to you. >>



Garfang offers excellent advice as usual, get the Honda Civic LX sedan not the EX coupe!

Now that I think about it you're getting a USED car not a NEW car so you probably won't qualify for Honda's 4.9% for 60 months, bummer.

You're probably looking at a maximum budget of $9,863 at 8% (used car rate) for 60 months = $200 a month payments