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Honda Civic Si / SiR 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    You will never, ever get burned in the resale value game when you buy a Civic hatch, particularly a limited-production model like the Si.

    Honda dealers have lists of folks who are basically lined up, waiting for Civic hatches to come in off-lease or as trades. Usually, a sharp salesman (who has a Civic hatch coming in on trade) can have it sold before it even gets through the detailing process.

    It's almost a cult car.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    tdp05 - I bought it at Miller Honda in Van Nuys, ask for Michael Ilous. He was a fantastic salesman, I wish I could buy more cars from him, tell him Brian sent you. This was an advertised car.

    himiler - I would have agreed on former Civic Si hatches, but when there are multiple LA dealers with 15+ Si's sitting on their back lots collecting dust (you should have seen my car when we went to get it), and the advertised price is $3000-$3500 off MSRP, I think it's pretty obvious that this isn't the most popular car in the world. Maybe in the future.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Preludes weren't very popular when they came out in 92 but as time wore on resale value evened out and now a clean 92-96 Prelude will still cost you a pretty penny. Same thing with the current Prelude .. they sit around on dealer lots but resale value hasn't been affected that much. And like I said .. it's still a Honda. In a few years people will catch on and then kick themselves in the rear because they didn't buy one for $16,000 when they had a chance .. At least that's what I'm hoping for.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    Sure, the current Si is presently languishing on dealer lots, but they're gonna be sold to somebody, and then turned around for something else. That's when they will become valuable, when they hit the used-car market. Your resale value will hold up quite nicely, probably to an above-average level.

    After all, it's still a Honda hatch, performance pretentions aside. In the small-car world, hatches are the kings of utility, and when people want one, thay really want one.
  • sibaroochisibaroochi Member Posts: 3
    I'm anxiously waiting on the blue Si coming out for 2003 model year. When is it coming out?
  • sibaroochisibaroochi Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone know a south florida dealership that is offering great deals on Si's??

    I'm from Miami.
    Thanks,
    Siby
  • sibaroochisibaroochi Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone bought an Si by contacting a dealership through the web? How was your experience? What's the advantages?

    Sibaroochi@hotmail.com
    Siby
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    When I purchased my second SI I sent an e-mail off to all the local Honda dealers and waited for a response. I bought from the dealer who sent actual prices (although I bought it for less than the price quote) and not from the dealers who gave us lines of crap.
  • jfigueroa1jfigueroa1 Member Posts: 209
    down here in south florida i bought my 3 hondas at braman honda if you want i could call the saleman e-mail me at Jfig123@aol.com for more info
    Greeting from sunny Miami
  • coil99coil99 Member Posts: 11
    Anyone know of any dealers in or around East Tenn that are selling Si's for $16,000?

    I've seen a few ads locally for approx $17,500, but those were a while ago. And when I stop by to check on prices, I usually get something like "...well, we can move a little off sticker, but not much..."

    Thanks for any advice.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    If you are located in southeast Tennessee it might be worth a drive to Atlanta. Bigger market. I know that there were 2 dealers here willing to give me a price of around $16,000.
  • arriflexarriflex Member Posts: 12
    Anyone know what the blank button to the right of the hazard light button is? Please let me know. Thanks.
  • rewardreward Member Posts: 11
    I was wondering if anyone else had a problem with their CD player. On occasion mine seems to overheat and start to skip. This happens after an hour or so of play with The AC running as well. The disc feels hot when ejected and the player itself seems to emit a lot of heat? Any ideas?
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    Blank button is for the cigarette lighter that is an option in Europe, not here.
    My Cd player is fine. I live in Phoenix where its HOT, HOT, HOT! No problems. Take it in and have it fixed. Better yet replace it with a nice aftermarket unit:)
  • driver36driver36 Member Posts: 57
    Hi greenguy, how's the air con working down in Phoenix? I have a 96 4dr LX Accord and the air con are suck big time. My wife has a 1986 corolla and its air con are so damn cold, and still running strong. The reason I am asking this question because I am about to put down my money on a Matrix, since the price of the Si are on big discount. If the air con can deal with Phoenix, then I think it can also deal with Las Vegas heat too. Any inputs would be much appreciated.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    The AC works fine IMO. Of course it never really gets up to 115 degrees here either. Tint the windows and don't buy black. If you want a car for AC purposes then get a GM car.
  • jfigueroa1jfigueroa1 Member Posts: 209
    The a/c work fine when you are moving you will feel the a/c blowing very cold air, but you can feel the air temp decrease at a stand still or in traffic jam this is due to the cooling fans not been able to move enough air through the condenser. I have a 2002 crv and a 2202 civic and it happen with both of them.
    Greetings from sunny Miami.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    setting the AC on recirculate usually cures that problem jfigueroa. If it's really hot I turn it on recirculate .. gets it cooler faster and keeps it cooler.
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    My AC works very well. I was worried with a black interior with the summers at 115'. If its been in the sun its hot but the AC cools it down very quick. I was wearing flip/flops last week end and my toes were frozen from the AC at the bottom! The Wife says Her feet and legs get cold easily in my car, so I have to put the vent to blow up top.
    Hope this helps.
    Also on the Matrix, go check the quality of the interior of it then go look at the Si. I would bet a Benjermin that you'll own a Si! Plus the Si motor is WAAAYY stronger in the low end.
    good luck!
  • driver36driver36 Member Posts: 57
    Hi all,

    Thank you for all of your inputs :o)

    greenguy: now I am ready for shopping for a Si for sure. I am sure the Honda Si are much better fun to drive with the price at around 16500 plus t&l. Where as the Matrix are asking for msrp, and no way I would pay for msrp for Toyota. Maybe the Mazade MP3, but I don't want too many speeding ticket also. The Si looks very subtle and won't catch officer's eyes hehe. Thank you all and helps me make my choice a lot easier. thx!
  • netracernetracer Member Posts: 2
    Hey all,
    After test driving the Si 3xs, I'm sold on the car. Good performance value for the price, especially when compared to the RSX Coupe. Now to the buying.... I have one dealer advertising an Si for $16,998 in Chapel Hill. At a dealer closer to me in Raleigh, a salesman had the nerve to quote me sticker plus $99 for floor mats then countered with invoice (17822) + $500 profit (hah) + $99 floor mats. I walked. I wasn't there to buy yet anyway. Any NC, SC or VA buying experiences out there? Can't seem to get online quotes here. Any info appreciated.
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    Use the power of the internet to your advantage. Buy throughthe fleet dept. No haggle and tell them up front that floor mats are on them along with first oil change. They will/should quote invoice and list all other charges to give you an out the door price. I was happy with my purchase this way and avoided the idiot salesman ( who want to rape you!)all together.
    good luck!
  • dfbidwelldfbidwell Member Posts: 21
    Hello, I just bought an '02 Si last month and I've noticed a clicking or tapping sound when the RPMs get up to around 3K. Anyone know about this? A coworker thinks its pinging...the manual claims I need regular octane...
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    Congrats on your purchase!
    Check your oil level. I had to add about a quart @ 1K.
    I have found that useing 91+ has actually given more power. <----I know all about the octane debate and I was all for useing regular, but filled up w/ 91 for 3 fill ups then went to 97, and noticed a lag in power. Filled up with 91 and I have my power back.
    www.ephatch.com
  • si2002ownersi2002owner Member Posts: 26
    Hey, I was looking arround on a Honda dealer down in South America, and they have a Honda Stream, which is pretty muche the SI (right up until the driver's door), but with some differences, such as:
    5 door,
    Automatic "Sportmatic" 5 speed transmition
    and 3 rows of seats!!, it's kind of like a station wagon thing... weird...
  • dfbidwelldfbidwell Member Posts: 21
    Thanks for the info. I took the car to the dealer and had a mechanic listen to the car. He defilitely heard the noise and said he thought it was "pre-ignition". I guess that's pinging to the layperson. Anyway, they called a Honda hotline and they told the mechanic to use higher octane fuel for the next few tanks. They claim it's normal for this motor while it's still breaking in. We'll see.

    BTW, the oil is fine.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    You might consider switching to 89 octane (or higher) for as long as you own your Si. The extra octane and detergents are good for your engine.

    Although my Impreza 2.5RS is rated for 87 octane, I have to run 91+ in the Summer and 89 in the Winter to keep it from pre-igniting, even though there's nothing wrong with the engine (according to 2 dealers and others with the same experience).
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,502
    I'm seeing them being advertised here in the NY papers for $15,995!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • sidudesidude Member Posts: 1
    I guess I didn't pay much attention during the test drive but the clutch seems to start to take hold about half way up. Is this typical? Adjustable? I was expecting it to be a bit lower. BTW, about 800 miles and no noticable oil consumption...
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    No adjustment on the clutch itself, since it's hydraulic and self-adjusts with wear.

    There is an adjustment for free play in the pedal, but you can't alter the engagement point in the pedal stroke.
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    I personly enjoy the clutch and shifter! To use the cliche "Its like butta!"
  • yugoboyyugoboy Member Posts: 161
    I stopped by my local honda dealer today, wanted to take a look at the new accord. But anyways was talking to the salesman about the si(sir here in canada)what a beautiful interior, and with a proper bodykit and the larger oem wheels the car look's quite nice. But the most astonishing tidbit he was willing to confide to me was that they had not sold even 1 in the last month and a half!!!! The salesman think's the car is a little to pricey when compared to the old si!!!! Boy oh boy i wouldn't be surprised if honda drop's this sucker from their lineup, a real pity because it strike's a good balance between performance and refinement!!!!
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    It almost seems like Honda brought over the Si expecting it to be a sales flop. If it weren't for the RSX-S, we'd get the CTR, which I suspect would've made a huge impact in the North American market (ala WRX).

    The current Si is easily the best overall car in its class for the money, but for anyone used to hot-rod Hondas, it's kind of an "anti-Si" in character.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    ...at MSRP, there are better cars for the money, IMO. Heck, you can get an RSX for almost the same price, which is a much better car, better everything.

    The only way this car becomes a good deal is at least $2K below sticker..if you can get it for around $17K, then it stands out as a good deal in the market.

    I don't think Honda made a car born to fail here, although I can see why it is a little disappointing to die-hard SI fans, but I do think they priced it too high.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • dfbidwelldfbidwell Member Posts: 21
    I thought the Si has been around for a while overseas. It has probably done very well over there. Maybe they thought the success would convey to the states. I guess they're wrong. Personally, I like having a car that you don't see very often.
  • dfbidwelldfbidwell Member Posts: 21
    Another thing I've noticed is the lack of advertising for the Si. Has anyone seen a TV ad for the Si? I think I've seen one print ad in Car and Driver. It shows a couple of cars in a parking lot with the doors apparently blown off. Anyway, I see more ads (TV and print) for the RSX than the Si (if you want to compare the two). It seems like Honda could put a little more money and effort into marketing the Si.
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    There was the one where it was in a parking garage and as it was leaving the other cars honked and turned thier lights on in oproval. kinda lame......I bought one anyways! I love mine. though could use more power as that fuel cut off comes very quick!
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    intended you to mod it. Both for power and for handling package. THAT is why it should be $2-3K cheaper.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • siintheburgsiintheburg Member Posts: 2
    I live in Williamsburg and recieved a quote from the local dealer of $17,979. I walked into a dealer in Hampton (~30 miles) and offered $16,500 plus taxes, tags and processing. They accepted with no haggling. Total was $17,300.
  • hatch5hatch5 Member Posts: 27
    I live in CA. Rockhonda in Fontana is now selling it for $15,288. How far will it go ? Lower price is more than wellcome, but I have a little concern about the resale value.
  • revdrluvrevdrluv Member Posts: 417
    Honda is going to kill off this useful little performer and replace it with an Si version of that NASTY Californian designed civic coupe, aren't they? Or they will decide that the US doesn't want cheap performance from honda anymore and they will quit all together.

    If these prices are true the regular Civic is even more of a rip-off than ever! I can't believe how little you get for 16k. You have to spend nearly 18k to get stuff that is standard on most other cars (or the others are still cheap even when added). I really can't see reason in spending that kind of money on a regular civic.
  • hatch5hatch5 Member Posts: 27
    I do not know if the price is true or not, but it was on LA times last Sunday. Since others like Gardena Honda are selling them for 15,988, the price was a little bit surprising to me.

    But again, it is usual for the dealers to offer $4k off MSRP for the 2002 model cars, right? It is already October.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    For $16 grand or less, this is definitely the best car you can buy.

    For $15,288...well, that's unbelievable.
  • tdp05tdp05 Member Posts: 16
    I saw an ad in last weeks LA Times that had 1 Si advertised for 13,988. I think it was a typo because the civic EX above it was the same exact price. I wonder if someone got that steal? I still have the ad somewhere, I'll have to look for it.
  • yugoboyyugoboy Member Posts: 161
    All i keep hearing is all these great deals in the states, what about up here in canada, what's the cheapest you have heard this car going for north of the border!!!!????
  • arriflexarriflex Member Posts: 12
    My car is less than four months old and the silver trim on the dash is bubbling and peeling anyone having this problem? What would they do? Replace the whole panel? Help?
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Don't have the problem on mine. If it's a Honda problem take it back to the dealer. Have you used anything to clean it?
  • seguyseguy Member Posts: 133
    interested in trading up to a 02 VW 1.8T. silver with gray leather interior, moonroof, htd seats, tint, pretty much every option. Only owned 6 mos/5K miles, still 54mos/55K miles on warranty. It's impeccable in & out.

    Wife is quiting in a few months, and looking to get some cash to help pay off her CRV before she does.

    Trying to see if anyone would consider this private trade, that way we both don't take a hit at the dealers. email me at hbushey@uccs.edu if interested. Include make model and year of car along with details of condition.

    Thanks
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    ...that due to the dismal sales of the Honda Civic Si, the Civic Type-R or a variation of it with the 200hp RSX-S engine will come to the U.S.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Were created by Honda. They tried to sell over 15,000 Si's in a market that does not support "hot hatches". Ford only tried like 2000 SVT's and even mazda limits the number of it's "hot" versions. Honda oversupplied the market.
This discussion has been closed.

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