2013 and earlier-Honda Civic Prices Paid and Buying Experience

hamproof

You got sharp eyes, I give you that.

The dent (according to the owner of the car) happened when his Si rolled onto a van WHILE the parking brake was on!

Link to Fender Bender - Si rolled on to van

I didn't want to make a big deal out of it when I read it a few days ago coz' I would have put it in first or reverse gear. But a car shouldn't roll down anyway. But then I'm sure you'll say it is a feature of the car blah blah blah.

Anyway, it happened to me too a few times. Once I was on a very very slight inclide. I usually use the brakes but for some reason (the first time in many many years) I decided to use the parking brake while waiting for the light to change. I looked in the rear view mirror and see the car behind coming closer and closer. Then it hit me. I'm the one sliding backwards. Immediately hit the brakes and took it off parking brake. Granted the road was wet.

The second time was on my driveway. I had just put on silverstars and I wanted to see how it looks. I got off my car and my car started sliding down my driveway!

anonymousposts

That's how my car ended up playing tag with the mailbox. Gee had parked it in the driveway (our driveway is slanted upwards).. the parking brake was up but he hadn't put it in gear. A few minutes later he looked out the window and saw my car sitting on top of the mailbox I have a slight scratch on the rear bumper and a slight dent right around the license plate frame but it's no big deal. I'm glad the mailbox stopped it and no somebody's house, car, or kid.

So from now on, I make sure the brake is ALL the way up and I make sure I put it in gear.

hamproof

Seriously when I had the A4, I never leave it in gear when I parked. That's over 2 years period and in areas where there's snow, rain etc.

Although I don't recall now but I'm sure if I was on a steep enough incline, I would have automatically put it in gear in my mind.

My driveway is not at all steep in my opinion. But the car still slide down anyway.

So, I've to make it a point to always put it in gear. If I've time I'm going to see if the wheels are rolling as well or just sliding/slipping coz' of the wet condition. If it was rolling too, I'll be worried.

rivertown

When you have rear disks, there's an auxiliary drum brake built into them that does the parking brake's job. Dunno if ours are adequate to the job; but, since they are all small, I have a hunch it takes yanking on the lever pretty good. I doubt if this is a Honda specific characteristic. My '99 Si didn't hold well, either, with the parking brake; but the parking brakes were adequate to locking the rear wheels at speed. That's another characteristic of drums; they hold better, even grab, at speed. Disks, being hydraulic calipers, aren't used as parking brakes; not much way to cable actuate 'em.

anonymousposts

Our driveway is a semi-hill. I would be more apt to blame the car if gee hadn't done the same thing with an Integra we owned (a stop sign was the victim then).

napapacoda

Thanks for the pictures, it clarified everything out for me. I doubt I would buy that addon, it doesn't look that much better and I know from experience of my current civic that it doesn't protect your car at all from dents. Just wondering, has anyone seen a picture of an SI with the moonroof visor on it? I was wondering if it made it look sportier or uglier. I do not want splash guards any more, after seeing them on the car, it doesn't look as nice. Also, I was looking around ephatch.com and wondered, why do they call the SI's EP's?

Lastly, I just saw someone on ephatch saying they got the civic SI for 15,700 out the door, sounds pretty incredible. Maybe its because I have to pay over $900 in taxes while other states have lower rates or if I lived in New Hampshire I wouldn't have to pay a dime. Makes me think that my 15,345 isn't good any more, yet I've looked around and cannot find anyone to really beat it in my area.
Has anyone gotten a lower price than 15,300 in the North East?

moparbad

Wow! Great rate on all new Civics. The Si is a fantastic buy at $14,995 AND 1.9% financing.

kj32

I have been reading the Si forums for awhile, cuz I'm currently looking for one for work. Can't figure out how some people can pay only $15K-$16K and drive it off the lot. I live in the Bay Area in CA, the lowest quote so far I get is $17000 final, out the door. Is it because our market here is higher?

rivertown

Dunno, KJ

What I did was internet shop dealers within 400 miles and then offered the dealer where I test drove, who I hadn't had net contact with, $200 less than the best local quote and $800 more than the best long distance quote. They weren't tickled pink over the sales price and tried some last minute gigs, but I do think they were glad to get rid of one of their 5 or 6 '02 Si's.
Perhaps the key for me was that we all knew I could buy the car for $800 less if I were willing to spend a long day traveling. There are more details, including a link to a Chicago dealer advertising at 15K, in the posts above.
Good luck. I love my '02.

napapacoda

Do you mean out the door as including sales tax and everything? If so, that's not too bad of a deal. The cheapest I can get including tax and every single fee is $16,400 in NY.

On a side note, I'm still 100% confused on my whole car situation. Not to get into it, but my brain revolves around economics and the benefit/cost of buying a 2002. Also, even though I am not too worried about an image, it is not a plus that all my friends say it looks like a minivan or an egg. Haha, doesn't everyone want to impress the girls with their car?

hamproof

You can't get the absolute lowest price. At some point, someone would beat your price. If you manage $15,300 before TTL but w/ dest. included, you only paid $300 more than the best deal at that time that we know of which is the dealership in Chicago offering the car for $15000. Look at it this way. You are about $600 better than me and at least a $1k to $1.5k better than people who bought their car just a couple of months ago. Besides, you don't know if they have a trade-in to get that price etc.

Yeah, I agree with you. Side moldings do not protect the door from dings any better. Mud flaps never compliments any car and visors too IMO spoils the looks of the car. Not to mention nose mask.

And you can forget about impressing girls in this car. You better have a gf. already

rivertown

Getting the last dollar can become too big a deal. IMO, anything below 16K, before TTL, has been a good deal. I wonder if the supply of '02's has about been consumed? Quotes on '03's have run about a K higher. 20% off sticker, +-, on any non-Yugo, seems good to me.

napapacoda

Thanks for the reply. I know I shouldn't expect the 15k price tag and right now have no problem with my price of 15,345. The problem now is the trade in. They will only give 6,500 (6,900 after tax break is accounted for) for my 1998 civic ex. I have put a lot of money into the car (exhaust, intake, tints, alarm/remote starter, etc) and it has a bunch of stock options that most other civics don't have and truthfully I don't mind driving it. I was never in the market to purchasing a new car until I saw this forum and saw the prices on this car. It made me think of all the cosmetic flaws I have on my car (It has it's share, it was parked in high school parking lot). But now I don't really even drive the thing, I live on campus and have to park about 10 minutes away from my dorm so I use the car like 3 times a week around town if that. So it still can get damaged by stupid college kids. Additionally, if I purchased the 2002 SI, I would need to put tints on it, get another alarm, get another intake and reinstall my stereo system. I would also want to buy 16" or 17" SSR rims for the summer as it makes the car look a lot sportier and I doubt many people would call it a mini van after that, hehe. I set up an appointment with my mechanic and am going to ask him if my engine and brakes look good for another year. If so, I will just wait until winter 2003 and hope that they are selling the 2003's at such a low price. As crazed as I am, I am going to email my economics professor and ask him what he thinks about the current economy. I just noticed that Volvo is giving $3000 below invoice on 2003 S40's. On top of that, Honda dealerships (at least the one I went to) is already offering $200 below invoice on the 2003 SI's. Doesn't look like prices are going up anytime soon. On a positive note, my insurance only goes up 50 bucks a year if I buy this car, so that is not really a factor. The other factors that go into the purchase is the fact that although I like the looks of the car, just about everyone else in my family says it has a great interior, but the exterior isnt the best. This makes me think of the RSX or the new Accord, but then that revolves my mind back into the idea that I can wait a year and still buy those at a normal price. I can talk on an on about the positives and negatives to purchasing the new car, sorry for rambling on.

napapacoda

Mechanic checked out the car and said its mint with no mechanical problems. Got a receipt so I'm good to go on the private selling market. If I can get a good price on my car selling it privately, I will, but otherwise, I will just keep it for another year. I figure I don't drive the thing enough and it gets parked in a public parking lot year round with no protection from the harsh weather conditions of the North East. Hopefully in 1 year they will have comparable deals on the 2003 SI's. I will still most likely post around here for a little while longer as I'm always looking around for a great deal. Good luck everyone with their car and thanks for all of your help!

hamproof

Yeah, you are getting screwed on the trade. Good that you disclose that info. too. Now, if you are really serious about buying the 02 Si, make sure it is w/ or w/o the trade in of the 98 EX. If it is w/ the trade, you are probably paying close to $18k for the 02 Si, assuming you can sell the 98EX for $9-$10k. So, that makes your $15.3k not a very good price.

Oh yeah, skip on the S40 even if it is below invoice. That's not a real Volvo. It is a join venture bet. Mitsu and Volvo in Neatherlands and the car is actually produced by Mitsu, rebadged as a Volvo for NA.

napapacoda

Yea, I figure I can get 8-8500 for my car, so why give the dealers $1500 when I can sell the car for that much. I doubt I can get in on the 1.9% financing for 5 years since it ends in a few days, but for some reason I think they'll have some other special offer out next month on 02's. They have to do something to get rid of them, unless of course they like looking at all the 02's displayed on their lot, hehe. I know they have to make a profit somewhere, but I'm trying to use the bad economy in my favor for a change and hold out to get more on my car. I just saw in the paper that my local honda dealer trying to sell a 1998 LX with just about the same milage and not nearly as many addons for 11grand. I still like the 02 SI so I will keep a look out for it.

Thanks for the tip on the S40, I had no clue that it was produced by Mitsubishi, no wonder they are selling for $3grand below invoice. Haha, no matter what the body looks like, if I want a mitsubishi, I'd go to their dealer lot.

crazygrrrl

Hi all. I just bought a Honda Civic LX sedan today and I got it for $15,098 (about $16,500 out the door). With $0 down, my monthly payments are a little under $298/mo for 60 months with the 1.9% financing.

I love the car! It's quiet (so far), and it should get me better gas mileage than my other car.

anonymousposts

Congrats on the car.

Assuming you bought an automatic it sounds like you did pretty good.

johnjohn1977

Okay, so I was all ready to make the plunge into a new 2002 Si, cuz they seem great and I'm one of the 10% who think they're cute and there are some damn fine deals on them right now. Then I figured out (it's vanity - don't stone me!) that only the '03 models come in blue, which is what I was really looking forward to.
All the dealers in my part of the state appear to be stocked with only this year's models (which seems wierd considering how late we are in the year). Of course, they must not be selling too well, despite all the incentives!
So, has anybody bought an '03 Civic Si yet? If so, what did you pay for it (pre-tax)?
Thanks all,
john.

rivertown

Hi, John

I've just finished internet shopping for an Si (bought an '02). The best quote I got on an '03 was 17.8K, TTL not included.

anonymousposts

john: I'm not sure where you are but here in Atlanta Ed Voyles Honda has tons of blue 03 SI's as does Gwinnett Place Honda. If you are close it might be worth it for you to take a drive. I'm sure since it's the end of the year they will be eager to make a deal.

napapacoda

Hey, Just wondering if anyone else saw the advertisement on the TV today or was I just seeing things. I could have sworn they were giving out 0% apr (unsure of how long) on all new accords. I could be just imagining it, but let me know if anyone else saw that.

johnjohn1977

River: Thanks for the quote. $2k for blue may be a bit for me to swallow. Of course, I'm assuming there aren't really any improvements in the '03 models, from what I can tell. Would you mind terribly sharing where you do your online shopping?

Anony: I'm way out here in OR, haven't seen a single '03 Si or the pretty blue yet, though I haven't done the regional tour....yet.

John.

rivertown

Hi, John

What I did was go to the Honda site and use their dealer locator to find dealer websites in my city and cities within my willingness to drive. Most every dealer had an internet sales manager and an e-mail address. I simply wrote for a quote, making it clear I was price shopping and wanted a total price, out the door, not including TTL. The range of quotes was huge, and some of the dealers tried to play games; but by making it clear that I wanted a bottom line price on a specific model and year, I was able to get several competitive quotes. It worked, and took about two weeks.
The national Honda site was a huge help, and most dealer sites had an inventory search that told me what they had available.

Good luck!

ryanez

Hi, I just helped my brother get a good price on December 29, 2002 at Robertson Honda. $1,833 under
invoice. Invoice is $14,821 including destination
charge. MSRP was $16,170. On a Honda Civic LX 2002,
2dr, Auto, Clover Green.

Here is the rundown.

$12,988
$45 doc fee
$1075.22 tax
$134 dmv fees
total $14,242.22

anonymousposts

The only differences for the 03 SI are the addition of the Vivid Blue Pearl color and they changed the key to what they call their "new wave" key.

turban1

Just got my car totalled by another driver who was at fault. Pick up a new Civic LX 4 dr auto, 2003, for 14500 plus tax and lic. Also got free floor mats and mud guards. While we are talking about money, can anybody gave me some ideas on pain and suffering awards from the insurance co.

rivertown

Dunno about your state, but here (TN) pain and suffering compensation is usually some multiple of the cost of your medical treatment. That's a rough way to think of it. Then, there's any continuing disability. I bet your attorney could tell you more.

napapacoda

As long as you're really hurt, I would suggest contacting your attorney right away. He will get you a larger settlement, however will of course take his share (usually 1/3) of it.

anonymousposts

sorry about your wreck. Same thing happened to me 3 weeks after I bought my first 02 SI. Luckily they gave me what I paid for the car. Didn't go after them for pain or suffering (even though I could have) because what goes around comes around. I wasn't really injured so why make them pay for something that didn't exist.

edwarda1

Leftover 2002 SI
Extras: Fog lights, wheel locks,wind deflector,rear tray. $16,445. Dealer will not move from that price. I offered 15,445. Opinions please.

rivertown

3 weeks ago, I had a dealer stick tight at 17,???. I kept shopping and bought closer to home @ 15.8 without the extras in your deal. Were it me, I'd offer 16(+-) and be prepared to walk if he doesn't take it.

wmajcher

Hi,

I am looking to purchase a used civic 1999 and newer 5-speed coupe for under 10k total. Is anyone out there selling on with under 50,000 miles in the NE Ohio area? If so please let me know. Also I was at my local dealer and they have the 2002 SI's for 230 a month with 1,700 due at signing for 36 months. Buy back at the end is 12,500. Man thats a poor deal. Those things sure hold their value.

Thanks

anonymousposts

$16,400 sounds like a decent deal with those ads. Especially if you can get that price and the 1.9%.

Good luck finding a 99+ Civic EX for less than $10,000. You might be able to find one but it won't be in showroom condition. You might see those kinds of prices on ebay but you never know the real condition of the car.

moparbad

You can easily purchase a 1999 or newer Civic with less than 50K miles for under $10,000. I just did a search on autotrader and there were nearly 100 1999-2002 Civics for less than $10K and with under 50,000 miles and that is just in my area. Look around and there are great deals to be found. Just watch out for people trying to sell 3 year old Civic Si's for $14 and 15K.

anonymousposts

I don't think he/she will find a good condition EX for that price. But in this area Honda's command a premium.

moparbad

It's 2003 now and any price for a 2002 Civic Si over $15,000 including destination is too much.

mstreds

I just bought a 2003 EX in Miami, here is the breakdown tell what you think

16,800 base including destination
550 for spoiler including destination
495 dealer fee
1200 TTL

I saw 16800 was the invoice price on the cardirect website

he wanted 17,200 orginally

No hassles for warranties and all that stuff,

They had me there for 4 hours!! But other than that I am happy

anonymousposts

Sounds like a good deal to me.

moparbad

There are at least 40 Civics listed on autotrader alone in the Atlanta area that are 1999 or newer and are less than $10K. Some of them are EX Coupe models. The conditions will vary but there will be some that are great condition and some theat are terrible. Enough to choose from to find a good one if you live in Ohio or Georgia or in between. There are many more that are not listed on autotrader or are being sold privately.
The used car market and new car market is a buyers market and the prices are the lowest they have ever been and they are still dropping.

anonymousposts

You might be right. I know a dealer would sell it for way above $10,000. Although we did have our 2000 SI in the autotrader for $13,000 and didn't get ONE call. Ended up trading it for $11,500 so with the sales tax credit it was closer to $12,200. And we didn't have to hassle with tire-kickers or whackos.

mstreds

I just bought a 2003 EX in Miami, here is the breakdown tell what you think

16,800 base including destination
550 for spoiler including destination
495 dealer fee
1200 TTL

I saw 16800 was the invoice price on the cardirect website

he wanted 17,200 orginally

No hassles for warranties and all that stuff,

They had me there for 4 hours!! But other than that I am happy

moparbad

You got a good deal.
W/o any bargaining at all you can buy a EX 2DR for $15,8 or 4 door for $16,1 for 2003 including destination. This is not for Miami area but I would hope you could do at least as well in the Miami area. A spoiler is about $350 pre-painted and takes 1/2 hour to install so they made a little extra off you on that.

edwarda1

Thanks to those who answered my post on SI pricing.
I have a 2001 Civic EX with only 26K, so can afford to wait.

shopgirl03

I'm in the market for a 03 Civic EX Sedan. Can anyone please tell me how much they paid for theirs from San Francisco/Bay Area dealerships?

bdfitz

I'm in the market for a 03 Civic EX Sedan automatic with side air bags & carpeted mats. Dealer has made an offer of $17,131 + tax,title, & license. Is this a good offer?

Can anyone please tell me how much they paid for theirs from Columbus,Ohio Area dealerships?

Karen_S

Post #296 is a detailed purchase experience from someone in your area. Enter 296 in the "Go to" box, located on the right side of the page, just above the first posted message.

oldgoat97

2003 Civic EX Coupe
5-speed Manual Transmission
No Side Airbags
Satin Silver Metallic with Black Interior

Sent quote requests out to several Honda dealers in the San Fernando Valley area of LA. Tony Blanchard at Thousand Oaks Honda won out after quoting me $15,500. That's $324 under invoice. Picked up the car the 8 hours after getting his quote!

bdfitz

2003 Civic EX 4-Dr Sedan
Automatic Transmission
No Side Airbags
Satin Silver Metallic with Gray Interior

Received three internet quotes from area dealers, lowest quote was $16,781 (invoice cost)+ TTL.

Visited local dealer Roush Honda in Westerville, Ohio at 8:00 p.m. on 01/08/03. Dealer had just posted (that same day) some additional January specials on a board in their showroom. The only EX listed on the January special board was a gray 2003 Civic EX sedan, automatic, no side air bags, with carpeted floor mats and splash guards for $16,520 + TTL.

Roush also includes an extended warranty (7 years or 100,000 miles) at no charge for all new autos purchased from their dealership. In addition, Roush offers "Convenience Plus Cars"-for a one time charge of $80, customers get a rental car at no charge anytime their car is scheduled for routine maintenance at the Dealership (excludes oil changes and body shop repairs).

Roush was also offering 1.9% financing, but I was paying cash. Needless to say, I took their deal. Delivery was scheduled for the next day at noon, and I was out the door in 1 hour! (Salesman was Venko Nechovski, and he was excellent).

This is my 6th Honda (the last being a 95 Civic LX with 192,500 miles) and all have been extremely reliable.

Love my new Civic EX. I finally got my powered moonroof!

civickidd

I'm currently on vacation in Texas, and imports are not popular at all here -- LX 5-speed coupes for $13,300 including destination and $14,300 for the EX 5-speed. I told my local dealer in NJ (won't say the name just yet, in risk of losing the deal myself) I was getting it for this much, and if he could come close to the price i'd buy it from him instead of Texas. I got a quote of $13,500 including destination, i'm trying to get it to $13,300. Even if I can get it for that much, I may not go for it -- i'm considering a base RSX or maybe even a WRX. But, I guess looking at this forum, I see the deal i'm getting is quite hot...