Pre-Owned: 1999 Honda Civic
Not your average commuter car
Photography by the author
When Honda introduced the Civic in '73, it quickly established a foothold for the Japanese automaker in the U.S. automotive arena. Since then, the Civic's been our market's best-selling subcompact, and Americans have consumed seven generations' worth. It's always offered a combination of quality, reliability, and good driving feel that people certainly haven't tired of. Available in hatchback, sedan, and coupe body styles, the '96-2000-model Civic is conservatively styled, yet friendly-love those big headlights. It makes the perfect starting point for expressionistic kids or adults who don't want to be noticed.
Its double-wishbone suspension front and rear has earned the Civic a rep as a sure-footed econobox. And with a plethora of tuner parts available, turning a Civic into a full-fledged 250-hp street racer is an easy task. When considering a modified Civic, take a closer look at it to be sure upgrades were performed correctly.
Four different versions of the Honda's 1.6L SOHC four-cylinder aluminum engine were offered on our two-year-old example. Base models received a 106-hp variant; EXs got a VTEC powerplant rated at 127 hp. The HX Coupe uses an economical VTEC-E engine with 115 ponies, while the pocket-rocket Si coupe makes 160 hp at a lofty 7600 rpm.
While Civics tend to be pricey when they roll off the new-car lot, they hold their value better than most of the competition. So expect to pay a premium for a good used one. From the reliability standpoint, Civics are at the top of the list, and recalls have been minimal. If you prefer driving over visiting repair-shop waiting rooms, the Civic is a wise choice.
When Used Makes Sense
Here's something to contemple
Buying a two- or three-year-old vehicle can save you thousands of dollars over a fresh one-nothing new there. But why does it make more sense now than ever before? Because leasing has become extremely popular, and late-model lease returns are arriving at dealer lots in droves, so there's lots of near-new inventory. Many not-so-used vehicles are available for 20, 30, or even 40 percent less than their fresh-off-the-lot counterpart. Why not let the first buyer take the depreciation hit?
Other benefits from buying used include:
Used vehicles are often less costly to insure
Providing the previous owner didn't use the vehicle for multiple cross-country trips, it may still be under the factory warranty
Some automakers now sell certified used cars, trucks, and SUVs, which may include extended warranties, factory inspections, and/or reconditioning
Buying used can allow you to move up to a more-premium make or model.
Sure, it won't have that new-car smell, nor will you be the first one on the block with the latest and greatest toy. But you'll have near-new transportation-and money left in your bank account.