Hello, I'm new to the whole Honda thing, but not to the Sport Compact world. I am a former DSMer looking to start into Hondas (reliability and gas mileage issues mostly.) Anway, I've got a line on a 1990 Civic Si w/ 181k and a 5spd. It's got a cracked windshield (along the dash, bearable), fading brakes and an exhaust leak at about under the driver's seat. But all-in-all the car is in fairly good shape considering it's a Michigan car and has little rust. My questions are these:

-Is a '90 Civic Si worth getting? And secondly...

-How much is it worth?(I know how much he is asking, but would like to know what you guys think first)

Anything I forgot that would be helpful in an educated guess? Thanks for the help and I'm looking forward to being introduced to the Honda community!

 

how much rust does it have? i'd say $1000 - $1500??? esp if it needs maintenance work and stuff.

 

no more than 1000 at all.

i paid $1,575 for mine. 1990 civic si. great shape just some hail damage on the hood. 135K miles and never dogged on. no rust. its was perfect. so there's what i paid for mine in great condition but look for another one i'd say.

 

dont look for another pick that beotch up....wave a grand in his face.

 

The Si is the desirable model, it comes with MPFI and the 1.6 liter engine. For a car like that, the value would really depend on the body and interior condition. If both are in good shape (no rust on the quarters, and no rips in the seats) I'd guess it would be worth $1200 - $2000. If there is rust on the quarters, it's probably worth $1000 - $1500.

As far as checking the rust problem out, lay under the car and look up into the quarter panels where the rear bumper bolts on. If there is a lot of rust there (esp. rust holes) I'd keep looking for another car (quarter panel replacement is expensive). Also make sure that rust hasn't eaten away the rear metal bumper by looking up into the region from underneath. Really there's not too much to watch for except rust.

 

Thanks for the info, as far as rust goes, there was little to none to be seen. I will however look under the bumper/quarter area to be sure the car isn't rotting out.

The guy is asking $2200 (down from $3000!), he's part of a boneyard/cheap, old vehicle sales operation, so I don't know if he's technically a "dealer" or not. But it seems to me that the price on a 14 year old car should be about the same whether you're buying from a dealer or private party. I don't think he's had many (if any) offers on the car so I'm guessing I should bring him down to like $1600-1700, sound reasonable?

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll stay posted!