Seeking Wisdom On Selling Old '89 Civic for New Civic Si

NateDaGreat58

NateDaGreat58

Well-Known Member
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Hi Everyone!

First off, let me say that 9thCivic has been an incredible source for me and my research of the new 2014 Civic as my next car purchase (99.9% sure that it will be my next ride). I'm technically a new member, but I've been reading through these forums for the past year to learn everything I can about the Civic Si sedan. Now that I have made the decision that I want this car, I need to initiate the next step in the car buying process which would be to sell my current car.

Currently I drive a 5 speed manual transmission, 1989 Civic DX Hatchback which was purchased brand new back in the day by my Dad and was passed down to me when I first got my drivers license. Mechanically, The car is completely stock (obviously some parts have been replaced with new ones over the years) with only a few modifications to the sound system. Timing belt has been adjusted recently, engine doesn't burn oil, (leaks just a little bit, but not bad at all compared to other 25+ yr old cars), air conditioning works great (new compressor and converted to new R134A) and it averages around 35 MPG city+Highway driving! I even once got 42 MPG when on a road trip once!

Now I know these cars can potentially be somewhat valuable due to enthusiasts making the most of this cars low stance, excellent visibility, and double wishbone suspension set up for auto crossing and track use, not to mention the huge aftermarket for "tricking out" this hatch.

How much do you guys think this car is worth? Could I realistically get $3000 for it? $2500? (I know that sounds like a crazy number, but this car is in excellent condition). Thank you all for your time and thoughts! Here are some pics...IMG_5376.jpg IMG_5476.jpg IMG_5478.jpg IMG_5479.jpg IMG_5480.jpg IMG_5483.jpg IMG_5485.jpg
 
It's not a crazy number at all considering how clean it looks. Someone will surely want it as a project car that they throw a k-series motor in it, or they'd keep it as-is and run it for another 100k+ miles. I've seen worse looking repainted ones with higher miles bring 3k.
 
I bet you could ask $5k and still probably take the first $3 or $4K that comes along. Give yourself a little buffer to negotiate with. It's not what people are getting, it's what they think they're getting. If they feel like they got a deal they will be happy.

Also, the car looks great! I'd say keep it! A stock older civic like that in good shape is almost a museum piece.
 
Nix said:
I bet you could ask $5k and still probably take the first $3 or $4K that comes along. Give yourself a little buffer to negotiate with. It's not what people are getting, it's what they think they're getting. If they feel like they got a deal they will be happy.

Also, the car looks great! I'd say keep it! A stock older civic like that in good shape is almost a museum piece.
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Thanks for the input! And yes, it is tempting to keep the car due to its ridiculously cheap maintenance (Only costs $50 a month for insurance, new tires are only $50 each, great on gas...)
but I'm definitely looking forward to having a car with more than 93HP and cup-holders! haha.
 
I would say keep it and find a front bumper that doesn't have sun damage or restore that one and keep it for longer and I'm sure you'll get more than what your asking for.
 
I want!!! I used to have a light blue colored one, same year and everything... RIP Blue demon :( oh and welcome! I think 2500$ is a reasonable number without doubt
 
I owned a 1990 Si hatchback...same color and everything. God, I miss that car. Was my first manual. Definitely one of my favorite cars! I wish I could find another one. But, all of them around here are totally molested w/ body kits and engine swaps. [emoji17]
 
Thank you everyone for your input. This will definitely help me determine what a fair price is!
 
Just to give you and idea I paid 2750 for my 1997 Civic EX with 218k. I thought the price was good at the time especially since it was a one owner car and had all of the service records including timing belt changes. The car was in excellent clean condition and didn't have any rust which is very common on older Hondas. I was happy to pay what I did and would easily pay the same amount again if I could find another car in the same shape.

Like others have mentioned leave yourself some buffer room in your asking price for people who are interested to negotiate. You will have no problem finding a buyer for a stock vehicle that has been maintained. Anyone looking for a decent ride or a start to a build project will be happy to shell out a little extra for something that is clean, rust free, and most of all unmodified. I can tell you from experience it is no fun to have to spend hours trying to figure out what the person who owned the car before you was attempting to do, especially with wiring. I would ask 4k and negotiate from there.
 
Update: prepping old car now and hopefully getting the SI this week! Had some fun taking some photos though. Here are a few of the best shots. Enjoy!
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