SydLexia.com - The Forums :: View topic - Can I get your opinion on somthing real quick?

Title: Doctor of Science Joined: Jun 11 2007 Posts: 188

Hey guys, I've saved up my money and need to get a new car. At one point in my search, I found an awesome Subaru WRX, but the price was a little higher than I wanted to pay and I realized that the insurance for a turbo charged car for a 19 year old male was going to be really high. After looking for something for a while, I found a good deal on an '02 Civic Si. I was just wondering if I could get some opinions on this car from you guys. Anyone have any experience with this particular car or know a lot about them? If not then what do you think of the looks?

Posted: Sep 30 2009 09:53 pm

I've never been a fan of hatchbacks or anything but as far as getting a Honda it's a good start. It's not bad as far as speed (160 hp) for a 4 cyclinder, handling was an issue between generations (mainly the 00-01 to the 02-05 model) Basically if I were you I would take it for a test drive and see if you like the way it feels. Make sure you ask for the carfax and see how many owners or if the car was rental.

Ask about warranties, ask how the tires are and ask if anything has been done to it since they recieved it. They should oil change it before you get it but you never know. Asking price can be another item you may want to look at. Look the car over everywhere, look for scratches dents discoloration and when you pull the car back into the lot look under it to make sure no fluids are leaking. Make sure you go to kbb.com and see what the car is valued at in mint condition to get a price point. Most of all enjoy the car, if your looking for a fast car shop around when you test drive it floor it and see if one feels more powerful then the other. You can also go cheaper and hook the car up with a exhaust and intake system to boost the car.

Not really sure about your preferences but there is a start.

Title: Doctor of Science Joined: Jun 11 2007 Posts: 188

Douche McCallister wrote:

I've never been a fan of hatchbacks or anything but as far as getting a Honda it's a good start. It's not bad as far as speed (160 hp) for a 4 cyclinder, handling was an issue between generations (mainly the 00-01 to the 02-05 model) Basically if I were you I would take it for a test drive and see if you like the way it feels. Make sure you ask for the carfax and see how many owners or if the car was rental.

Ask about warranties, ask how the tires are and ask if anything has been done to it since they recieved it. They should oil change it before you get it but you never know. Asking price can be another item you may want to look at. Look the car over everywhere, look for scratches dents discoloration and when you pull the car back into the lot look under it to make sure no fluids are leaking. Make sure you go to kbb.com and see what the car is valued at in mint condition to get a price point. Most of all enjoy the car, if your looking for a fast car shop around when you test drive it floor it and see if one feels more powerful then the other. You can also go cheaper and hook the car up with a exhaust and intake system to boost the car.

Not really sure about your preferences but there is a start.

Thanks for the input man. I've always been kind of the same way about hatchbacks, but I think this is a fairly cool looking car. I'll be taking the car for a test drive either Saturday or Monday and the price for the car seems very good. If everything feels right, I may be buying it on Monday.

Posted: Sep 30 2009 10:24 pm

How much is the asking price if you don't mind me asking? I almost bought an older Honda Civic, but I found a 2007 Ford Taurus for cheaper with a lot more options. My father had a Ford Taurus for 10 years without issue, so when I bought one last year I thought it was a good choice. I am not going to bad mouth Honda though, I know several people that own them and they do make very reliable cars. It all depends on what you are looking for and what is available where you are. If it feels right go for it. You want a car that lasts and one that is right for you.

Posted: Sep 30 2009 10:48 pm

I don't really like hatchbacks, but that car does have a lot of modifaction options. You could end up spending a billion dollars on additions like rims, body kit, exhaust, under the hood....it can be very addicting. Oh yeah, and hatchbacks do allow for the best sound from a solid after marker radio system.

But on the purchase end, Douche had some sound advice...I would also recommend researching what your trade would be worth (if you have one) on kbb.com. If you are financing any of the purchase price, I would also highly suggest walking into the dealership with your own financing from a bank instead of getting beat down from the dealer. Also, DON'T RUSH THE PURCHASE...make sure you are comfortable with all aspects of the sale, don't let the salesmen corner you and remember...THEY ARE ALWAYS LYING TO YOU....oh yeah and THEY ARE ALWAYS LYING TO YOU. Go test drive it Saturday, leave without buying it, then test drive it again a few days later. Don't settle if something is wrong with the car or the deal seems iffy, just leave, there are plenty more cars out there.

Title: Doctor of Science Joined: Jun 11 2007 Posts: 188

jackfrost wrote:

How much is the asking price if you don't mind me asking? I almost bought an older Honda Civic, but I found a 2007 Ford Taurus for cheaper with a lot more options. My father had a Ford Taurus for 10 years without issue, so when I bought one last year I thought it was a good choice. I am not going to bad mouth Honda though, I know several people that own them and they do make very reliable cars. It all depends on what you are looking for and what is available where you are. If it feels right go for it. You want a car that lasts and one that is right for you.

The asking price was originally $6,500 but I told the guy I had $5,500 that I was willing to spend and he said he would sell for that price.

Rydog wrote:

I don't really like hatchbacks, but that car does have a lot of modifaction options. You could end up spending a billion dollars on additions like rims, body kit, exhaust, under the hood....it can be very addicting. Oh yeah, and hatchbacks do allow for the best sound from a solid after marker radio system.

But on the purchase end, Douche had some sound advice...I would also recommend researching what your trade would be worth (if you have one) on kbb.com. If you are financing any of the purchase price, I would also highly suggest walking into the dealership with your own financing from a bank instead of getting beat down from the dealer. Also, DON'T RUSH THE PURCHASE...make sure you are comfortable with all aspects of the sale, don't let the salesmen corner you and remember...THEY ARE ALWAYS LYING TO YOU....oh yeah and THEY ARE ALWAYS LYING TO YOU. Go test drive it Saturday, leave without buying it, then test drive it again a few days later. Don't settle if something is wrong with the car or the deal seems iffy, just leave, there are plenty more cars out there.

I'm not buying from a dealer, it's a private sale. But if anything is wrong with the car, I would have no problem whatsoever telling the guy no and just going and spending the extra cash on the WRX (which I've already test driven). Hopefully it turns out good though because it would be nice to have a little extra cash to spend.

Posted: Sep 30 2009 11:18 pm

I would have bought it at that price as long as it is in good shape. I would look at the Blue Book value first, because I am definitely not a car expert. I kind of wish my last car was that price at this point.

Title: Doctor of Science Joined: Jun 11 2007 Posts: 188

jackfrost wrote:

I would have bought it at that price as long as it is in good shape. I would look at the Blue Book value first, because I am definitely not a car expert. I kind of wish my last car was that price at this point.

The kbb for retail is $8,645 in "excellent" condition. This car is (from what I've seen/ been told) in quite good condition. For private sale, the kbb is $6,220 in "good" condition. So if the car is really in the condition described and the pictures are a true representation, then I'm getting a pretty good deal. And like Rydog said, with the money I save I could definitely upgrade the car with a few things (exhaust/cold air intake seem promising).

Posted: Sep 30 2009 11:33 pm

Okay, a private sale does change a lot. Two bits of advice then, make sure you get the title signed by the seller right away, if he can't give you that, there may be a problem, and remember to set a side a few bucks for tax, registration, inspection sticker and insurance down payment. These four item could end up costing around $1000.

Joined: Sep 17 2007 Location: The Opium Trail Posts: 3475

If you get rear-ended, whoever is in the backseat is fucked.

Title: Doctor of Science Joined: Jun 11 2007 Posts: 188

Rydog wrote:

Okay, a private sale does change a lot. Two bits of advice then, make sure you get the title signed by the seller right away, if he can't give you that, there may be a problem, and remember to set a side a few bucks for tax, registration, inspection sticker and insurance down payment. These four item could end up costing around $1000.

When I talked to the guy, he said he had the title in hand and that there would be no problems on that front. He also said the inspection was good through the beginning of next year. I'm hoping registration will only be around $400-$500 and my dad pays my insurance.

JRA wrote:

If you get rear-ended, whoever is in the backseat is fucked.

I was actually quite surprised when I read that these Civics (hatchback Si), had pretty good crash test ratings. I understand though that any smallcar is going to be worse off in a crash than a bigger car/truck, so I'll be extra careful.

Anyone actually LIKE the styling of the ride?

Posted: Oct 01 2009 01:01 am

eddieh4444 wrote:

I was actually quite surprised when I read that these Civics (hatchback Si), had pretty good crash test ratings. I understand though that any smallcar is going to be worse off in a crash than a bigger car/truck, so I'll be extra careful.

Anyone actually LIKE the styling of the ride?

It is a good balance. It has a decent price, safety, reliability, gas-mileage, and looks. Is it tops in any category? No, it isn't. It is a good balance for what you are looking for though. If you like it, buy it I say.

Title: Doctor of Science Joined: Jun 11 2007 Posts: 188

jackfrost wrote:

It is a good balance. It has a decent price, safety, reliability, gas-mileage, and looks. Is it tops in any category? No, it doesn't. It is a good balance for what you are looking for though. If you like it, buy it I say.

Pretty much the same way I feel about the car, good everywhere but not quite great and certainly economically a good choice. Sounds like what I need at this point in my life from a car.

I'll update after giving it a test drive and making a decision.

Posted: Oct 01 2009 09:58 am

When a car is sold it has to go in for a new inspection sticker...at least in Mass.

Posted: Oct 01 2009 10:17 am

Cars polute
Polution is evil
Get a bike

Posted: Oct 01 2009 03:18 pm

I don't like hatchbacks either, but I have to say, that one doesn't look too bad. A bit of a red flag to me though is the guy is willing to sell it for significantly less than the kbb price which raises my eyebrow. I'd really be careful and look it over twice to make sure something isn't wrong with it that he isn't telling you about. Good deals are great, but they usually exist for a reason.

Title: Doctor of Science Joined: Jun 11 2007 Posts: 188

Pandajuice wrote:

I don't like hatchbacks either, but I have to say, that one doesn't look too bad. A bit of a red flag to me though is the guy is willing to sell it for significantly less than the kbb price which raises my eyebrow. I'd really be careful and look it over twice to make sure something isn't wrong with it that he isn't telling you about. Good deals are great, but they usually exist for a reason.

Yea, I'm definitely gonna be very observant when I go to check the car out, I talked to the guy yesterday and he assured me that there is nothing wrong with the car and that it has a clean title/no wrecks but you can never be sure until you check it out yourself.

Posted: Oct 21 2009 02:00 pm

BUMP... for my own personal use.

my nephews birthday is in a week. not sure what to get him. i guess he told his mom he wanted a webacam for his laptop. can you guys recommend any? or are they all basically the same?