jordan1794

My girlfriend's mother passed away a year and a half ago,and when she did I got her 2006 Honda Civic LX(MY parents bought it to help them pay off the small bit of debt she left behind, and because I had just gotten my license)

Now my girlfriend is looking to get a car,I know she is familiar with this model of car and I also know that I have done a lot of research on the car so I know a lot about it.

Her budget is 8,000-9,000 but I know she can spend a generous amount more than that(life insurance)

So I'm wondering,should she just spend the extra 1,000 or so and get a 2006 Civic rather than a 7th Gen seeing as how she and I both are more familiar with it?

Also,should we try to buy used from a dealer,or venture into private party sellers?

ubnpast

iTrader: (4)

You can get a nice car for that price. I like the design of the 7th gen, I would personally get a 04-05 EX special edition, the 7th gens are better on gas then the 8th gen. They both have their quirks, I have an 06 ex now (have had 04 ex and 01 lx), I prefer the 7th gens although some do leak water in the trunk, nothing major.

I would never buy anything from the stealer, I have an Elcometer (paint thickness meter, measures paint thickness to see if cars have had paint/body work), and get a carfax, original owner cars are best.

Beta

The pros to a reputable dealer that is friendly and has a reputation for selling well inspected and repaired used cars is if it comes with a warranty, especially if it's for a few years.

The cons is that it is more expensive up front than Private Party.

The worst you could do is buy from one of those cheap looking dealerships that look like a post apocalyptic building taken over and reused to sell cars. You get the shakiness of an unknown deal, and you pay dealer pricing. No warranty and higher prices. Usually doesn't end happy. Sometimes it does, the rest of the time... eh...

YMMV

MindBomber

I second everything said here, personally I believe an 04-05 Civic is a more attractive and overall superior car, but the difference between the models is largely personal preference. Little bit worse gas mileage, versus a slightly less modern appearance.

Just make sure the 06 has had the rear control arms replaced, as per the service bulletin.

BlueEM2

iTrader: (1)

2005 civic EX FTW