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I haven't owned a car in over 16 years (didn't need one), but the last one I did own was a Civic, and it was great.

Now I'm looking for a reliable, inexpensive commuter vehicle (for driving roughly 100km per week, half of it highway) and am considering a '98 Civic hatchback currently listed for $1,500 (CAD).

The car has had one owner since 2000. All regular maintenance has been done on time, at the same place, and there are records for all work done (including the timing belt). The car drives smoothly and seems to be very well looked after.

My main concern is the 257,000 km (160,000 miles) on the odometer. If I'm hoping to get another 5 or so years out of whatever car I buy, should I be looking for something newer and/or with lower mileage on it ... or could this one go the distance (in theory, anyway)?

Any expert advice gratefully accepted!

 
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If it were me I would have paid that over the phone without even looking at it. It's probably already sold. I have a 99 I bought off the original owner 7 years ago with all regular maintenence done to that point at 165k km. Now it has 245k km with all regular maintenence still up to date. It pretty much hasn't cost me a penny in repairs and it still doesn't burn or leak any oil between changes. I see no reason why mine won't go strong for much much longer.... I'm thinking probably 10 more years and another 100k. It will need some repair over the next 10 I'm sure (clutch,exhaust,suspension) but 6th gens are nice riding cars that get great gas mileage. The down side of buying that car..... your insurance company will write it off even in a minor accident, it's not a safe as more modern cars especially in a side impact and if you live in a rust prone area it would need some careful inspection to be sure it wasn't rusted out.

 
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Thanks, Stock 99 — that's very helpful.

 
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I bought a 2000 Civic EX last year with 250,000 miles on it. I have put an additional 16,000 on it and it still runs great. I have had to do little maintenance fixes on it, but it is still running great. I would get it if I were you.

 
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that's not really a lot for its age,

thats only about 14,000km per year,

i have 300,000+ kms on my 05