04 vs. 03 Civic
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04 vs. 03 Civic
I'm looking at buying a new Civic - 4dr EX 5spd. At the dealership they just got in a 03 w 8K miles and are asking $14.5K. The only difference I can tell is the 03 EX doesn't come with alloy wheels. Any other differences I should know about? Is it worth saving $2K and then spending $800 for wheels on the 03? Any opinions advice are much appreciated. 
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Rep Power: 329 Well the 04 also has different bumpers, front grill, head and tail lights, and the 03 DOES come with alloy wheels, but they are different from the ones on the 04.
I prefer new cars myself, so I would go with the 04 just for that reason.
I prefer new cars myself, so I would go with the 04 just for that reason.
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Rep Power: 275 Thanks. I know the wheels are an option in the 03, but they are now standard in the 04. Either that or someone took them off the 03 I'm looking at. I've never had a new car so I'm leaning that way. The only reason I'm looking at the 03 is to save some $$ plus the Honda Certified program actually has a better warranty than the new car.
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Rep Power: 304 03 w/ 8k is a used car.....will have to pay smog fee...and will have to smog every 2 years
04 is brand new.
ask them the "TOTAL OUT THE DOOR AMOUNT" on each car and see whats the difference
04 is brand new.
ask them the "TOTAL OUT THE DOOR AMOUNT" on each car and see whats the difference
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Rep Power: 275 Thanks for the replies. I live in North Dakota so there is no smog laws. Actually there is no smog. 
Total prices with tax and license are about $17.8K for an 04 and 15.4K for the 03. Add in the wheels on the 03 and it is $16.2K. I could live with hubcaps but would prefer not to. I agree about the headlights, the 03 does look better. Although I like the 04 panels better.
Total prices with tax and license are about $17.8K for an 04 and 15.4K for the 03. Add in the wheels on the 03 and it is $16.2K. I could live with hubcaps but would prefer not to. I agree about the headlights, the 03 does look better. Although I like the 04 panels better. 
i got a 04 and i am happy so far to me i really like the body style looks so nice even the headlights. Really depends on what u want. I got the 04 and have no regrets except i should have got it in black
if i were in your position, i would go with the 04 because its brand new. 8k miles may seem nothing but think about how it was driven within the 8k miles?.... never know what was its history.
IMO i do agree on how the 03 looks better then the 04, but thats just the coupes
if you really like the 03, go for it. but couple more bucks then your off with a BRAND NEW 2004. its all up to you and which one would satisfy you more.
IMO i do agree on how the 03 looks better then the 04, but thats just the coupes
if you really like the 03, go for it. but couple more bucks then your off with a BRAND NEW 2004. its all up to you and which one would satisfy you more. 
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Rep Power: 303 Ummm.... get the 04. For 2k difference, go brand new. Why would someone trade a car in with only 8k on it? I'd think twice on that.
Besides, the dealership would LOVE to sell that car for only 2k less than a new one.
Besides, the dealership would LOVE to sell that car for only 2k less than a new one.
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I like the look of the 03's... and yeah, sedans don't have alloys as standard stuff...
but like mentioned try to get a really really low rate on that '03 otherwise though go brand new.
but like mentioned try to get a really really low rate on that '03 otherwise though go brand new.
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Rep Power: 288 I'd say go '04, but that price is high...
I would talk the fvckers down...
Haggle haggle haggle, and dont feel stupid doing it...
Its one of the few things we can actually haggle on in the states
I would talk the fvckers down...
Haggle haggle haggle, and dont feel stupid doing it...
Its one of the few things we can actually haggle on in the states
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Rep Power: 293 I can't believe there are people griping about the looks of the 04 - I feel like a tool for not having gotten an 04 when I had the choice because I bought my 03 at the end of the model year - that front end has more bling than 03
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Originally Posted by NoLeadEmSoMuch
I can't believe there are people griping about the looks of the 04 - I feel like a tool for not having gotten an 04 when I had the choice because I bought my 03 at the end of the model year - that front end has more bling than 03
Im glad you aren't one of them 
Get the 04 please and get it for invoice price.
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Rep Power: 275 Thanks for all the info. I'm going to go w/ the 04. I'm getting quotes from other dealers in the area to gain a little leverage. They are asking $16.9, from what I've seen I should be able to get down to about $16.4. This is my first new car and first import so I may be wrong.
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