Rep Power: 0

I bought my 05 civic brand new in 2005 and in that time it has racked up 335 000kms. The engine still run strong, it has never left me stranded, and was just about to change struts for the first time. Everything else is stock.

My daily commute is a 180km highway drive where the biggest hazard is deer on the road. Last week my luck ran out and I hit one. My front bumper, hood, headlight, fender, p/s resivour all need to be replaced though I am still driving it to work in the meantime. I only had basic insurance.

Basically looking for some opinions on whether or not to fix it or upgrade? Gonna cost at least 1000 bucks even at a wrecker I would assume. I'm leaning towards fixing it. My wife thinks we should just upgrade to a new civic. We can afford it but damn it is nice to not have a car payment! And I love my car, would hate to see it go.

What would you guys do?

 
Rep Power: 245

as nice as the new civic's are id pay the 1000 and get the car fixed. its really nice not having a payment like you said.

 
Rep Power: 235

Try a salvage yard, you should be able to get those parts for about $500 if you can get 'em local, then put 'em on yourself. Try all the craigslists within driving distance too. Might as well get the PS reservoir new as it's only $10-15 bucks.

Nationwide salvage listings: http://www.car-part.com/

 
Rep Power: 313

Get an accurate estimate on how much it would cost to fix. It may be more than you think. If it costs more to fix than to replace the car with one thats the same model year... get a new car... kinda similar to what insurance companies do. They do it cuz its efficient

 
Rep Power: 235

Really? I thought they did it because they make more money.

 
Rep Power: 313

^ Same as efficient no?

 
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Well guys I have spent all week trying to decide what to do and its driving me insane. I have called every junkyard around and nobody has anything for me and after looking online for replacement parts I'm looking over 1000 bucks easy, maybe more depending on a few things.

Wife finally convinced me to go look at a new 2010 so thats what I'll be doing tommorow. I have never even sat in an 8th gen before so I'm curious to finally drive one. Not as excited as I thought I would be to buy a new car cause I'm gonna really miss my 05. I'll keep you guys posted, might check out a few honda specific junkyards for any recent arrivals but otherwise might be moving up to 8th gen.

 
Rep Power: 313

Well... maybe get a quote from a professional repair place... If you do decide to buy a new car though... part out? I like the 05s better than the 8th gens, personally.

 
Rep Power: 812

$1k vs $20k hmmm i think you should spend less money and still have a reliable car, probably gets better mileage than the new civic anyways. 8thgens are completely different so if you are used to the 05, you will be in for a bad surprise when you test drive it.

 
Rep Power: 235

Agree, the 8th gens are a completely different cars.

Have to say that the 8th gens are super safe. My friend had an '07 4-door and we were rolling through an intersection and got t-boned by a full size Dodge running the light. The corner of his bumper was even with the center of my door. Walked away with seatbelt bruises and 1 scratch.

Like Civic Dave's latest article says, after getting over the initial sticker price you can expect safety and reliability (except the auto trannys, of course).

If I could afford it I'd buy the new one and sell the '05 for the down payment. You could still get $1000-1500 for it especially if it runs.

On a side note, you only need the headlight to pass inspection. Sheet metal doesn't come into the inspection. lol

 
Rep Power: 0

Well I took it a 2010 sedan DX-G 5 speed for a spin yesterday. I really liked it but decided against getting a new one. Decided I would just save my money for now and next year, probably sept 2011, I will upgrade. By then they should have some killer deals on the 8th gens and the 9th gens should be out....or will they?

Just put in my headlight, got my power steering back, and replaced the battery just in time for another alberta winter. The 05 civic lives for another year.