advice for a friend

Hey guys,

a friend of mine is looking to buy a civic (and join the "community", so to
speak). She actually wanted to buy the car I bought (98 civic), but backed
off at the last second and decided to go for something cheaper.
I went to see the car with him, a 94 civic hatchback (the SOHC engine model,
basic equipment).
Car looks to be in good shape, little rust under the hood, little rust on
body - i test drove it, transmission seems to work smoothly (no grinding
when shifting), acceleration is still ok.... No noticeable noises, engine
fairly quiet (as much as you can expect from a 10 year old 4 cyl).

So bottom line is, the car LOOKS ok and drives ok,
dealer is asking 3600 canadian - thats about 2825 USD.
I thought it was a good deal (if the car is not a lemon - but thats always a
risk u take), do you guys think it's reasonable?

If you can reply as soon as possible, I want to get some second opinions
before I tell my friend if she should go for it (or before someone else buys
it).

Yuri

 

Throw the car's particulars into site http://www.edmunds.com , used car section.
You'll need miles, color, transmission, and general condition of the car.

It does ask for zip codes, as prices are at least somewhat location specific.
But the site let's you skip the zip code, too.

Not sure if it will give much guidance on Canadian prices.

I threw in 1994 Civic 2-dr Si Hatchback, 100k miles, dark red, average
condition, air conditioning and got back the following for my zip code
(intermediate cost of living):

Private Party $2,621

Dealer Retail $3,532

Ask for maintenance records, especially timing belt changes and distribution
coil and igniter changes.

 

oh i almost forgot, the car has 204 000 km on it....
I figured for a honda it's still ok

 

Compare here www.trader.ca

 

Go to carfax.com and run a report.

 

At that mileage it's definitely not worth $3600. Check ths car out in
Toronto, newer, less km, probably the same condition overall, only $2500.

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=64&Region=&subcategory=&CAT=1

And I found it after searching for about 1 minute on autotrader.

Cosmin

 

the link doesnt open
same car for 2500? sounds unreal, can u send me another link plz ? thx in
advance

 

A new search reveals '94 Civics, Ontario wide, from $3250 (195,000kms) to
$7500 (60,000 kms, some mods).