New member, buying a 92 Civic DX, looking for opinions...

[exo]

Hi everybody,

I am most likely going trade in my 98 impreza for a 92 civic DX hatchback tomorrow (1 owner, 5 speed, 90k miles). It appears to be in perfect condition. How much do you think it is worth?

Thanks!

[theunchosen]

Um,

I have a Del Sol 93, bough it with 192K miles no damage for 3K. It's a five speed.

Autotrader's average for 92 civics(all) was 3.5K Upper end DXs I saw were around 4-6 depending on the mileage. Sorry I can't help much more than that.

[KJSatz]

Just checked kbb with a Maryland zip code, and it gave roughly $1500 for a 92 DX 5 speed with no extras, 90k miles, Good condition.

[exo]

Thanks for the help. The dealer is asking 4k, but I'm sure I can talk him down.

[theunchosen]

I'd push to 3,500 out the door. If that doesn't work just tell him thats all you have a loan for. He'll go back talk to someone and come back. You don't want financing. If you finance they just readjust the amount the car costs into the financing so you still end up paying 4K for the car plus interest.

You want to deal with a credit union outside of their financial services because they have no ability to manipulate the car price based on financing.

Also it gives you leverage because thats what you have and thats it he can't argue you into paying 4K by taking a longer loan because you have the loan and its 3500

[exo]

I will be paying cash... hopefully they will let it go for 3k

[theunchosen]

fantastic lol. Cash gives you alot more bargaining power. I would tell them exactly that. They say no, give them your number and leave.

I had an idiot car salesman in the local area try and tell me that a 05 civic was more valuable than my 07 civic. I was negotiating a trade in for the parents(I worked as a collections agent so negotiations is my specialty lol) and the guy had a 05 with more miles and had a sticker price on it of 16K, but my trade, with less miles, not the base model like his was only worth 15K.

I just got up and walked out, without saying anything to him. He called back and I asked to speak with his manager and then hung up when he got there.

[energy0uth]

I can't believe people still consult kbb or any other site for prices. Make up the price when you get there. In your head think you want to spend 3500 no matter what and then find things you know may need to be fixed or are haggle points thus lowering the price more and more. Save yourself money!

kbb values cars at either too high or too low. Used cars vary so much with the mods they have, how well maintained, etc. There is always a better deal somewhere else. I sold my 95 civic for 2k with a $500 system I installed. 189k ran like a beast, new tires, well maintained, clean body, etc.