buying a civic in cali - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

illdeviant · 03-24-2007, 03:20 PM

heyyyyya. This crap is so stressful. So far I've found a 98 civic ex coupe with about 45k on it. I'm gonna use it primarily for a 30mile a day commute. They're asking for 7k- a little high compared to kelly blue book. They say they're selling to make space for a minivan and it's mostly been used for commute and 1 relocation from texas. I've test driven it and with my minutia of experience with cars, I guess it's ok. I think the alignment's off cause the car kinda drifts and when I break off an exit ramp for example, the wheel kinda shakes. I'm kinda leaning toward this car b/c of the previous drivers using it primarily as a commuter .. the mileage supports that. Personality wise these two owners are pretty softspoken so hopefully that translates to driving style.

I will be taking it to a mechanic later this week. Anyone know how much a pre-purchase checkup like that runs? I heard numbers around 60-70. Anything I should specifically ask the mechanic to check out? general car buying tips?

It seems I don't have any substantial questions. More like some suggestions, I guess. I just relocated to sandiego so between finding perm housing, car, starting the job, it's been pretty crazy lately.

Thanks for any help, really.

Willravel · 03-24-2007, 03:31 PM

Frankly, you're going to be a victim of FCS (first car syndrome) getting a civic in California. Most kids in high school love to get civics in order to add a whole bunch of unnecessary aftermarket modifications, which makes them think they are cool. In addition to this, civics are legendary for getting good mileage and for being very reliable. Because demand is high, the price generally is a bit higher. If you're looking to get a more fair price, you might consider getting an Acura, Infinity, Mazda, or Toyota. They offer comparably reliable cars and you're able to avoid the dreaded FCS.

Call ahead to mechanics and explain what's going on. They should be able to quote you prices for a checkup over the phone. Civics are pretty reliable, but any good mechanic will know what to look for.

illdeviant · 03-24-2007, 05:08 PM

yup. with all the stuff going down now, I'm just really kinda just winding down. As for me though, all I'm looking for is reliability. No mods no nothing. Something that I can commute in. But the perk of going with the all popular civic is that there's still resale value at the end.. kinda. Specially since it's only at 45k now.
Hassel is that I have to take time off work both for mechanic visit and the dmv to transfer titles.

oh btw. does anyone know how the taxing works? I'll prob be subjected to sales tax, eh? This tax thing is starting to suck.

03-24-2007, 03:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
illdeviant Crazy Location: Lawn Guyland	buying a civic in cali heyyyyya. This crap is so stressful. So far I've found a 98 civic ex coupe with about 45k on it. I'm gonna use it primarily for a 30mile a day commute. They're asking for 7k- a little high compared to kelly blue book. They say they're selling to make space for a minivan and it's mostly been used for commute and 1 relocation from texas. I've test driven it and with my minutia of experience with cars, I guess it's ok. I think the alignment's off cause the car kinda drifts and when I break off an exit ramp for example, the wheel kinda shakes. I'm kinda leaning toward this car b/c of the previous drivers using it primarily as a commuter .. the mileage supports that. Personality wise these two owners are pretty softspoken so hopefully that translates to driving style. I will be taking it to a mechanic later this week. Anyone know how much a pre-purchase checkup like that runs? I heard numbers around 60-70. Anything I should specifically ask the mechanic to check out? general car buying tips? It seems I don't have any substantial questions. More like some suggestions, I guess. I just relocated to sandiego so between finding perm housing, car, starting the job, it's been pretty crazy lately. Thanks for any help, really.

03-24-2007, 03:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Frankly, you're going to be a victim of FCS (first car syndrome) getting a civic in California. Most kids in high school love to get civics in order to add a whole bunch of unnecessary aftermarket modifications, which makes them think they are cool. In addition to this, civics are legendary for getting good mileage and for being very reliable. Because demand is high, the price generally is a bit higher. If you're looking to get a more fair price, you might consider getting an Acura, Infinity, Mazda, or Toyota. They offer comparably reliable cars and you're able to avoid the dreaded FCS. Call ahead to mechanics and explain what's going on. They should be able to quote you prices for a checkup over the phone. Civics are pretty reliable, but any good mechanic will know what to look for.

03-24-2007, 05:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
illdeviant Crazy Location: Lawn Guyland	yup. with all the stuff going down now, I'm just really kinda just winding down. As for me though, all I'm looking for is reliability. No mods no nothing. Something that I can commute in. But the perk of going with the all popular civic is that there's still resale value at the end.. kinda. Specially since it's only at 45k now. Hassel is that I have to take time off work both for mechanic visit and the dmv to transfer titles. oh btw. does anyone know how the taxing works? I'll prob be subjected to sales tax, eh? This tax thing is starting to suck.