Hi Scotty and the community at large,
I would appreciate your opinion on the following situation, I have a perfectly well maintained manual honda civic lx, 94k mileage (other getting my car keyd by someone). I bought 2 years ago for 15k after tax in Canada and it is fully paid. Today its value is nearly 13-14 k given the inflated used car market. Do you think it is a good time to trade in my car for something new? I was thinking of the following models: Elantra N line, VW Jetta GLI, Hyundai Sonata, a newer Civic maybe the sport? If I were to get a new one, I am looking to go all out and having the latest comforts of a high trim in models that are still reasonably priced.
I am torn apart, part of me wants to just stick to my car, maybe do some aesthetic mods it but wondering if its worth keeping and how it will handle beyond 100k, or take this rare opportunity to trade it in when it barely depreciated over the past 2 years. Like, if my car could honestly last another 100 k without major issues, maybe its worth just sticking it for as long as possible and forgot about nicer cars and being broke.
Also, I love driving manual cars but im thinking of switching to automatic because my GF has no idea how to ride manual.
Thanks in advance,
Ro
Repair history to my car: I recently replaced all the break discs with new ones, as well as fixed clunk noise caused when hitting bumps by replacing suspension in the back (costed $1000 CAD). imagine the tires have one more season at best.
trade in for a VW GLI or an Elantra N line
So a manual Civic that has been well taken care of will last you a long time, but if you want an automatic then trade it in for a new automatic Civic. But never trade in a Honda for a Hyundai; they're rolling piles of junk (you can read more about their horrible quality on this forum). I do own the new Civic and I personally really like it and it's a very nice ride. For extra longitivtiy go with a naturally aspired engine, but if you liked a trim that has the turbo then Honda is the best choice for turbocharged engines.
The idea of trading a perfectly good Honda for a Hyundai or Kia product should not even enter your mind. If you really feel the need for something newer get another Honda, Toyota, or possibly a late-model Mazda - but always check to make sure you're not buying into a model with known problems.
Definitely keep what you got, especially since it’s a manual and you know the history of your vehicle! Forget the other new car choices you mentioned: you will be disappointed by them especially Hyundai Motor Group Products.
If you keep it, keep an eye on the HVAC system:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Civic/2016/
I suspect you would be sorely disappointed with a new vehicle. You have an excellent car and have used probably less than half its life. Do some upgrades, take care of it and drive it for another 100K miles. I would never buy an automatic unless I had a leg in jury.
The only thing I might trade it for is for another Civic. None of the others listed.
If your Civic is NOT a K-Engine Civic, I would change it for a K-Engine Civic.
If it is a K-Engine Civic, I would keep it.
If I wanted more of the new features, I would trade it.
If I just wanted a point A to B car, I’d just keep it.
Thanks buddy! Quick question, how can you tell if the engine is K-engine civic or not? I am not sure where to look to identify that.
If your Civic is NOT a K-Engine Civic, I would change it for a K-Engine Civic.
Thanks buddy! Appreciate this tip. How can you tell apart a K-engine civic for a non-K-engine civic? I couldn't tell by looking at the engine with my naked eye. Also, what makes K-engine better?
Under the hood, look at all the stickers. Sometimes they have the exact engine number listed on one of the stickers.
How can you tell apart a K-engine civic for a non-K-engine civic?
Yours probably has the ultra reliable K20C2 2.0L NA EarthDreams engine. Your engine number should begin with K20Cxxxxxxxx.
Don’t bother replacing your Civic just yet. Teach your lady to drive stick. If she can drive an automatic, it’ll take her 2 hours to drive stick.
If you’re bored, the Civic probably has THE most selection of aftermarket upgrades for cosmetics. Go splurge a grand or two on something in the interior/stereo.
That engine probably has more than 3/4th of its life left, since you’ve kept up with maintenance.
Also, what makes K-engine better?
https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=163
