My 20 year old daughter is looking to buy a car and she found a 2014 Honda Civic Lx for $13k. The car has 70k miles, and seems to be in good shape. The only things that worry me are the car had a recall on the CVT transmission (the fix was a software update) and underneath the car it looks like a previous owner hit/ran over something:



I'm not too mechanically inclined, so I was hoping someone here could chime in with some thoughts on this car.

Thanks

My suggestion if you are not mechanically inclined is to take that vehicle to a shop that conducts pre purchase inspections. They're generally $125-200 and well spent, especially given your circumstances. They'll get that car on a lift to see what lies underneath.

Having hit something, I'd be a bit more cautious.

Edmonds advice is good.
I’d add to that to find a independent Honda shop as they should know any issues specific to those cars.

Looks like the center lower engine cover came loose and got tore up. It's just a piece of sheetmetal that has to be removed for oil change. As mentioned above, get the car checked out, shouldn't be too much of a concern though if everything else is ok.

Amazing timing. Project Farm dude just posted this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkmmJhXRpvs

Re: you car, get it checked out by a mechanic. Good luck!

I recently went through this as well. Then I discovered that there are new cars available with a starting MSRP of about $16,750 (Kia Rio). The price difference is only one major repair job on a used car above. It comes with a warranty, all the new safety features, and you don't have to worry about everything you're worried about.

Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by Dzozer:
I recently went through this as well. Then I discovered that there are new cars available with a starting MSRP of about $16,750 (Kia Rio). The price difference is only one major repair job on a used car above. It comes with a warranty, all the new safety features, and you don't have to worry about everything you're worried about.

Good luck!

Yep considering any vehicle in that price range it's best to see what's out there new, and a KIA will have a 10/100,000 powertrain warranty., Apple Car play, backup camera, remote start and unlock, latest in safety/air bag setup,

https://www.kia.com/us/en/rio

That Honda has zero.... so get a qualified Honda knowledgeable person to get it on a lift and go through it as a condition of sale

Kia Warranty:

• 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty

• 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty

• 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty

• 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan

I'm a pretty faithful Honda guy, but given the circumstances and the Kia mentioned above, that's the way I'd go.

$13,000 for a 10 year old car is astonishing to me

You used to be able to buy one of those brand new for around $16,000

The underside of that car gives me pause. If they weren't careful/smart enough to avoid that, what else did they do to that car? Like never change the oil in it?

I'd keep looking. Look at Mazdas, they are VERY underrated cars and great drivers.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
Look at Mazdas, they are VERY underrated cars and great drivers.

Don't really hear much about them. We always hear about Honda and Toyota getting 200k miles.

Are Mazdas on par? I assume Mazda is a step above the Korean makers. Mazdas seem to be quite refined but I have limited experience driving one and have never owned one.

Yes, Mazda is as good or in some ways better than Honda and Toyota IMO

I’ve owned a Mazda3 and currently drive a Mazda5 and both have been great. They’re a bit more sporty in styling and handling than the oftentimes boring, bland Hondas and Toyotas.

OP should really look at a Mazda3 for his daughter.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
$13,000 for a 10 year old car is astonishing to me

You used to be able to buy one of those brand new for around $16,000

The underside of that car gives me pause. If they weren't careful/smart enough to avoid that, what else did they do to that car? Like never change the oil in it?

I'd keep looking. Look at Mazdas, they are VERY underrated cars and great drivers.

People sell their cars when they hit 10 years for a reason. The reason is they IGNORED pretty much ALL maintenance the whole time. Yes, the WHOLE time. Oil changes don't count, that's only the tip of the iceberg, though many don't even keep up with that. If you buy it you'll be spending at least that much to bring it back to health, so in your case, I don't think blue book is a good guide for you, even IF blue book lists it for that amount. And that frame damage underneath is a problem waiting to happen. Try catching something hard at highway speed, and your daughter is sitting right on top of whatever will be coming up through the floor into her lap (or worse).

Bought my Daughter a 2013 Honda accord with about 90k miles. Had it checked out as suggested and it’s been great for her. I think I paid 12,000.

Car runs great. Perfect for her.

I have owned nine Accords over the years and have been pleased. As noted earlier get a mechanic to check it out. You can bargain if there are issues.

quote:

2014 Honda Civic Lx for $13k. The car has 70k miles

Despite the low mileage, that would be a no for me. A Civic is not any fancy car, just like a Corolla. And that damage to the bottom is a red flag.