The car that made Honda a household name in the US is still making waves in the auto industry. In fact, it’s one of the only two sedans to make it into the top 10 most popular cars of 2020!
The Civic offers some great features at a very affordable price, making it a big competitor in the market. So why are Honda Civics so popular and should I buy one? Well, here are the factors to consider.
1. Does It Fit Your Needs?
If you have a big family that you need to transport around, or if you have a lot of equipment you need to transport for work, a Civic doesn’t offer the most space. A minivan or a large SUV would be best for a large family for the extra seating, and a truck, van, or SUV will be best for equipment transportation.
If you’re transporting a small amount of equipment like if you’re a painter, a CR-V might be a better option for you, but you might be able to get away with a sedan if it can fit.
Now, for a small sedan, the Civic does offer a decent amount of trunk space, but let’s be honest, you’re not going to be moving out of your apartment with it. You can also attach racks on the roof for extra storage if you decide to go skiing or kayaking and need some room.
If you’re simply looking for a vehicle to get to work in or to just transport yourself around for grocery trips, a Civic definitely matches your needs and will save you at the pump with its small size. The new 2021 models get up to 42 mpg on the highway, so if you need a car, that’s a good place to start looking!
2. Longevity
This is honestly the first question you should ask when you’re buying a car. If you’ve ever had to buy a new car before you paid off the last one, you know how frustrating that is. You want a car that will last you beyond the duration of your loan so you don’t find yourself making payments every month for the rest of your life.
A lot of honest mechanics and dealers will tell you that if you aren’t buying Toyota, Subarus, or Hondas, you’re making a mistake.
That’s because these companies have a solid reputation of lasting well beyond the average 150,000-mile mark. Now, if a dealer tells you that you should never keep a car past 150,000 miles, they clearly aren’t talking about Hondas. Honda Civics are known for lasting a long time, and if you’re interested, check out some more info.
If you take out a 5-year loan, you’ll want to have the car for longer than that. If you drive a new car at the US average of 13,000 miles a year, a car that gets up to 260,000 miles will last you for 20 years, which is 15 years longer than the duration of the payment.
3. Price
SUVs and trucks are so expensive because everybody wants them. Sedans are often overlooked by a lot of people who should be driving them, and if you’re one of those people, you’ll be happy with the money you save.
A 2021 Honda Civic has an MSRP of just over $21,000. Compare that with a Ford Explorer that’s over $32,000, has worse gas mileage, and likely won’t last as long. It isn’t just the upfront price either. With a vehicle like the Civic, you’ll save money at the pump, on repairs, on interest, and on your car insurance.
4. Should I Buy New Or Used?
Well, that depends on your budget and how long you want to keep the car. There’s always a risk when buying used cars, but if you take the right precautions and get them checked out, you should be alright.
Buying new for a Civic is a lot more affordable than buying new on a lot of other vehicles, so don’t rule it out. However, buying a vehicle that’s a year or two old and slightly used is not a bad idea. The car depreciates in value at the highest rate in the first two years without losing too much of its longevity.
If you can afford the payments, buying new is the way to go. It’s the best way to ensure that you’ll get the most out of the car and that nobody caused any damage to the engine or transmission before you took it over.
5. Road Conditions
When buying a Honda Civic, it’s important to know the kind of roads you’ll be driving on. If you’re in New England, Canada, Alaska, or the upper Midwest, a Civic may not be your best bet in the snow. However, if you’re used to icy roads as a driver and you get a good pair of snow tires, then you have nothing to worry about.
Civics come in many different shapes and sizes and you can always customize them. Choosing between front and rear-wheel drive, 2-door or 4-door, the size of your wheels, and more will make a difference in weight and handling. Every Civic is different, so choose the one that’s right for your situation!
Should You Buy A Honda Civic?
Honda Civics are excellent cars for almost any ordinary driver. If you don’t need the space of a pickup truck and you want to save money on gas, payments, and insurance, then this is the car for you! Stay up to date with our latest auto news and find the car that’s right for you!