Buying a Used Honda Civic

Brickell Honda

The Honda Civic used to be considered a "subcompact" car. In recent years, the Civic has evolved into a spacious, luxurious car, available in either a sedan or a coupe. There are many different trims available, and some trims even reflect performance aesthetics. In terms of used Honda Civics, you will find two model year designs, the most common will be the 2016 to 2021 model years. In 2022, the Civic also underwent a redesign that you will see in the current year trends.

The Honda Civic Profile (Model Years 2016 to 2021, 2022)

The 10th Generation Honda Civic (2016 to 2021)

Most manufacturers will slightly redesign a vehicle when they roll out the next generation. However, Honda typically does a fresh new slate. The 10th generation of the Civic was more upscale, while maintaining the economy that Honda is known for. The base model uses a 1.8-liter V4 engine. The premium trims will feature a turbocharged V4 to get you the performance you need. The Honda Civic handles nicely, with great responsiveness. The 10th generation of the Honda Civic did away with most of the problematic road noise from previous design years.

The more premium trims will feature intuitive touchscreen features, Honda Sensing, collision warning, and emergency braking. A hatchback trim appeared on the lineup in 2017 and Honda updated its styling on the Civic in 2019.

The 11th Generation Honda Civic (2022)

The 2022 redesign year didn't drastically overhaul the Civic, but there were some nice upgrades across the model. A 2.0 liter engine was added in all trims. The 2022 model year handles a little bit better, has a roomier cabin, and all the top safety features are available in all trims, like emergency braking.

Which model year of the Honda Civic should you buy?

We recommend purchasing a model year from 2017 to 2021 if you want the most bang for your buck. While the 2022 Honda Civic is outstanding in terms of features and trims, many drivers report that the 2022 version does have some road noise and doesn't handle as nicely as the previous design. Purchasing a model year from 2017 to 2021 will also let you experience the best benefits of Honda's certified program. Let's look at some of the trims and styles that were available in the 2020 model year, so you can get a picture of the entire lineup. Essentially, there are nineteen different styles of the Honda Civic that you can choose from:

EX (3 styles): The Civic EX averages between 34 and 36 MPG on the road, depending on the style. All styles are spacious and seat five, and you can choose between two and four doors.
EX-L (2 styles): The EX-L adds the benefits of an 8-way power driver's seat and leather trim.
LX (4 styles): The LX includes a 5-inch infotainment touchscreen, great four-speaker surround sound, and great safety technology.
Sport (6 styles): The Sport adds the touch of a turbocharged engine in the hatchback model.
Sport Touring (2 styles): The Sport Touring adds more cargo space and is a more premium trim than the sport.
Touring (2 styles): The Touring is the flagship trim of the Civic model, adding in leather upholstery and power front seats.

2022 Honda Civic Sedan Sport

Why does purchasing a used Honda Civic save you money?

The current model year Civic starts at about $24,640 MSRP, and that's for the base trim. If you purchase a 2017 model year, such as the CIVIC LX, you might find something for under $20,000. You also have the option of buying a used vehicle that was previously leased; you get a car with extremely low mileage that is in essentially new condition.

Who should buy a used Honda Civic?

The Honda Civic has won several different awards over the years. The most notable of these is the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award. You will also see some of the standard awards for the Honda Civic, including:

US News & World Report Best Compact Car for the Money
The North American Car of the Year
Wards Auto 10 Best User Experiences
IIHS Top Safety Pick

The Honda Civic is a great compact car that does not sacrifice features. You get premium economy on gas mileage (up to 40+ MPG on the highway and consistently in the mid-30s in the city). The Honda Civic seats five, is a great commuter vehicle, and there are performance options available that will make this your dream vehicle.

2022 Honda Civic Sedan Sport

Finding the right model year of the Honda Civic

The Civic, by and far, has the most trims and styles of any Honda to choose from. In terms of fuel economy, you will find between 31 MPG and 42 MPG across the Civic lineup. Here are some tips for finding the right model year and trim:

Make a list of the specific features that you want. For example, power seats will narrow your choice to the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims.
If you are looking for trunk space, you will want a hatchback, which has 46.2 cubic feet of trunk space when you fold the seats down.
The Touring trim will give you the most comfort, coming in with leather upholstery and other features.

Ways to finance your used Honda Civic

Consider a 10% to 20% down payment on your used Honda Civic, which will help reduce your tax liability and other costs. The fact that you are buying a used Civic will knock your monthly payment down by as much as $150. A trade in is also a possibility. Brickell Honda has several different financing options available to help you take home the used Honda of your choice.

Work with Brickell Honda for world-class customer service

Brickell is the top Honda dealer in the Greater Miami area. We have won the Honda President's Award for world-class service and have a full lineup of options available for you to choose from. We will help you find the right model year of the Honda Civic with all the features that you want at a great price.