This is one of those cars I’m shocked is still for sale, as a pristine Honda Civic Si hatchback is a vehicle that typically disappears very quickly once posted. The car shown here is a desirable year and specification, largely because it exists in stock condition, which is all but impossible to find in a hot hatch like this. The Civic Si is listed here on craigslist with over 132,000 miles on the clock but seemingly in excellent shape, and the seller confirms that he snagged it from the classic little old lady who was never tempted to add a cold air intake or exhaust system. He’s asking $19,500 and he just might get it.
This is technically the fourth-generation Civic chassis in the U.S., which was undoubtedly when Honda blew the economy car marketplace wide open. Never before could consumers get this combination of quality, fuel economy, and features in what was effectively a “cheap” car. And the best part was you didn’t have to step up to the Si to get excellent driving dynamics. Ask anyone who’s owned an entry-level DX hatch from this era and they will confirm that the handling was lithe and the stick-shift delightful to use, not to mention the ergonomics being out of this world. If they didn’t rust so frequently, there might be more left on the road.
Of course, the other challenge is how many were modified once the tuner craze took hold in the U.S. Sadly, many of these top-shelf Si hatchbacks were destroyed by bad modifications or “enthusiasts” ripping out the drivetrains to stick in other Hondas. The Lego-like construction of these cars may make them tons of fun to own, but sadly, it also means swapping and replacing is as common as oil changes and fuel fill-ups. The seller’s Si benefitted from a 16-valve SOHC 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that was shared with the CRX Si, and developed a rabble-rousing 108 horsepower.
Now, while finding a Civic Si of any generation in bone-stock condition is a trick, finding one that’s stock and in excellent condition is basically impossible. The seller’s car checks both of those boxes, which is why he can ask the price he’s asking. This “EF”-chassis Si was loved by a woman in her 70s “….who owned it for 29 years and kept in her garage,” according to the seller, and it shows. The seller notes that he’s in no hurry to sell, so I wouldn’t call expecting much of a negotiation. The only question I have is the seller’s mention that a “…new flywheel, clutch disc, pressure plate, water pump, and timing belt” are included with the sale, which likely means this work has yet to be performed. Still, I doubt he’s going to have a hard time selling it with this maintenance left undone. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the tip.
Nineteen five? No way. I had two Honda Civics, one after I get divorced and money was tight. Five speed and a sunroof. It was a fun car car but even an Si doesn’t justify that price with those miles. The second one I had, an ’02, started using oil and slipping gears, it was an automatic, at 160000 miles. So much for famed Honda reliability. And those seats? They look comfortable but on long trips forget it.
LOL! By some measures, 160,000 miles is a pretty good run…
Honda automatic transmissions from the 90’s through at least the early 2000’s are well known to fail. Stick to the manuals if you can.
The seats are uncomfortable on long drives as they are too low to the floor. For most daily drives they are fine.
The ask has to be a misprint.
I had a ’91 Si that I bought new in that fabulous teal green. I absolutely loved that car! Drove it from New Orleans to California and Fox owner isn’t kidding about the seats being uncomfortable on long trips. Add in no cruise control and it was not the best for your lower back trying to keep your right leg at a constant pressure. In any case, this one is really nice. I do like the red, but the asking price is optimistic at best, considering this one does not have the optional A/C.
What great little cars!
Yeah, I’m wondering about the “parts included” line in the ad. Would be nice if those items were already done for that price. Also, it looks like it doesn’t have air conditioning? It is a sweet little car. If it had AC and had the new clutch and tire belt and water pump installed it could be worth that price, but the asking price is a little steep.
My wife had a 1990 Honda Civic, which is the same body style as this one and they are great cars to drive with really good visibility.
We had a 1990 Si, it was great except for the blowing head gaskets that finally caused it to be sold. So fun to drive and as noted, visibility out was amazing. Nineteen-five is a big ask for a car with no A/C and needing a bunch of work though.
I have a question, how do you come to 19k? They sold for much much less new and granted, it’s in great shape, but 19k? Where are these people getting their info about value?
A 1991 CRX Si just sold for $23,750 on a popular auction site today. Granted, this one had only 83,000 miles on it and had A/C, but it does seem values are rising on these. Perhaps the CRX is more desirable than the Civic, but the seller probably can get pretty close to the asking price (even though I wouldn’t pay it, lol).
I’m pretty sure I know what site you’re talking about and a quick search proved that the seller of this one is about $10k too high. My brother, myself and my then girlfriend learned to drive a manual on my dad’s 1989 Civic LX sedan. They’re great cars and this one is in great shape painted in a popular color. GLWTS.
These cars sell to people who had one back in the day and feel nostalgic.
My sister had a red one just like this and it was a blast to drive fast.
Aww, man. Had this exact same ’89, drove it 15 years. It was a beast. Asking price about double what I’d pay now though..
My favorite style of civic
Let’s put things into perspective. If this car spent its life in Torrance CA then rust is not an issue. It is 99% original which means a lot to many people. The SI with a 5-speed is the desired model. This is a late gen-4 which has the shoulder harness on the door. Paint appears to be original and VGC. Miles are not very high by Honda standards (even for an SI). If priced at $14k it would be sold by now. A/C is nice but are a severe relative weight penalty on these. I had a 1989 DX which I drove hard (but smart). Mods on mine were 14″ Miata wheels, 2″ custom exhaust, Tokico blue shocks, K&N intake, and all AC components removed. I live in the rust belt, and did replace the rear quarter panels and patched the rockers. Sold mine after 320k miles still running good and moderate oil consumption.
Price drop. Now asking $18,500
Loved the low hood lines on these. Felt like you could stick your hand out the windshield and touch the pavement in front of you. This Civic brings back fond memories of when cars had outward vision and you could actually see out of the windows. 19+k is dreaming unless there is a gold bar hidden with the spare tire, though.