How Much Is a 1987 Honda Civic Worth Today?
A well-kept 1987 Honda Civic typically sells for $3,500 to $12,000, with exceptional examples—especially the Si hatchback or clean 4WD wagons—routinely reaching $12,000 to $18,000 and, in rare, low-mile, highly original condition, nudging above $20,000. Values hinge on trim, condition, rust, mileage, originality, and regional demand. Here’s how the market looks and how to price a specific car accurately.
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What Drives the Value of a 1987 Civic
The third-generation Civic (1984–1987) is appreciated for reliability and analog driving feel, but only certain trims and conditions command strong prices. The following factors most strongly influence what a 1987 Civic brings on today’s market.
- Trim and body style: The 1987 Civic Si hatchback and the Civic Wagon with selectable 4WD are the most sought-after; base hatch/sedan models trail them.
- Condition: Rust-free, unmodified, documented cars bring a premium; projects and rusty cars sell at steep discounts.
- Mileage: Lower miles add value, but careful maintenance and records can offset higher odometer readings.
- Originality vs. modifications: Stock or period-correct upgrades are favored; extreme engine swaps or stance builds narrow the buyer pool.
- Geography: Dry-climate, West Coast, and Southwest cars typically sell for more due to reduced corrosion.
- Transmission: Manual cars are more desirable; the few automatics trade for less.
- Mechanical health: Timing belt history, carburetor tuning (on non-Si trims), and functional A/C (often converted from R12) affect price.
- Documentation: Service history, window sticker, and ownership continuity can add meaningful value.
In short, the right trim in rust-free, original condition with strong records can double—or more—the price of an average driver.
Typical Price Ranges by Model and Condition (U.S. Market)
Based on recent auction results (e.g., Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids) and market trackers (e.g., Classic.com), along with dealer/private-party listings and insurer guides through 2024–2025, here are realistic ranges for the 1987 Civic. Local markets can vary.
- Civic Hatchback (Base/DX):
– Project/fair: $1,000–$3,500
– Good driver: $3,500–$7,500
– Excellent/original: $7,500–$11,000+ - Civic Sedan:
– Project/fair: $1,500–$4,000
– Good driver: $3,500–$7,500
– Excellent/original: $7,500–$10,500+ - Civic Si (3‑door hatch, PGM‑FI):
– Driver: $8,000–$13,500
– Excellent/original: $13,500–$18,000
– Exceptional/low‑mile: $18,000–$24,000 - Civic Wagon (2WD):
– Driver: $4,500–$9,500
– Excellent/original: $9,500–$12,500 - Civic Wagon with 4WD (selectable):
– Driver: $7,000–$12,000
– Excellent/original: $12,000–$18,000
– Exceptional/low‑mile: $18,000–$22,000
These brackets reflect observed transactions and asking-price norms; standout provenance, rare colors, or concours-level restorations can push beyond the high ends, while rust or needs-drop repairs can pull prices down sharply.
Recent Market Signals and References
While individual sales vary, the market has firmed for clean, unmodified third-gen Civics, especially the Si and 4WD wagon, as 1980s Japanese cars gain collector credibility. Here’s what recent activity indicates.
- A number of stock or lightly modified 1986–1987 Civic Si hatchbacks have sold in the low-to-mid teens, with the best examples pushing into the high teens on enthusiast auction sites.
- Well-kept 4WD wagons—favored for rarity and utility—commonly land in the mid-teens when rust-free and documented.
- Base hatchbacks and sedans remain accessible: solid drivers often trade between roughly $4,000 and $8,000, with projects below that and exceptional survivors above.
- Market trackers (e.g., Classic.com) and insurer/collector guides (e.g., Hagerty) show steady-to-rising interest in clean 1980s Hondas, with premium paid for originality and low mileage.
The overarching trend: originality and condition are king; performance trims and rust-free bodies punch above their weight for an otherwise affordable classic.
Condition Grading: How Buyers and Sellers Talk About It
Describing condition consistently helps explain large price swings. Many enthusiasts use a simplified 1–5 scale (adapted from collector-car norms).
- Concours (1): Near-flawless, show-winning, correctly restored or time-capsule original; exceedingly rare for daily-use 1980s compacts.
- Excellent (2): Very clean, fully sorted, largely original, no needs; minor age wear only.
- Good Driver (3): Presentable inside and out, sorted mechanically; some wear, minor cosmetic flaws, limited rust repairs, tasteful updates.
- Fair/Project (4): Running but needs notable cosmetic/mechanical work; rust present or looming maintenance.
- Parts/Restoration Candidate (5): Non-running or severe rust; best for enthusiasts with restoration resources.
Most 1987 Civics for sale fall into the Good Driver to Fair categories; truly Excellent cars are scarce and priced accordingly.
How to Pin Down the Value of a Specific 1987 Civic
If you’re buying or selling, these steps will yield a realistic number tailored to the car at hand.
- Confirm trim and specs: Verify VIN, engine (carbureted vs. PGM‑FI for Si), transmission, options, and originality.
- Check for rust systematically: rear wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, strut towers, windshield/cowl, spare-tire well, and subframe.
- Review maintenance: timing belt/water pump history, carb tuning or fuel-injection service, CV axles, suspension bushings, brake hydraulics, and A/C conversion from R12 to R134a.
- Collect comps: Search recent listings and sold results on Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Hemmings, and Classic.com analytics.
- Document originality: Factory paint, interior, wheels, stereo, emissions equipment; tasteful period upgrades are usually OK, extensive swaps reduce the buyer pool.
- Adjust for region: Add a premium for rust-free Western/Southwestern cars; subtract for visible corrosion or rust repair needs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection: A $200–$350 inspection can shift value by thousands by clarifying hidden needs.
After compiling this data, align the car with a condition tier and compare to verified sales rather than only asking prices, adjusting for mileage, location, and documentation.
Ownership Details That Influence Price
Some 1987-specific traits matter when assessing value and future costs.
- Fuel system: Non-Si trims often use carburetors; well-tuned carbs run fine but can deter buyers versus the Si’s PGM‑FI.
- Transmission: The 5-speed manual is more desirable; automatic cars sell slower and cheaper.
- A/C and HVAC: R12-to-R134a conversions and blower/heater core health affect daily usability and value.
- Interior plastics/upholstery: Original, uncracked dashboards and intact seats are increasingly rare and add value.
- Emissions equipment: Intact systems (especially in strict states) help with registration and resale.
Addressing these items can improve both drivability and resale prospects, often at modest cost compared to the value boost in a clean, original car.
Bottom Line
For most buyers and sellers, a 1987 Honda Civic is worth between $3,500 and $12,000 today, depending primarily on condition and trim. The Si hatchback and rust-free 4WD wagon are the outliers that can command $12,000–$18,000 or more, with exceptional examples occasionally exceeding $20,000. Verify trim, assess rust and originality, and price using recent, comparable sales to land on a credible figure.
What is a 1987 Honda Civic worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $6,600 for a 1987 Honda Civic Si in good condition with average spec.
How much does an old Honda Civic cost?
Prices for a used Honda Civic currently range from $1,988 to $55,900, with vehicle mileage ranging from 5 to 366,223. Find used Honda Civic inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
How much is a Honda Civic worth today?
Honda Civic Financing Breakdown
| Honda Civic V Turbo CVT Honda SENSING | ₱320,000.00 |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic V Turbo CVT Honda SENSING Platinum White Pearl | ₱324,000.00 |
| Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING | ₱358,000.00 |
| Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING Platinum White Pearl | ₱362,000.00 |
| Honda Civic RS e: HEV E-CVT Honda SENSING | ₱398,000.00 |
What year of Civic to stay away from?
Which Honda Civic Years to Avoid
| Model Year | Main Issues |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Transmission failure, airbag recall, engine concerns |
| 2006 | Cracked engine blocks, coolant leaks |
| 2007–2008 | Premature tire wear, engine and body integrity issues |
| 2012 | Poor interior quality, underwhelming ride and build |
