How Much Is a 1989 Honda Civic Worth?
In today’s U.S. market (2025), a 1989 Honda Civic typically ranges from about $3,500 to $8,000 for average driver-condition sedans and base hatchbacks, while clean, low-mileage survivors can bring $7,500 to $12,000. The enthusiast-favored Civic Si hatchback often sells for $12,000 to $25,000, with exceptional, highly original examples occasionally topping $25,000 to $35,000. Rare RT4WD “Wagovan” models generally fetch $12,000 to $22,000 depending on condition. Prices vary widely by trim, mileage, originality, rust, location, and documented history.
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Current Market Values (U.S., 2025)
Values for the 1989 Civic (fourth-generation “EF”) depend heavily on body style and trim, condition tiers (project, driver, excellent, show), and whether the car remains stock. The following ranges reflect recent auction results, insurance price guides, and classifieds across the U.S.
- Project/Rough (any trim; rust, mechanical needs, salvage): $1,000–$3,000
- Driver-Condition Sedan or Base Hatchback (high miles, usable, some wear/mods): $3,500–$8,000
- Clean Survivor Sedan/Base Hatchback (well-kept, largely stock, good records): $7,500–$12,000
- Civic Si Hatchback (USDM, stock or lightly modified, good-excellent): $12,000–$25,000
- Exceptional Civic Si (low miles, highly original, documented): $25,000–$35,000+
- Wagon/Shuttle FWD (often called Wagovan): $7,000–$12,000
- RT4WD Wagon (running, presentable to excellent): $12,000–$22,000; rare, top-condition outliers higher
- Heavily Modified Builds (engine swaps, track-oriented): $8,000–$25,000, depending on quality and taste
These bands describe typical sale or ask prices seen in 2024–2025; standout, low-mile time-capsule cars or fully documented single-owner examples can exceed them, while rusty or incomplete cars trade well below.
What Most Affects Price
Beyond trim level, several variables push a 1989 Civic’s value up or down. Buyers pay premiums for originality and documentation, and they discount for rust, neglect, or poorly executed modifications.
- Condition and Originality: Unmodified, stock examples with factory parts bring the strongest money.
- Mileage and History: Verified low miles and full service records add confidence and value.
- Rust and Structure: Rust-free shells (especially in rear arches, rockers, floor pans, and strut towers) command premiums.
- Trim and Options: Si hatchbacks and RT4WD wagons are the most sought-after; functional A/C, sunroof (Si), and intact interiors help.
- Modifications: Quality, reversible upgrades can help; heavy or dated mods often reduce buyer pool and price.
- Location: Dry-climate, West Coast and Southwest cars tend to sell higher than rust-belt examples.
- Documentation: Original sales paperwork, maintenance logs, window sticker, and accident-free history reports add value.
Taken together, these factors can swing price by many thousands of dollars on otherwise similar cars, especially for Si and RT4WD models where collector demand is strongest.
How to Estimate Your Car’s Value
If you’re valuing a specific 1989 Civic—whether to buy, sell, or insure—the most reliable approach is to benchmark comparable cars and verify the details that matter to collectors.
- Identify the exact trim and drivetrain (DX/LX/STD Hatch, Si hatchback, Wagon FWD or RT4WD) and note factory options.
- Document condition with clear photos (exterior, interior, engine bay, underbody) and collect service records.
- Inspect for rust in common EF trouble spots: rear wheel arches, rocker panels, spare-tire well, floor pans, and front shock towers.
- Check originality (engine, transmission, ECU, wheels, interior) and note any modifications or swaps.
- Pull a vehicle history report (where available) and confirm mileage consistency.
- Compare to recent sales of similar cars on enthusiast auction sites and classifieds in your region.
- Adjust for regional premiums/discounts, seasonality, and urgency (quick sale vs. patient market listing).
After matching your car to true comps, you can set a realistic ask or bid—then refine based on buyer interest and pre-purchase inspection findings.
Where to Check Real-World Prices
Recent, verifiable sales are the best benchmark. Use a mix of auction archives and active listings to understand both what sells and what sits.
- Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids: Strong comps for Si hatchbacks, RT4WD wagons, and well-preserved survivors; archived sales show actual hammer prices.
- Classic car price guides (e.g., Hagerty) and aggregators (e.g., Classic.com): Useful for trendlines and condition-based ranges.
- Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and enthusiast forums: Good for local asks and driver-condition cars; verify condition carefully.
- eBay Motors completed listings: Provides sold or best-offer accepted prices when available.
- Insurance appraisals: For exceptional cars, a professional appraisal can substantiate stated values.
Cross-referencing multiple sources helps separate optimistic asking prices from realistic market-clearing values, especially in fast-moving enthusiast segments.
Notes on Trims and Global Variants
Not all “1989 Civics” are equal in collector demand. U.S.-market trims differ from Japanese and European models, which can influence value substantially.
- Civic Si (USDM hatchback): The most collectible U.S. variant for 1989; originality, low miles, and paperwork drive premiums.
- Wagon/Shuttle (Wagovan) RT4WD: Niche appeal with rising values; condition of the driveline and rust-free body are key.
- Base Hatch and Sedans: Still appreciated as analog, lightweight commuters; values hinge on rust, maintenance, and stock condition.
- JDM Civic SiR (EF9) and other imports: Different drivetrains and specs; clean, legally imported examples often trade higher ($18,000–$35,000+), but these are not U.S.-market 1989 trims.
- CRX note: The CRX is a separate model; its values—especially for Si and SiR—can be significantly higher than comparable Civics.
When shopping or selling, be precise about model codes and equipment to ensure you’re comparing like for like across markets.
Summary
As of 2025, a 1989 Honda Civic in the U.S. is generally worth $3,500–$8,000 in average driver condition, $7,500–$12,000 for clean, stock non-Si survivors, and $12,000–$25,000 for most Civic Si hatchbacks, with exceptional Si and rare RT4WD wagons reaching higher. Final value hinges on rust-free originality, documentation, mileage, and careful matching to recent comparable sales.
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 |
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 |
How much is a 1989 Honda Civic worth today?
A 1989 Honda Civic’s value varies significantly, ranging from $1,000 to over $9,000 for a good-condition 1989 Civic Si or an original, well-maintained example, while cars with less desirable conditions, high mileage, or extensive maintenance needs are worth much less, often under $4,000. Factors like trim level (DX, GL, Si), mileage, overall condition, the presence of rust, and whether the vehicle has been heavily modified or well-maintained are the most crucial determinants of its final worth.
Factors affecting the value:
- Condition: Well-preserved, rust-free examples are significantly more valuable.
- Mileage: High-mileage vehicles will fetch lower prices.
- Trim Level: The performance-oriented Si trim is generally worth more than the standard DX or GL models.
- Manual vs. Automatic: Manual transmission models, especially the Si, are often preferred by enthusiasts and can increase value.
- Modifications: Extensive or poorly done modifications can decrease the value.
- Maintenance History: A comprehensive service history and evidence of good maintenance can boost the price.
General Price Ranges (for reference only):
- Average Condition/High Mileage: Expect prices in the $2,000 to $4,000 range.
- Good Condition, Well-maintained (non-Si): Prices could range from $4,000 to $8,000.
- Excellent, Original Si Models: Prices can be in the $9,000 to $15,000 range, with exceptional examples potentially achieving even higher figures at auction.
How to find a specific value:
- 1. Check Valuation Tools: Visit sites like Hagerty or Classic.com and input the specific details of the 1989 Civic.
- 2. Review Listings: Browse sites like Autotrader and Cars.com to see current market listings for similar cars.
How much is a 1989 Honda?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,800 for a 1989 Honda Prelude Si 4WS in good condition with average spec.
