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How Much Is a 2004 Honda Civic Worth in 2025?

As of August 2025 in the United States, most 2004 Honda Civics in average running condition are worth about $2,000–$6,000 in a private-party sale, with dealer retail often $3,500–$7,500 and trade-in values around $300–$2,500. Exceptional low-mileage or performance-oriented Si models can bring $8,000–$10,000+, while hybrids with weak batteries can fall under $2,000. Actual value depends on trim, mileage, condition, location, and maintenance history.

What Determines the Value of a 2004 Civic

Several factors materially influence what a buyer or dealer will pay for a two-decade-old Civic. Understanding these helps you position a fair price or judge an asking price.

  • Trim and body style: DX/LX/EX sedans and coupes are common; the Si (EP3 hatchback) commands a premium; Hybrids vary widely based on battery health.
  • Mileage and use: Under ~120,000 miles adds value; 150,000–220,000 miles is typical; over 250,000 miles generally discounts unless meticulously maintained.
  • Mechanical condition: Engine health, transmission (manual vs 4-speed automatic; Hybrid CVT), suspension, brakes, and absence of leaks or warning lights.
  • Maintenance history: Documented timing belt/water pump (for applicable engines), regular services, and recent tires/brakes support higher pricing.
  • Title and accident history: Clean, accident-free titles are worth more; salvage or rebuilt titles cut value significantly.
  • Location and season: Rust-belt cars often fetch less; Sun Belt and West Coast cars without rust trend higher; tax-time and fuel-price spikes affect demand.
  • Modifications: Quality, reversible mods may be neutral; heavy mods or poor-quality work usually reduce value, except for tasteful, documented Si upgrades.
  • Recalls and safety: Completion of Takata airbag recalls (applicable to many 2001–2005 Civics) reassures buyers.

In short, originality, proof of care, and a clean history tend to add the most value, while rust, warning lights, and missing records pull prices down.

Typical Price Ranges in 2025 (U.S.)

The figures below reflect observed ranges for running, saleable vehicles as of 2025. “Private party” refers to owner-to-owner sales; “dealer retail” is a lot price; “trade-in” is what a dealer might offer toward another purchase.

  • DX/LX/EX sedan or coupe, 150k–220k miles, average condition: private party $2,200–$4,200; dealer retail $3,500–$6,000; trade-in $300–$1,800.
  • Well-kept EX or manual-transmission car with under ~120k miles: private party $4,000–$6,000; dealer retail $5,500–$7,500; exceptional examples can reach $8,000.
  • Civic Si (2004 EP3 hatchback), stock and clean, ~120k–180k miles: private party $5,500–$8,500; dealer retail $7,000–$10,000. Rough or heavily modified examples: $3,500–$6,000.
  • Civic Hybrid, healthy IMA battery and sound CVT: private party $2,000–$3,500; dealer retail $3,000–$4,500. With weak battery or IMA light: $500–$2,000.
  • High mileage (220k+), notable cosmetic wear, or impending maintenance (e.g., timing belt due, tires/brakes needed): private party $1,500–$3,000; trade-in often under $1,000.

Expect notable regional variance: rust-free cars in the West and South can sit at the top of these ranges; corroded or accident-history cars in harsher climates fall toward the bottom.

How to Get a Precise Number for Your Car

To move from general ranges to an accurate figure for your specific Civic, follow a structured approach and use multiple data points.

  1. Decode your exact trim and equipment: note body style, engine, transmission, and options (sunroof, alloy wheels, airbags recall completion).
  2. Document mileage, ownership history, and maintenance (timing belt/water pump, transmission service, brake/rotor dates, tire age, hybrid battery status if applicable).
  3. Check pricing guides (Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, NADA) using your ZIP code, then adjust for condition honestly.
  4. Scan local comps on marketplaces (Autotrader, Cars.com, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist) and filter for similar trim, mileage, and condition within 50–150 miles.
  5. Account for blemishes: rust, paint fade, windshield cracks, warning lights (CEL/ABS/airbag/IMA), and any oil or coolant leaks.
  6. Pull a vehicle history report if selling and gather service receipts; these can justify top-of-range pricing.
  7. Get 2–3 written, no-obligation offers (dealers, instant-buy services) to establish a cash floor; private-party sales usually exceed this.

When you triangulate guide values, real-world comps, and actual offers, your pricing target becomes clear and defensible.

Regional and Seasonal Factors

Market context often explains why two similar cars list for different prices in different places or times of year.

  • Climate: Rust-free underbodies (common in the Southwest/West Coast) command a premium; structural rust in the Midwest/Northeast can be a dealbreaker.
  • Fuel prices: Spikes increase demand for efficient compacts like the Civic, nudging prices upward.
  • Transmission preference: Manuals appeal to enthusiasts (especially Si), while automatics are easier mainstream sells.
  • Seasonality: Tax-refund season can boost prices; late fall/winter often softens private-party demand.

If your local market seems thin, widening your search radius can reveal better prices—either higher (to sell) or lower (to buy).

Costly Issues That Swing Value

At 20+ years old, certain repairs can exceed a car’s residual value. Buyers discount for these; sellers should address or price accordingly.

  • Hybrid IMA battery or CVT issues: Battery packs and CVT repairs are expensive; proof of recent battery replacement raises value.
  • Timing belt and water pump (non-Si/non-Hybrid models with belt-driven cams): If overdue, expect a price haircut; documentation helps.
  • Automatic transmission wear (4-speed): Slipping or harsh shifts push cars into “project” pricing.
  • Cooling system and head gasket: Overheating history or mixing fluids are red flags with steep discounts.
  • Suspension and steering: Worn control arm bushings, struts, and steering components are common on high-mileage Civics.
  • Rust: Rear quarter panels, rocker panels, subframes, and brake lines are typical trouble spots in snowbelt regions.
  • Airbag recall status: Completing Takata recalls reassures buyers and can prevent last-minute deal friction.

Pre-sale inspections and clear documentation can either elevate your price or help you negotiate necessary deductions credibly.

What Current Listings Look Like (August 2025)

Recent nationwide listings illustrate how condition and trim translate into asking prices. These are representative examples, not guarantees.

  • 2004 Civic EX sedan, automatic, ~160k miles, clean title, basic service records: dealer asking $4,500–$6,000; private-party $3,500–$4,800.
  • 2004 Civic LX coupe, 5-speed manual, ~110k miles, rust-free Sun Belt car, new tires/brakes: private-party $4,800–$6,200; dealer $6,000–$7,500.
  • 2004 Civic Si (EP3), ~140k miles, stock, no accidents: private-party $6,500–$8,500; dealer $7,500–$9,800.
  • 2004 Civic Hybrid, ~180k miles, documented replacement IMA battery within 3 years: private-party $2,800–$3,500; dealer $3,500–$4,500.
  • 2004 Civic LX sedan, ~210k miles, some rust, overdue timing belt, CEL on: private-party $1,500–$2,500; trade-in often under $1,000.

Well-presented ads with thorough photos, cold-start videos, and maintenance proof consistently command the higher end of each range.

Summary

In today’s market, a 2004 Honda Civic typically brings $2,000–$6,000 privately, $3,500–$7,500 at dealers, and $300–$2,500 on trade-in, with the Si and pristine low-mile cars fetching more and hybrids with weak batteries less. Pin down your exact value by verifying trim, mileage, condition, and history; cross-checking price guides with local comps; and calibrating for regional factors and any needed repairs.

How much is a 2004 Honda worth?

2004 Honda Accord Pricing

Original MSRP KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
LX Sedan 4D $20,590 $4,645
LX Coupe 2D $20,690 $4,369
EX Sedan 4D $22,990 $4,402
EX Coupe 2D $23,090 $4,468

How many miles can a 2004 Honda Civic last?

A 2004 Honda Civic can typically last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles, with many owners achieving even greater mileage, upwards of 400,000 miles or more. The exact lifespan depends on consistent, proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes and timely timing belt replacements, as well as the condition of the transmission and avoidance of common issues like head gasket failures. 
Factors influencing longevity

  • Maintenance: Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and other preventive maintenance are crucial for extending the life of a 2004 Honda Civic. 
  • Transmission: The automatic transmission in this model is a point of concern, as it is not as robust as the manual and can require replacement if it fails. A well-maintained manual transmission, however, can last significantly longer. 
  • Common issues: The 7th-generation Civic (which includes the 2004 model) is known for potential head gasket problems, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement. 
  • Rust: Rust can be a significant problem for any older car and needs to be kept in check to avoid structural damage. 

Key maintenance tips

  • Timing belt: The timing belt should be replaced regularly, typically every 70,000 to 80,000 miles, to prevent major engine damage. 
  • Head gaskets: Be aware of symptoms of a failing head gasket and address them quickly. 
  • Transmission fluid: Keep the transmission fluid clean and at the correct level, especially for automatic transmissions. 

What is the fair market value of a 2004 Honda Civic?

2004 Honda Civic Pricing

Original MSRP KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
DX Sedan 4D $13,500 $3,141
Value Coupe 2D $13,900 $2,890
HX Coupe 2D $14,200 $3,205
Value Sedan 4D $14,900 $4,031

Is 2004 a good year for a Honda Civic?

Among the 1902 owners who provided feedback on the 2004 Honda Civic for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 88% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle’s reliability and quality to be its strongest features and styling to be its weakest.

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