5th Generation Civic Hatchback with 311,000 Miles Owner asking $5000
I am just getting into cars and do not have much experience yet. I have always loved the 5th gen Civic hatchback, and since they're known for being beginner-friendly I would really like one as a project.
I check Marketplace and other listing sites regularly within about 100 miles of me, but they're pretty rare in the Northeast. I recently looked at one listed for $5,000. It has 311,000 miles, but the body is in good shape with no visible rust on the exterior or wheel wells, just some surface rust in the engine bay. The undercarriage has some rust and a little flaking, but I didn't notice any obvious structural damage. It drove fine, and the only modifications are a changed clutch and radio.
My goal is not to flip it or build a race car. I have always wanted a highly original that I can slowly restore and keep for a long time.
I offered $3,500, but the seller would not go below $4,000, so I walked away. It is still listed a few days later, and now I'm wondering if I should go back and buy it.
Is $4,000 a reasonable price for a clean, mostly original 311k mile hatch, or is that way too much? Since these have been hard to find stock where I live is the price justified? Also, are there better places than Facebook Marketplace to look for one in the Northeast?