Cheapest Used Honda Cars - Fit, Civic, Accord

In the entry-level field, it’s not always easy to know whether buying new or used provides the best value. While new vehicles at the low end of the spectrum tend to offer attractive pricing and occasional incentives like zero percent financing or cash-back rebates, it can be tempting to test the waters of the secondhand market in order to see how much money can be saved on an automobile that is only a few years old.

Some brands show serious depreciation in a short period of time, but others hold their value amazingly well, leading some to conclude that there may be little benefit towards taking a chance on a previously owned vehicle solely to save a few thousand dollars. Such is often the case with cars made by Honda, especially their fuel-efficient compact sedans and hatchbacks. These popular automobiles have a devoted following, leading to higher prices even on older models due to high demand and a perceived level of build quality and craftsmanship that elevates their standing above the standard used car.

While it may be possible to conclude that a few of Honda’s cheapest new vehicles are priced so close to their used counterparts that it doesn’t really make sense to look outside the current model lineup, careful buyers can still find opportunities to save money. The difference in equipment levels between brand new vehicles and used examples of the same or earlier generations can easily put drivers behind the wheel of a much more comfortable, higher performance edition of a car than they could have afforded at full sticker. The idea of spending the same amount to get more is an attractive option to those who are on a specific budget and who want to stretch their dollar as far as possible. This article examines the three cheapest new cars currently in Honda showrooms and compares them to their used counterparts in terms of features, performance and value.

2007 Honda Fit versus 2009 Honda Fit

The 2009 Honda Fit is an economical compact hatchback which starts at $14,550 dollars. The base model of the vehicle is powered by a 117 horsepower 4-cylinder engine that displaces a mere 1.5-liters. The Fit gets decent but not spectacular fuel mileage, with 27 miles per gallon in city driving and 33 miles per gallon in highway cruising, placing it on par with larger compacts. The main appeal of the Fit is the spacious interior, which provides great passenger room and 42 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded down.

One would think that with so few features and a low initial purchase price the Fit would be a steal on the used market, but it is the opposite that is in fact true. If buyers are willing to pick up a version of the 2007 model Fit with between 40 and 50,000 miles then they will be able to save around $3000 dollars off of the sticker price. However, most low-mileage versions of the two-year old Fit are still priced competitively with a new base model. Careful shopping will reveal that Sport editions of the Fit, which boast more standard equipment, are priced competitively with the new entry-level car but still carry a heavy mileage penalty. The Sport offers an automatic transmission and a better stereo system along with nicer alloy wheels and fog lights, but is very similar to the standard hatchback in most other respects.

Unlike some domestic compacts, the Fit appears to be a better deal when purchased new. Not only does the new Fit come with full warranty support, but it has not been subjected to the inevitable wear and tear of tens of thousands of miles, making it the more solid option overall.

2006 Honda Civic versus 2009 Honda Civic

The 2009 Honda Civic coupe, priced at $15,205 is the backbone of the company’s basic transportation lineup. With an aggressive, aerodynamic look and a slightly refreshed exterior appearance compared to previous model years, the two-door edition of the 2009 Civic is a popular option for buyers on a budget who want to inject a little pizzazz into their morning commute. The base Civic offers little in the way of standard equipment, but is outfitted with a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and gets a better-than-average 36 miles per gallon in highway driving.

2006 was the first year that the re-designed Civic coupe was offered, and prices have definitely fallen for the barebones edition of the vehicle. Depending on mileage, it is possible to pick up a clean example for around $12,000 dollars, but it is more instructive to widen the search to include the much quicker and much more luxurious editions of the Civic coupe like the Si and the EX. A 2006 two-door Civic EX with around 10,000 miles can be had for the same price as a 2009 base model – except that the EX provides cruise control, a power moon roof, rear spoiler and MP3 CD player. The Si model, with its 197 horsepower engine and sportier 6-speed transmission, is also a very attractive option in this price range.

It is clear that for most buyers, the decision to purchase a more fully featured or quicker edition of the Civic coupe is much more appealing than spending the same amount on a brand new but spartan compact. The 2006 Honda Civic EX or SI coupe provide a great deal of value for very little money. With low-mileage examples common, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to locate a nice used Civic.

2005 Honda Accord versus 2009 Honda Accord

The 2009 Honda Accord LX sedan boasts a number of standard features for just under $21,000. Air conditioning, cruise control, stability control and anti-lock brakes combine with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 177 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission. Re-designed in 2008, the new Accord has a sharper, more angular appearance that draws several cues from the luxury Acura TL. The Accord LX gets 22 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 31 miles per gallon in highway cruising.

The 2005 Honda Accord represents the previous generation of the vehicle, but still has a lot to offer. As with the Honda Civic, the best results when comparing an Accord of this vintage to a new one comes when looking at higher trim levels. A top of the line Accord EX with a 240 horsepower V-6 and a 5-speed manual transmission, moon roof and leather seats can be purchased for only $16,500. This is $5,000 dollars less than the entry-level 2009 Accord LX for a vehicle which has only 10,000 miles. While a 2005 Honda Accord is likely to be at the tail end of its warranty, with such low mileage and Honda’s excellent reputation for reliability buyers have little to be concerned about.

When it comes to mid-size cars, engine choice is important. When deciding between a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder model, drivers usually need to balance their desire for performance with their fuel economy needs. Those who are looking to spend less at the pump are better off opting for the 2009 Honda Accord LX sedan. If a driver is more drawn to excellent acceleration and highway passing capabilities, in addition to a more sumptuous interior, then the 2005 Honda Accord is the clear choice for the same money.