A 2009 Honda Civic EX-L Is a Great Semi-Luxurious Starter Car for Under $10,000
Having you been checking out bargain-basement used cars in your local classifieds? If so, we recommend searching for a 2009 Honda Civic, specifically the EX-L trim level. Why? Because it has some of the luxurious features you can find in an Acura, but for the price of a 14-year-old Civic. Yes, it’s old. But hear us out.
What’s so special about a 2009 Honda Civic EX-L?
You don’t specifically need to find a 2009 model of the Honda Civic. In actuality, any Civic between the 2006 and 2011 models will do since they’re all part of the car’s eighth generation. However, the 2009 model year underwent a minor facelift, which included revised front and rear fascias for a more elegant look.
On the inside, the 2009 Civic EX-L has an upscale interior that features leather seating surfaces, heated seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Some models were also equipped with an onboard navigation unit and Bluetooth.
Sure, you can find those features on any new car. But keep in mind that if you’re looking for a car under $10,000, this car goes a little beyond what other cars for the same price range have.
Additionally, the Civic EX-L is fuel-efficient. It’s able to achieve up to 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Under its hood is a 1.8-liter engine that produces 140 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque that’s mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is available, but cars equipped with that transmission can be harder to find.
Is the 2009 Honda Civic reliable?
Yes. There are plenty of consumer reviews on Edmunds from real-world owners stating that they have surpassed the 300,000-mile mark in their eighth-generation Civics. Many have even stated that they didn’t need any major repairs until after 100,000 miles, which speaks to Honda’s renowned reputation for reliability.
When repairs are needed, they are typically pretty cheap. Repair Pal notes that it can cost an average of $375 per year to repair and maintain a Civic of this vintage. Many owners also reported only having to conduct routine maintenance for most of the life of the car.
This includes oil changes, tire rotations, transmission, and coolant changes, and an air filter replacement. This goes to show that the 2009 Civic truly is a low-maintenance vehicle.
How much does a 2009 Honda Civic EX-L cost?
A nationwide search on CarGurus reveals that you can currently find a 2009 Civic EX-L selling from anywhere between $6,000 and $12,000, depending on the car’s location, mileage, and condition. The examples selling on the higher end of the price spectrum had fewer miles (under 100,000) on them and were generally in pristine condition.
But if you’re looking for a simple winter beater to drive around when the snow falls or just need something cheap, the 2009 Honda Civic EX-L is a great choice. Of course, you could always purchase a lower trim level if you want to save more money. But having leather seats and navigation is always a good thing.
