How much is a 1987 Honda Civic worth?
Typical asking prices for a 1987 Honda Civic range from about $1,000 to around $10,000, with most cars falling in the low-to-mid thousands. Highly original, low-mileage cars or rare variants can command five-figure figures in the right market.
Understanding the current market for a 1987 Civic
The 1987 Honda Civic is a classic from the late-1980s era that remains popular with collectors and enthusiasts. Value today hinges on a blend of condition, originality, mileage, rarity of trim, body style, and where the car is being sold. With modern buyers spanning daily drivers to restoration projects, regional demand can shift prices by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Below, you’ll find the main factors that influence price and how to gauge where a given car sits in the market.
Variants and market dynamics
Value can vary by body style (hatchback vs. coupe), trim level, and whether the car retains its factory parts and documentation. In some markets, a well-preserved or lightly used example may fetch more due to nostalgia and the cost of restoration for older Civics. Enthusiast buyers often pay a premium for stock condition and documented history.
Factors that drive value
Prices are shaped by a mix of mechanical condition, cosmetic quality, and market interest. The following checklist outlines the core drivers you should consider when estimating a 1987 Civic’s worth.
- Overall condition of the body and presence of rust or frame issues
- Mileage and wear, especially on the engine and drivetrain
- Originality and documentation, including matching numbers and factory parts
- Mechanical reliability and service history
- Exterior and interior originality, paint quality, and trim integrity
- Modifications vs. stock configuration (unmodified cars often appeal more to buyers seeking originality)
- Body style and trim level (hatchback vs. coupe, DX/LX, and any Si/rare variants)
- Location and regional demand, including access to parts and skilled restoration shops
- Provenance, ownership history, and any prior restoration work
Prices will reflect this blend of factors, and two otherwise similar cars can fetch different amounts based on small details or buyer interest at the moment.
Typical price ranges by condition
To help set expectations, here are approximate ranges you might see in the current market, based on condition and completeness. These are broad guides and can vary by region and recent sales activity.
- Project or parts car with significant work needed: about $1,000–$2,500
- Fair condition with running engine but cosmetic or mechanical issues: about $2,500–$4,500
- Good condition, solid body, decent maintenance history, reliable daily driver: about $4,500–$7,000
- Excellent condition, original or well-preserved with low to mid-range miles: about $7,000–$10,000
- Show-worthy, highly original, or rare variants (notably desirable hatchbacks or civic Si prospects in exceptional condition): about $10,000–$15,000+, with rare, pristine examples sometimes reaching higher in especially active markets
Among these, the Civic Si or other rare-trim examples can pull higher prices when they are genuinely low-mile, unmodified, and have documented history. In standout cases, top-tier cars may exceed typical ranges, but most everyday Civics sit in the mid-range bands.
How to value your specific car
Accurately valuing a particular 1987 Civic requires a combination of inspection, comparison, and market research. The steps below help you anchor a precise asking or receiving price.
- Gather basics: confirm the body style, trim, year, VIN, mileage, and any matching numbers. Collect maintenance records and receipts.
- Inspect condition: evaluate rust, frame integrity, exterior and interior wear, and mechanicals (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension).
- Assess originality: note non-OEM parts, repaint quality, and whether key components are factory-original or period-correct replacements.
- Check market comps: search current listings, recent sale prices, and auction results for similar Civics in your region or nationally.
- Estimate restoration or repair costs: factor what it would take to bring the car to your desired condition and price point.
- Consult valuation guides: reference reputable sources such as Hagerty, NADA, and Kelley Blue Book for current ranges by condition and trim.
- Consider location and seasonality: demand can shift by market; coastal areas may differ from inland markets, and show-season can influence pricing.
With these steps, you’ll arrive at a price range that reflects the car’s true standing in today’s market, rather than relying on nostalgia alone.
What to do next if you’re buying or selling
Whether you’re buying a used 1987 Civic or selling one, use current market data and a professional inspection to anchor your negotiations. Be prepared to justify your price with documentation, photos of the car’s condition, and a clear maintenance history. If you’re selling, consider addressing minor cosmetic issues and ensuring service records are organized to maximize perceived value.
Summary
The value of a 1987 Honda Civic is highly dependent on condition, originality, mileage, and the presence of a desirable variant. Most examples fall in the mid-range, but pristine, low-mileage, or rare-trim cars can command higher prices in today’s market. To determine a fair value, consult established price guides, review recent comps, obtain a professional mechanical inspection, and weigh regional demand. With careful documentation and honest appraisal, you can set a realistic price whether you’re buying or selling a classic Civic.
What is the value of a 1987 Civic today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $6,600 for a 1987 Honda Civic Si in good condition with average spec.
Is it worth buying an old Honda Civic?
Yes, you should buy a used Honda Civic with reasonable miles and in good condition. As one of the more reliable cars on the road, it should provide years of service. However, as with any used vehicle, you should check its vehicle history report through AutoCheck or a similar vehicle history service.
How much was a car in 1987?
In 1987, the average new car cost around $13,383, though prices varied significantly by model and brand. For example, a new Chevrolet Sprint was about $6,995, while a more expensive Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special could cost over $35,000.
- Average: The average price for a new car in 1987 was approximately $13,383.
- Low-end: A budget-friendly option like the Chevrolet Sprint was priced around $6,995.
- Mid-range: A sedan like the Ford Taurus would have been in the $10,000-$15,000 range.
- High-end: Luxury and sports cars were much more expensive, with a 1987 Corvette Roadster priced at about $33,647 and a Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special starting at $35,350.
Was the 1987 Civic considered a good car?
Wonderful car, if you can find one in decent shape
The transmission is geared well, but the shifting is a bit vague by even 90s standards. The 1.5L engine is adequate for city driving, but underpowered for passing on the highway. Even given these reservations, this is a wonderful classic Honda.
