As is the case with many sought-after new vehicles, some dealerships are applying significant markups on the Honda Civic Type R. However, dealerships aren’t the only ones engaging in this pricing strategy. An aspiring entrepreneur has taken to Craigslist to list a Civic Type R with merely 600 miles on it—priced at $55,000. For context, the Civic Type R has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,900.
The asking price from this seller surpasses that of a BMW M2 and exceeds the cost of a Dodge Challenger SRT 392. For just a bit more, one could invest in a Chevrolet Corvette. While the debut version of the Civic Type R in the U.S. might carry a premium over its MSRP, is an additional $21,000 justified? That amount could cover the purchase of another entire Civic hatchback to keep the Type R company.
Checking local inventory reveals that Breakaway Honda in Greenville, South Carolina, has an identical, brand new black Civic Type R on the way, priced at the original $33,900 MSRP. However, the fine print notes that dealers set their own prices, meaning the final sale price could vary.
Details about this particular vehicle are sparse. The entirety of the listing states, “Honda civic TypeR black 2017 600 miles only serious buyer cash only i am no financing.” Seems trustworthy, right? Would you feel confident purchasing a “lightly used” Civic Type R based solely on such an advertisement?
Additionally, the nature of the 600 miles driven remains unclear. It could have been relaxed highway driving from a far-away dealer that listed it at MSRP, or it might be a result of intense street racing. While it’s reasonable to assume a performance vehicle like the Type R can handle some rough treatment, why pay a premium for this one when a brand new model is available for less?
Ultimately, this is a free market environment, and unlike dealerships, private sellers have the liberty to set whatever price they wish for their vehicles. We wish the seller success with the sale, as it will certainly be needed.
.
