Gabzor, It also depends on how mechanically inclined you are and how much patience you have as well. Case in point, tranny will cost at least $1500 for a partial rebuild if the common reverse bands go out, but if you do it yourself, its about $300-500 and will take you a weekend or two. Main engine wiring harness was easy if your comfortable and careful but the part is $700-900. I have not done the head gasket yet. Also a lot of small issues here and there as it is approaches 18 years old.

My wife had her civic for 10 years and we gave it to her brother 6 years back. Still drive great and is cheap and easier to fix...even to pay someone else to do it. Man I like those cars. I replaced the radiator with OEM for $55 shipped and took less than an hr.