[jakethebake]

I just recently drove a 2005 Civic rental and it was the biggest piece of crap I ever drove. Maybe it was just the one i got, but I was the first driver of the car (it had 7 miles on it). I hated it. That's my $.02 on the car itself.

Buying from an individual is fine. Since it's a 2005, it should still be under warranty. Make sure this is the case. Also make sure you get the CarFax on it to make sure it hasn't been wrecked. Even if they seem fine, they're never the same once badly wrecked. Make sure to ask the seller why they're selling it.

EDIT: And make sure you check the bluebook on it. And haggle with the seller. Don't ever pay the asking price.