For a sanity check, I always search nationwide for the car I'm looking at just to compare prices. From the looks of it, the deals you are seeing are probably decent, or on the low end of the pricing for that specific vehicle, however the days on lot and MT might give you leverage. https://www.cars.com/shopping/results/?stock_type=used&makes%5B%5D=honda&models%5B%5D=honda-civic&year_min=2022&mileage_max=60000&no_accidents=true&body_style_slugs%5B%5D=hatchback&transmission_slugs%5B%5D=manual&zip=80504&maximum_distance=9999&sort=list_price

It looks like the prices aren't terrible for what it is (21,000m example), but they are adding on garbage.

First, focus on the out the door number only which you are doing, just continue to do that. The list price does not matter at this point. On the 2022 at $22,744, an out the door of $25,100 means they are packing in about $2,300 to $2,400 in tax, fees, and likely junk. On a Civic Sport, that is high unless your local tax rate is brutal. Ask for a written breakdown and specifically question any add ons, protection packages, documentation fees over a few hundred dollars, or accessories you did not request. Anything that is not tax or mandatory state fee is negotiable.

The 62 days on the lot matters more than model year. Manuals absolutely move slower and dealers know it. That car has already missed at least one internal pricing cycle. You should be anchoring your offer based on market reality, not their asking price. A fair target would be around $23,000-$23,500 out the door on the 2022, depending on your tax rate. You do not ask. You state it calmly and stop talking. You'll probably have to give them your offer in writing, then shake their hand if they don't accept and go home (play the waiting game). Make sure the offer is something you feel comfortable with though.

Use the 2024 as leverage, you can chase the 24 if you want, even if it's $1000 more it's probably worth it if you compare a 22 to the 24. A 2024 with 21,000 miles at $21,800 is already telling you the market is soft, but the add ons are their profit center. Tell them you will not pay for dealer add ons under any circumstances and ask for an out the door quote with zero accessories. If they refuse, walk. That car will either lose the add ons later or get discounted when it sits. If it sells, it sells, let someone else overpay 😃.

Waiting another month is not a bad strategy, but do not disappear completely. Used car sales will pick back up likely in March due to tax returns so you have some time. Send one short message now that says you are interested but your budget is firm. Give them your final number and tell them to contact you if they can make it work. Dealers hate aging inventory more than they hate losing gross.

Be ready to buy immediately. The strongest leverage you have is being able to close the deal same day. When you say your number, write it on a piece of paper and hand it to them with your phone #. If they counter above it, thank them and end the conversation. Silence is pressure.

Do not get emotionally attached to any single car. There are a lot of Civics out there and manuals are not flying off lots, there are just fewer of them. The moment you act like you can walk, the tone of the negotiation changes. But remember, make friends with them, be nice, make them like you so much that they actually want to give you a good deal.

If they want the deal done, they will come back to you. If they do not, you just saved yourself from overpaying.