Malcom- It was both aesthetics and performance (my 1996 Honda Civic LX Sedan only has 106 HP, had scratches all over the car as well as hood damage). However, I can live with the lack of performance on my current Honda if it means I can move out. I'm tired of living at home and moving out is moving to #1 on my list of priorities.
My car only has 65,500 miles on it and I figure it'll last at least 140,000 more miles before I have to buy a new car. This will give me quite a bit of time to get my finances into gear after I'm settled in my new place. Plus, when I get my inheritance in October, that will give me at least 6 months worth of income I can live on in case anything happens with my job or something of that nature.