2006 Corolla CE or 2005 Civic SI? (Details inside)?

I'd still go with the Civic despite the fact that you do not know the exact history. It's a blast to drive, the engine is pretty bullet-proof, and the resale value will hold better than the Toyota. I find nearly all Toyota's to be boring and over-rated and the Corolla is one of their best examples of BORING. I felt this way even before the recent quality lapses came to light. I'll grant you that the Civic was likely driven harder, (being an SI), but that does not mean that it was not maintained