Have Owned 98 lancer, Lancer is a comfortable drive, Parts are Strong, Don't need to go to Mechanic on regular basis. but at the same time the Parts are expensive and no resale.
Have driven 99 Civic.
The car is good, have good resale. parts are cheaper that Lancer. the drive comfort is lesser than lancer. but have good resale. Petrol average is better than lancer.
So in my opinion go for Civic