Desperate for answers!

[ind1]

Hi,

I'm a new P plater and I haven't driven anything but a Hyundai Getz. Quite a car newbie but can't wait to get my first car to learn more and more. I want to get a Honda Civic.. :) and now since I want one, dad wants to get one, too O.o

Anyway, to my questions:


What is a great year for Civics?
Where is a great place to look for them? (Looked on carsales.com.au, etc)
Should you get a pre-modded one or just go stock? (I'm wanting to do some mods. Rims, bodykit.. normal stuff).
Where is a good place to buy your parts for a great price?


Have about 5-8k to spend.

Thanks in advance. Hope I get some answers :)

[markismaximus]

its going to come down to personal preference. Given your budget you're limited to 4th, 5th, and 6th generation civic, Basically all 1990-2000 models, although you probably wont get an EM1 in that price range.

more info here ------> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Civic#Seventh_generation_.282001.E2.80.93200 5.29_-_EM2.2C_ES1.2C_EP3.2C_EU1

Carsales, trading post wherever.

If you buy a pre-modded car its more likely to have been given a thrashing in my opinion. You'd be better off trying to find a car that was owned by an older person, with regular maintenance records. Although this is not always guaranteeing the car hasn't been thrashed I just think its less likely if you buy it from a 50YO women than a 19YO p-plater.

Cost of parts varies, do you want stuff made in china or stuff from Japan? With the aussie dollar at the moment its quiet cost effective to buy stuff from the US and get it shipped here. They also have a massive array of parts due to the popularity of hondas over there.

Good luck with it

[aussiebuddha]

Hi mate.
definitely dont buy from young people as they've probably been abused.
older people with service record as markis said.

Also, when you talk to people on the phone, ask them about whether the car was ever written off and see how they react.
might save you the time of going and finding out in person or doing the revs.

There a lot of dodgy people who buy written off cars, repair them dodgily and sell them for a profit.

[PGB]

Also plenty of cars to choose from here ;)

[Symphorced]

If you're looking to buy a Civic in thgat price range then you'd be looking at an EG or EK. Keep an eye peeled on the For Sale section on these forums. Plenty of Civics around. Obviously carsales is a good place too as everyone should know.

Good luck in the hunt for your first car.

[dougie_504]

For me I think the best civic years for body styles were 1992-2000.

With $5-8g I would try to get an EG6 if you can find one within that budget, or maybe otherwise just get an EG with a VTEC B-series swap :)

[ind1]

Thank you so much all :wave:

Taking it all in and I will look into those that people mentioned :D

[Oz_Striker]

you pretty much just need to find the model that you think looks the best, and then decide whether you want a more powerfull engine (ie: a vtec) then look for fairly low km's and good service history and your on the right track. I would go for an eg or ek aswell, either way it's gonna be a good reliable car that will handle well and probly go alright too :D carsales is a good place to start and will give you an idea of what the different models/engines will set you back

[drgtr]

I agree. EG Civics are hot and had that slick look. EG with B16 swaps are beautiful.

[ind1]

Thank you guys :D

I'm having a look at these:

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/results.aspx?PriceTo=408&tabID=304727&Qpb=true&MileageTo=753&keywords=&SearchAction=N&N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294965250%204294965 322%20903%20408%20753%204294965618&sid=12B4912B69F5&Nne=15&Ns=pCar_Odometer_Single|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32|1|| pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0

Anything stand out there for you guys?

[ind1]

Should I get a 1994 VTI with a Vtec engine or just go for the 1995-2000 engines?

[ninzee]

depends on what u like
i got a 94 vti with a b16a in it and im loving life with it, sunroof, power and looks that i love (JDM Style xD)

in terms of engines, the 95-00 models dont offer much other than the ek4 and vtir, they are basically a single cam engine so its not much different than the eg engines (as long as its not carby)
in fact the eg vti and si have more powerful engines than the ek cxi and the gli

[DC5.Raven]

IMO if I were in your position I'd fork out abit more for an EK4. Theres quite a few on carsales around the 8k mark or slightly above.
You could always negotiate with them.
I purchased an EK1 a few months ago for a daily and regretted that.
Selling it now and looking at an EK4/EM1.
Theres a HUGE difference between a B16 (DOHC VTEC) vs. a D16 (SOHC non VTEC).

[ind1]

^So VTEC engines are much better, correct?

I'm just wondering if I should go for a 1993-1994 with a VTEC engine, stock car with low KM's.. or a 1998-2000 CXI/GLI without VTEC (Most likely won't get a vti-r.. but who knows)

[Oz_Striker]

Yeah mate is gonna have a lot more go in it than a standard non VTEC

this one is nice but has fairly high k's and a bit more than you wanted to spend but if you fork out a little more you can get the vtec. i went the cheaper option of an EK1 for $6000 and wish i had have saved for an EK4 or EM1 with vtec. i'm still happy with the car but would love a vtec under my bonnet.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=9224660&__Qpb=true&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__No=15&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965322 4294965250 461 408 903&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&PriceTo=408&seot=1&PriceFrom=461&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=212&__sid=12ACF25F957F

This EG looks like a pretty good buy

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=9334791&__Qpb=true&Cr=14&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__No=165&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965322 4294965250 461 408 903&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&PriceTo=408&seot=1&PriceFrom=461&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=212&__sid=12ACF25F957F

just keep looking through until you find what you want at a good price, and try not to rush so you don't regret what you buy ;)

[chauster]

In all honesty. I reckon you should get a EG VTI. The SOHC VTEC engine is not that bad has quite abit of aftermarket potential. the EG VTi is good it comes with sunroof, full electronics and a nice interior. You can find one for about 4-5k. Although they are quite rare to find as lots of EG lovers are trying to get their hands on one. You could then get your lip kit and a nice duckbill.

In the end these are only opinions. It all comes up to your personal preference.

[dougie_504]

I own the EG sedan VTi and find it quite likable. Things like 4 wheel disc brakes, sunroof, electric options etc are nice. But I don't really like the engine. I'd rather have the Si with the twin cam non-vtec engine because the lack of low-end power of the D16Y1 annoys me at times and I know the D16A8 produces a better torque curve.

Just check carsales. I checked it last night and found 5 VTEC B-series swapped EG hatchs/sedans in Australia and was going to post all the links but accidentally closed my reply tab so CBF lol

[ind1]

Hey thanks for replies all :)

I know people said to get a EG Civic with VTEC, but I found quite a good deal with a GLI with low KM's and if everything checks out ok I will prolly go for it.

I think it will suit me for now. My parents are scared getting like a 16 year old car.. Cause I found a cool Civic with VTEC and stuff but they are nervous with it.. Meh not much I can do :/

[sw1fty]

To be honest, the non-VTEC D16's aren't much slower than the D16Y's with VTEC (D16Y8, D16Y1), there is hardly any difference between them.
The sound of the VTEC crossover is really the only difference, there isn't much difference in power (a little but not much).

As other have said, go with the lowest KM, and best condition civic you can afford. Just go with whichever shape you prefer,
I prefer the shape of the coupe's so I bought an EJ8, but the EK hatch is a bit lighter and cheaper.

If you find a good condition B16A swapped civic, go for it. That extra power and torque is great in such a light car, it really
does make a difference.

[Bludger]

Hi,

I'm a new P plater and I haven't driven anything but a Hyundai Getz. Quite a car newbie but can't wait to get my first car to learn more and more. I want to get a Honda Civic.. :) and now since I want one, dad wants to get one, too O.o

Anyway, to my questions:



What is a great year for Civics? this is very subjective and you must rely on your own judgement, what you like.....
Where is a great place to look for them? (Looked on carsales.com.au, etc) there is no one best place, what maybe good for one might become pear shaped for another.
Should you get a pre-modded one or just go stock? (I'm wanting to do some mods. Rims, bodykit.. normal stuff).go stock, I think
Where is a good place to buy your parts for a great price? Again there is no one best place, a place might be good then the next occasion not be so good, good luck



Have about 5-8k to spend.

Thanks in advance. Hope I get some answers :)
I think you didn't have very good questions.

[ind1]

Thanks swifty and bludger.

What kind of questions should I ask for future? :)

[Bludger]

Well asking which of the Honda's is a good 1st car, you're going to get a different answer from everyone because everyone has a different view. and there is no single best car.

You need to narrow that selection down yourself.

No one can tell you the best place to look either.

I think your third question was good because the topic was quite specific.

Basically if you do a little bit of self research and narrow it down to a selection of 2 or 3 examples then you're able to ask more specific questions.
General questions get general answers. specific questions get specific answers and are more detailed.

[ind1]

Well the great deal I found has now already been sold.. Guy told us to come see on Saturday as he had no time free for us to see, agreed.. Then sells it. Called him like 10 minutes after he put the listing on carsales. Lol. Gah. Have to find another.

[dougie_504]

You could check out something like THIS (http://firesport.com.au/civic-eg-vti-car-trading-point-sales--ad164412.htm).

It's a EG Civic hatch VTi. Very low mileage with only 138,000 odd KMs on it. Totally stock, looks like it's in good condition just in need of some mild body work, but at $4,500 it's well within your budget to buy, transport and repair with money left over.

Full electric options, sunroof, 4 wheel disc brakes, quick enough to keep up with modern traffic/overtake etc.


If I had a friend looking for a car I'd push them at this one :)

[ind1]

Thanks man it looks pretty good.

I decided to broaden my search and look into Integra's and Preludes, too.. Like the look of them as well.

I most likely would've bought that Civic tomorrow.. :( That bastard.

[dc292177917]

8k mark.... y dont save a bit more and get a del sol?
it's not as quick as a B16 EG civic but it turns ppl's head :D

[mugen_ctr]

del slows? lol ahh jks jks, naar there are quick, quicker than ek4, so if its speed, go delsol... alot of the b-series at 8k i find are generally thrashed off its **** ek's/delsol, an very hard to find a clean example, an mostly owned by young ppl just like you...so that kinda answers as to the bad condition iev seen, an have high kms, if goin for a car with a swap, make sure its a legit, engineered an approved engine swap, last thing u want is a car that u cant drive cause the owner forgot to get engineers cert for the engine, and always ask for recites for the engine an any warranty for it...

My pick of the civic crop at that price, would b eg with b16a2 swap, but for a original an newer civic, id go for civic coupe EJ8, just because its different from the thousands of hatch backs out there

[sw1fty]

There's a decent EK4 on JDMST for 8.5k.
http://forum.jdmstyletuning.com/showthread.php?t=28541

[dougie_504]

Del Sol:
one (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!racv_content_new.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=77012 54&current_rec=10&used_rec=2&total_rec=24&sort_type=2&total_rec=24&sort_type=2&make_id=19&model_id=344&price_max=10000&year_min=1992)
two (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!racv_content_new.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=89943 58&current_rec=1&used_rec=2&total_rec=24&sort_type=2&total_rec=24&sort_type=2&make_id=19&model_id=344&price_max=10000&year_min=1992)

Nice cars, though not exactly a 'CRX' in my opinion, but still a nice car. Should go well.