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Newbee buyer here looking for a Honda Civic after 15 years with my Subaru Forrester S...

Just moved to Florida and now I have lots of city driving and wanting something with better gas mileage..

So I will try to be as detailed as I can - and I appreciate any POSITIVE advice

-I have a 5k budget but would like to stay around 4k to have some money to register it, insurance, etc
-I am not set on any generation of civic in my mind - I would like a 4 door if possible but I can live with a 2 .. Possible baby with car seat down the road
-I can drive a manual
-Looking for better gas mileage than what I have now -- 17/25
-No intention of racing or joy riding - mainly to work and back and a few multi hour drives to Miami or Orlando
-I do have some mechanical skill as in auto repair
-Sunroof would be a plus
- I would like to say I want a 2000 to 2004 model but I am not really sure but willing to go to 1996 to 2000

Examples of local Honda's

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4072897428.html ----------- $2350

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4072972573.html --- 2001 Honda civic lx extra clean -- $3600

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4056765118.html

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4061055170.html ---- 2000 HONDA CIVIC HX - $3300


So this is what I need help with..

What generation do you suggest - 6th Gen or 7th and if you say 7th which model Chassis codes: EM2, ES1, EP3, EU1 - I honestly don't know what that means.

I have read various articles on not getting an automatic transmission from the 7th gen because of transmission issues.

Also I have seen never get a car with a rebuilt title - because insurance can be expensive

so what do I need to know about a honda's for example Subarus must get the timing belt, water pump and thermostat replaced around 110K miles along with normal maintenance but what are the honda items that I need to know.

One guy I talked to works for a Honda dealer as a certified mechanic and is selling it as his not as a used car from the dealer. He has a 2004 EX 2 dr automatic for $4k that has 147k miles on it and is putting in a new engine with a new timing belt, water pump, seals, oil pump, oil pan gasket, value cover gasket, tube seals, new plugs and he says the tires are fairly new. I have been looking at craigslist the last few weeks and he sells a car once a week it looks like all sort of the same way. Is this something I need to stay clear of?

Any advice will help.. Thanks

 
Rep Power: 157

I would choose either the 2000 EX or HX. The HX model will give you amazing gas mileage if you keep it maintained upwards of 50 MPG. They have a D16y5, which is an economy motor and only uses 2 cylinders while maintaining speed. These cars can be worth a lot of money to the right people, exp. if it's completely or close to stock.

The EX model will still give you good MPG around 30+. These have a D16y8, giving you a little more power. That car has a new paint job, so I would check for previous body damage and bondo just for a safety precaution. The y8 motors are good, as long as you don't massively beat on it and keep oil in it.

Just make sure for either car, when the last tune up is and when the timing belt was changed last. With purchasing either car I picked, you will still have a few left over $$$ to tune them up and such if need be. Most work can be done by yourself, with help from us at the forums and the million DIY articles on the internet. I can also walk you thru most things if you ask.

 
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Thanks. I looked at the HX tonight and it was really bad... oil all over the engine well... interior was really messed up. One window motor is broke, ignition key turns but wont start so he rigged a button to start the car, etc etc etc

I will look at the EX tomorrow