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My main question is what to look out for. I've only owned domestics my whole life, except for all of my motorcycles, so I do not have much experience with the major concerns when buying a newer civic. I was interested in the 6th gen, but after checking out prices, the 7th seems like a better option. From what I've read (and please correct me if im wrong) the base models have a different motor than the EX, and all of which are different from the Si. Im coming from plenty of quick cars (modded LS1s, DOHC 4.6s, etc) so if I am gonna get something economical, I wanna have fun doing it!

So in short, unbiased, if Im looking for early 7th gen (01-03), would I be better off with an EX or Si? I know the Si came out a year after the EX so were there any teething problems the EX had in 01 that were solved by 02? And were there any issues with the first run of Si's?

Whichever model I decide to go with, are there any specific things to look out for (other than the usual beat-to-hell car all ragged out, etc)?

Thanks in advance!

 
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01-02 Civic (EM2) had some transmisssion problems but overall its a good peppy car with great fuel economy. It's pretty slow but if you just need a good daily driver its great commuter. The SI has a better engine but its not great. I'd get an RSX Type S if I was on the market for an SI.

 
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Im also on a budget at the moment. Just purcahsed a new motorcycle and from what I've seen there is a several thousand dollar difference between even a normal RSX and an Si of the same year

 
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I understand, I would test drive both and see which one you like best. I prefer my EM2 over the SI though even if it is slower.

 
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if the RSX does become a viable option for me, does the increased compression ratio of the S require premium grade?

 
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Yes, the Type S calls for premium unleaded. But the regular engine I think is just regular.

 
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Wow, well its kinda discouraging. Ronaldo, Im not sure if you're speaking relative to the other cars I've owned, but this car is just going to replace my daily driver which is a 98 V6 Ranger. I didn't expect the little 1.7 or 2.0 Civic to have the seat-of-the-pants performance like the 5.4, but I need something to replace this POS truck

 
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I don't think you can go wrong with the 1.7L. With some suspension upgrades, it becomes a very fun car to drive. I've had no issues in my 88,000 miles and the only time something has gone wrong was when I tried to be cheap and something broke. This car has been very good to me and drives as smooth as when I bought it back in 2003. If your looking for a lil more power than I'd say get the SI if you can find a good deal.

 
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Im sure I can find a good deal. My cousin owns a dealership and can find cars for decent prices. But Im pissed that you mentioned the RSX, because now I'm looking at those and growing more and more interested by the minute I'd like the S, but the whole point is to save on gas. Paying $3.30+ doesnt exactly do that. So if ANYTHING it would be the base RSX. Is that worth dropping the coin on? or just stick with the EM2?

 
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Maybe you should also check yout k20.org or clubrsx.com to get a different perspective as I'm sure I'm biased since I have a 7th gen. FYI the base rsx and Civic SI have the same engine.

 
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Well, Im all over the clubrsx forums and the private party S's for sale are reasonable, especially the 02's. Hell, if I can find one nearby I might just jump on it. So much for $6000-7000 and 35mpg lol

 
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if fuel economy and DD-ability are your primary concerns, i would steer you more toward the base civic LX, EX if you like creature comforts. if you're looking to make power and don't care about a warranty, then the RSX or Si would be a better choice.

but i may be biased as well...

 
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I really would like a mix. I like hatches alot too, which draws me to the Si and RSX. I would have purcahsed a GTI if they werent rolling piles of sh*t. I obvoulsy cant get very good fuel economy out of a 5.4DOHC, so I really want a nice DD, but still fun to drive. I'd like something that will handle decent, but straight line power isnt my biggest concern, I have other vehicles for that. Based on that, it kinda seems the base RSX is the way to go, or the Si. My buddy has a 5sp Celica, which is really a chick car, but its still a blast to rip around in. Its like a big go-kart.


*edit* oh and creature comforts dont mean jack to me. right now my ranger has no real back seat (the stupid fold-out ones), manual EVERYTHING (locks, windows, mirrors), and a sluggish V6 that will be outrun by a chevy 4cyl S-10. So even a BASE model Civic is a step up. And the back seat of an Si or RSX would be a world of improvement over my current DD