Rep Power: 0

I'm looking for civics in my area and i have found two that i'm interested in. The first is an 03 EX with 67,xxx miles they are asking 12,980 for it which seems a little steep to me, i think it has most of the options on it though. The other is an 01 EX 71,xx miles they are asking 8,200 for it. They are both 5 speeds i'm assuming the both have the d17a2 if i've done my homework correctly. I was wandering if there are any major differences between the model years and after looking over these forums you seem to be the guys to ask, any info will help. I'm really looking for a reliable daily driver, as far as mods or anything i may do an intake and exhaust but nothing major if that helps any.

thanks,
rico

 
Rep Power: 0

Price on the EX seems a little steep, and the LX price seems decent. The motor in the EX has VTEC and the LX does not have VTEC...EX has a little more power over the LX. I believe the EX has more aggressive gearing compared to the LX.

Since you said you may do I/E...You may want to research the different exhaust setups btw the LX and EX.

I would recommend the EX if you can get them to come down on the price.

 
Rep Power: 314

hey rico,

the 01 -02 civic D17a2 tranny sucks, there is a problem with the input shaft bearing. the 03 fixed that problem.

but an 03 with 70K for 13k is wayy steep id give them maybe 10K, personally closer to 9k...

both have Vtec, both are 5 speeds...

the EX has "shorter" gears not more aggressive

keep searching youll find a 01-05 under 100K miles for less then 12K

just my .2

 
Rep Power: 0

I thought the LX came with a D17A1 (no VTEC) motor?

 
Rep Power: 314

correct^

EX Vtec

LX non Vtec

HX Vtec-E

 
Rep Power: 235

Yeah, I thought the same...

 
Rep Power: 0

I don't meant to hijack this thread but i been reading alot on here about the D17A2 being a "crap" engine, what exactly does this mean? Crap meaning it takes too much effort to make it fast or crap in thats its an unreliable engine? Honestly all i really want out of my civic is a reliable ride that i can count on ( i have an 02 civic ex 5spd with 98k on it ) but i def understand the need to make it faster...heh.

 
Rep Power: 225

The d17a2 is a crap engine to make fast because it's sohc and it's vtec-e but with a turbo and and internal build it can be a nice powered engine, it wont be a dohc but the d16 would probably be easier to modify than the d17a2 for many reasons. The d17a2 doesn't have an intake manifold but you can use a d16y8 manifold with minor modifications I believe drilling two holes. The fuel return system is another challenge with the d17a2 I can't recall what the problem was but I know it gets annoying when trying to get power. Also if your going to turbo the d17a2 with a build you would probably be better off doing a k20 swap because it isn't to much more money and the k20 is the best engine honda makes. Sorry if my punctuation is bad but it's late and I'm tired I was just looking around for info on an all motor d17a2 and trying to think what track times would be

 
Rep Power: 0

d17a2 is built for reliablility + fuel economy. main differences 03 vs 01 are as follows. both are EX cars:
03:
"Si" Rims
15.4mm front sway bar, 12mm rear
fixed transmission - as noted above
nicer interior trim: ie cupholder covers, chrome vent accents, new gauges, new steering weheel, new seats, overall new dashboard textures.

01 EX:
weaker AT
hubcaps
non-covered cupholders, not as nice interior, but still wonderful
and a 25mm front sway, and 12mm rear sway.