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So, I was really excited to start saving up for a BMW 330Ci, when stuff took a wrong turn. I was going to get a free car from my mom when I turned 16, but she can't afford a new one right now, so I decided to buy myself one when I turn 16. After looking around, I decided that I like the 6th Gen Civic, and would likely get either the EX or HX, with a manual, depending on whatever's available. Any suggestions? I like the better gas mileage of the HX, but is it worth it? I have always liked the coupes of this generation, especially with the white/clear blinker lenses. To tell the truth, I like the post-refresh 7th gen coupes, but the 6th gen ones are a lot cheaper, and if I got the EX, they have the same numbers, power-wise. So I guess I'd like any suggestions anyone can give me in the buying process, what to look for. Also, I assume it's pretty easy to replace the tail lights with the clear-lens ones, right? Any advice is very welcome. I don't know how long I want to keep this car, but about how many miles would you say is safe when it comes to buying one of these babies new?

Thanks in Advance,
Alex

 
Rep Power: 812

the 6thgens are more reliable, and i would go with the hx and save money on gas. power is pretty similar. you dont want a new or expensive car as your first, trust me lol. couple yrs later when you are better at driving, then you can look for something better.

 
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that sounds good. Are there any simple mods out there that would improve gas mileage if I were to get the EX, or even if I did get the HX? I have almost no idea on anything when it comes to the mechanics of most cars, except I've done an oil change, and a simple servicing of a car with my uncle, who is a certified mechanic with a lot of experience with cars. He's willing to help me with pretty much anything I need help with when it comes to a car, so maintenance shouldn't be a problem at all. Especially when it comes to a Civic, where it's almost not a problem at all. Now, how many miles could one buy a Civic with, and be confident in it running strong for a long time to come? Are they sitll reliable at 200,000 miles, when well taken care of? I'm going to take my uncle to check the car over before I buy it, and to negotiate pricing. He's legendary in the family for haggling down prices on cars A LOT. haha. What exactly is more reliable about a 6th gen over a 7th, out of curiosity?

 
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After looking around, I see that the main pros of a 7th gen Civic are that it handles better, is quieter, has better ride quality, has nicer materials, and is slightly roomier; but that's an EX 6gen sedan vs an LX 7gen sedan. I don't know exactly what that says about either one, but I don't think those improvements are worth the price, especially as I like the 6th gen's looks better anyway.

 
Rep Power: 812

7thgen looks nicer inside but thats about it. still extremely noisy and lots of rattles. handling isnt great either til you modify it. and the older civics i would say at least will go 200k or more. newer ones im not too sure. if you can find something around 100k or even 150k i would go for it.

 
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Ok, I guess I'll have to settle with that. I was going to get a 1992 Mazda Protege LX auto, but that didn't work out. The only thing I'm afraid of is that the Civic'll be worse than that car in a lot of ways. The Mazda is relatively 'zippy' at the low end, but on the highway, and especially going up hills, you have to rap it out to at least 5 grand to 7 grand depending on how much you'd like to accelerate. It's also fairly quiet on the road, and no rattles that are very noticeable. It's got cruise control, power windows and locks, and very nicely bolstered seats. It's actually a great car when it comes to the interior, but the exterior doesn't look good at all...I don't know. I'll see where I stand in November, and will aim for a 6gen Civic, and see where I land. Any more advice is still welcome, and thanks for the advice that's already been shared. I've been looking around online at Civics, and it looks promising.

 
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Still looking at 6gen Civics, and the 'off the lot' mod list so far is:

-Sound system
-nicer seats, likely Si or RSX seats
-clear rear blinker lenses if it doesn't come with them
-some rims if it comes with hubcaps that are completely horrid; but no chrome.
-possibly an Si spoiler

I'm not going to end up with a 'ricer'. if I do any performance mods, they'll be discrete and it won't sound much different than stock. Also, no body kits or chrome tail lights.

haha.

thanks for your help so far!

EDIT: Actually, after some research, I think I want to go with the 7th gen Si seats, they seem like the best choice

 
Rep Power: 215

I use to have a 6th gen hx and that thing would go forever on gas it felt like lol. It was a good car. I never did anything to it, that was my dd cause I had a 99 si then to and it was the power car. But I loved the hx it was a good car and nothing ever went wrong with it the 80k miles I drove it.

The 7thgen ep3 seats would be a great seat swap. I have the 7th gen si now as my car. The seats are very comfortable even still on long trips. The ep3, rsx, and s2k have the same exact seats just different materials on them.

 
Rep Power: 812

my friend had a 99hx with cvt he would beat the **** out of on a daily basis. never had a problem tho til a water truck totaled it.

 
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how is the cvt? I don't think I want to get one with it, but is it comparable to the ones on recent cars?

 
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Yeah, hopefully it's not too hard to replace them, but I have access to a very well-equipped garage at a nearby relative's house, so it shouldn't be too bad.

Do you have any idea on how to make the rear seats match? Is it possible to just swap with the ep3, or no? I guess I could get them reupholstered if that's what it came down to...

thanks, guys, keep it comin!

 
Rep Power: 0

i have a 99 dx and i absolutely love it. If you can find one in nice shape you can get them really cheap and they get great mileage. mine has 112000 on it and im averaging about 33 mpg. i havent done anything to it either besides some basic interior upgrades. this car has never once failed me and i couldnt see myself driving anything else. the only thing i would say to do to it is do some engine mods cause this thing is like a lawnmower lol the fastest i can get it up to is close to 120 so it has the speed to get the job done

 
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I love how no one hates their Civic, I don't think I've ever heard of anyone who actually owns a Civic and has a genuine reason to not love it.
Does it have a harsh ride? I already know it's going to have cheap car feel to it, and a cheap car ride, but I want a firm, but not harsh ride. Is that basically how it is stock, or how much does it take to get there? Also, to me, the top speed doesn't mean anything, I'm not planning to ever go much faster than 80, as I drive 70 on the highway where the speed limit is 65. I just want it to have enough guts to get me to whatever speed I want to get to without taking too much time to get there.

Sorry if I'm repetitive or annoying, I'm known to be very 'questioning', I like to know as much as I can about something before I sink my money into it. Thanks for tolerating me!

 
Rep Power: 215

You can swap in the rear seats of the ep3 also but not sure bout the clearance on them you might have to custom fit them in.

 
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i live in north east ohio and in the last month i have driven it to myrtle beach and back and just yesterday i drove to pittsburgh and back without a single problem. that meant i had to drive through the mountains in west virginia and what not. to be honest i dont think this car has a cheap feel to it the ride is just as smooth some other cars the only issue i have is that it seems like the car doesnt have much for sound canceling insulation so you can hear the engine pretty well but for the money its something you cant beat

also i forgot to mention that the trip to myrtle beach was a straight shot both ways and i went 85 for most of the trip. the car has a smooth enough ride to it the my girlfriend was able to sleep most of the way down in it too without the car being too loud or bumps in the road waking her up from too much movement. i could go on for days but i just love this car lol

 
Rep Power: 367

your uncle might have told that already, but at the start concentrate on doing the maintenance to bring the car up to speed if it is not , like shocks timing belts (if they are not done). Never completely trust the seller unless you know the owner a long time and you know what he did to the car.

 
Rep Power: 0

Yeah, I understand. If it's going to need to have a lot of things replaced, he'll get some kind of deal worked out. I guess these are more like the list of mods I'd like to do to it eventually.

 
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So, I don't know if anyone really cares, but I got my first car! A 2004 EM2 EX in silver with 73000 miles, for the low, low price of $3000!! It needs a new right front hub bearing, but other than that, I am sooo happy with it! I love it so much, and like almost any used car on the same category of a Civic, there are things here and there that bug me about how it was treated before, as it was an older lady before me, so there are a couple dents and dings and scratches here and there, but overall, it's in extremely great shape for having paid $3000 for it. Proud owner of a Honda for years to come!

 
Rep Power: 285

Sounds great congratulations!