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Ok so I am not what one would call an import fan, I'm more of an old school muscle guy, got an old 76 pick up truck with a rebuilt big block chevy i use to put around town in. Now my girlfriend's parents are being so kind as to buy us a car for college that doesn't get *cough* 4mpg...sooooooooooo I am curious as to any problems I might run in with this car, anythings to be wary of, symptoms of replacement, such as suspension joints, etc. I was also wondering what kind of upgrades I can do to it to make it comfy and not i repeat NOT ricey I'm not to concerend with outer appearances, I plan to redo interior and get a good stereo system, a good, comfy, enjoyable to drive, economy car. I have to do something I'm so used to my shorty piped BBC that anything else would seem like a bore to drive Sorry for the long/confusing post. Thanks for any advice you give

 
Rep Power: 211

Ricers are a dying breed, thank goodness...

Personally the 6th generation (96-00 civics) are by far the best. Stock seats aren't bad, its stupid easy to fix and especially easy to wire up a stereo system. Tires are $65~ a pop, literally invincible in the snow with good all-season tires and if you want the less slow of the slow then I'd get an EX or HX if you can find one (127 hp as opposed to 97hp with the DX, LX). DX is the base model and would definitely not recommend that model.

No real notable problems with this generation civic. The transmissions (the 5 speeds, anyway) are bullet proof. I've been auto-crossing my civic on falken azenis tires with a bad throw out bearing and original clutch (141k miles) for 3 years and it's been fine as long as I just change the fluid every year. Basically if you keep it well maintained you will be extremely surprised at the abuse these cars can take.

When you do get one just run some sea-foam through it, fresh fluids and filters and just drive it...it'll last you an eternity. 4 door EX's come standard with ABS and make great cars for when you guys need that car seat

 
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I would agree 6th gens are great, I have a 2000 EX coupe creeping up on 218,000 miles on it and she still purrs, great reliable car that gets 35mpg easy

 
Rep Power: 203

gee, thanks that doesn't make me feel bad at all. LOL

I bought a 99 DX about 1 1/2 years ago with 100 000 miles on it and I love it. It's completely original (clutch, head gasket... everything) and it's been completely trouble free since I bought it. Just oil changes and regular maintenance. The lowest mpg I've gotten is 35 and the highest is 42. No, it's not a power house but it kinda makes up for it with it's double wishbone suspension. The only thing I've really noticed as far as the stereo goes is you can hear it quite clearly outside the car even with the windows rolled up and stock stereo. So something to think about before you start blaring Keisha thinking nobody else can hear it. LOL

 
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Thanks a lot man...I have a 2000 dx coupe and its great! Id recommend the dx to anyone. No power windows and stuff means it wont crap out on you. Its a great car and easy to do upgrades to interior, exterior, engine, exhaust, ect.

DX for life

 
Rep Power: 211

Let me just clarify, I didn't mean the DX is any less reliable. Just saying that it doesn't have the creature comforts that the other models have. Personally I like having a moonroof, an RPM gauge, electric door locks, power windows, power steering and air conditioning, ABS, you get the idea :P

Though some DX's have some of the latter ones I've mentioned.. but not all of them.

 
Rep Power: 203

Mine came standard with PS, A/C and ABS. I put a tach (factory) in it shortly after I bought it ($150). I would like the sunroof and the extra 40hp though. As for power doors locks and windows, meh. Couldn't care less.

 
Rep Power: 313

DX isn't a bad way to go at all. It gets the best gas mileage.

 
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Holy crap!!! Sorry for such a late response! Thanks guys! I thought they would send me emails when I get responses to threads sorry!! Great advice thanks. I found a 2000 or 2002 (can't remember) civic fully mechanically sound for $700, it just has a fair amount of body rust. once again sorry for the late reply!

 
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Actually the VX gets the best gas mileage. Mine averages 44 and that is mostly city miles. I can get 50 or better on the highway. The only other car honda makes that can touch that is the CRX.

 
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I would like a hatchback, I think they look cool, but people sell them for waaaaay too much. Would it be a good idea to turbo a 1.7l? Maybe 5lbs of boost just for alittle more oomph for passing on the highway? Or would that seriously compromise the mpg and integrity of the engine?