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Hi.

I'm brand new to this forum and currently my daughter drives a '95 Civic EX sedan. We're looking to add a new Civic to the car "family".

What are the "must have" options and/or accessories (if any) when buying a new Civic? I'm looking at the 2002 EX Sedan. I know many options aren't offered other than side airbags and auto tranny. But there are lots of dealer accessories available.

I may pass this car down to my daughter in a few years, so I'm considering an auto tranny. I drive 5 spd now - will I regret an AT? Which transmission is more "bullet proof"?

I know you can always add new wheels, change stereo, etc. at a later time. Is there anything I'll regret not getting right away?

Also, what have people been payng lately for new 2002 EX sedans? Dealer invoice? Less than invoice? What "freebies" are dealers throwing in. Mats? CD changer?

I'm in NW suburbs of Chicago. Who can recommend a great dealer?

Thanks all, I look forward to participating in this forum.

 
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Well, I got a 2002 EX Coupe, and I don't believe there are any things you should get extra. Maybe the trim pieces( Aluminum or carbon-fiber)...if you don't plan on changing the interior, but it really makes the car look nice.

The 5-speed is definietely more bullet-proof though. My friend has an auto-matic and it has blown twice, plus it's really dramatic when slowing down.

Have you test driven it yet? Make sure you test drive our cars at this price range...that's one thing I regret. I think I got a Civic that's stronger then others...so it's not that bad.

I payed 17k after everything, so a Sedan would be about an extra $500, and if it were auto throw on an extra $1000.

It's a great car though.

 
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R U saying test drive Civic vs. competitor models? Or, are you saying manual tranny 2002 Civics are quicker than AT Civics?

I'm leaning toward Civic because of reliability reputation - just keep the oil changed and it should run for years, correct?

Is this still true or are there lots of problems with them?

 
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Well, the EX's come pretty much with everything in them including all the power windows/locks, moonroof and all that good stuff. Might want to look into getting the sideairbags which I know are an option, but I think the only one you can get. If its going to your daughter, most parents would think safety so you might want to get them. The invoice on my 01 coupe EX was 16,800 w/ out side airbags and I figured Honda has one of the best crash test ratings, so I didnt get it. But with my mustang trade in, I ended up paying somewhere around 4500, or 199 a month financing.

 
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For as often as you might carry passengers, is it a PITA to get people into your back seat?

That's only reason I'm considering sedan. Any other major differences (other than price) for coupe vs. sedan?

 
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before i purchased my civic, i did test drive basically all the other cars in our price range, such as the mazda protege and etc....and although some handeled better, or had a slight bit more pep, i knew that i couldnt go wrong with a honda.....the reliabilty, gas mileage, and saftety are unbeatable......

def. go with a 5spd tranny, your daughther can learn how to drive it....better on gas, better for acceleration, more fun, and more "bulletproof".......

id say get the floor matts...and if it is a coupe add the side moldings, im sorry i didnt, i already have so many dings and dents from other uncaring motorists that decided to open their doors into mine [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG]

i have 22k miles on mine in just under a year, and i love it! (coupe).....it is a slight hassel to get people in and out of the back seats at times, but nothing uncommon for a 2door...and it is def. much better looking then the sedan (IMO)

good luck, and welcome the new car to the family..hehe

peace, mark

 
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It's not that bad getting in the back of a coupe. Of course you have to move the seat forward but theres plenty of hip room back there and its relatively easy to get out yourself. I'd personally go with the coupe if you don't plan on having 3 people in the back very often. If you go with the coupe i'd say the best option to get looks-wise is the OEM skirt package... it improves the looks dramatically but it's pretty steep in price. As for the transmission, the auto is great. I havent heard any complaints about it blowing and so on... nor does it slow down too fast. A 5-speed would of course be more fun to drive but the auto i guess is more practical. So its you decision there.... Hope i helped

K-lx

 
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First of all go to edmunds.com and check out the dealer invoice for the ex sedan and try to convince the dealer to let u pay invoice for ur car.... i payed invoice for my 2k2 EX y shouldnt u? [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG] ... Peace

 
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<< For as often as you might carry passengers, is it a PITA to get people into your back seat?

That's only reason I'm considering sedan. Any other major differences (other than price) for coupe vs. sedan? >>



There great cars (civics) to have...you get quite a lot for what they cost.

I'd difiantly go with the manual. As for the sedan vs coupe, if your having a lot of ppl getting in and out of back seat and aren't looking for a 'more sporty' look then go with the sedan. Infact, you maybe able to get the sedan down cheaper then the coupe just because the coupe are in higher demand. I got my '02 Civic EX (Coupe, manual, nighthawk black) for $16,400, the sticker price was $16,950. You're going to pay a bit more for the auto too. $16,400 was the lowest I can get them to go, and they told me if that wasn't going to work them I'd want to check into getting a sedan cause they could get it down cheaper cause they aren't in so much demand. I didn't want the sedan thou, I jsut just trying to save a couple more bucks! (=

 
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i have an lx coupe and i like it but if you want an even nicer car...get an ex, make sure and get a manual beacuse of lowered insureance, cheaper price, and better gas mileage. but i would ultamatly get an "SI". thsoe are good. and if you have some extra money go past the civic and get an rsx!!! oh yes an rsx....very nice

 
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I dont think ur thinking of hooking up this car right? Meaning no performance modifications and such. If I were you I'd stick with the sedan. And if you think your daughter would hate driving a stick then go for an auto. I personally chose auto because I have been driving stick for 14 years and I'm really just tired of shifting already.

Basically whatever you and your daughter would agree on. Why dont you ask her what her preferences are since she'll be having that car in the future.

 
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Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not anyone driving/riding is going to be 6' tall or over. The EX cuts out a LOT of headroom in the coupe because of the moonroof. That's the reason I got my LX instead of getting the EX, and the shame of it is that I wanted it in Eternal Blue and I wanted the VTEC engine, but you have to get the EX to get that color and that engine. Oh well. Anyway, I don't know about the sedan, but the EX coupe is a little low on headroom. They are great cars, though, and I love mine. Just my .02.

Vor

 
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Thanks, all, for your input!

The car may eventually go to my daughter but for a price. She may prefer to by another older (or less expensive) car.

I just don't want to make so many sacrifices now and find out she wants a Jetta later.

I'm used to buying more expensive and sporty cars but it's time to be more practical. However, I want to be able to still have some fun too.

I'm hoping not to do anything unexpected other than wash/wax it and change oil for the next few years!

It's definitely going to be an EX, most likely 5 speed, and I'll give the coupe some thought. I'm not quite 6 feet but I think I'll want the convenience and more head room of a sedan.

 
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Just so you know, as long as the 5 speed isn't grinding every other shift (In other words... extreme wear on it) it will last longer than an auto, but there are always those exceptions.

 
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check out carsdirect.com before you buy it and make sure you dont pay more than their price for the car from the dealer. if your dealer doesnt have to exact model you want, or wont give you a price at least as good as theirs, go through carsdirect.com, theyll find the one you want at a set price. thats what i did to get my 2002 black 5-speed ex coupe, and it cost $16030. check out H and A Accessories for any OEM accessories you want, youll find them cheaper there than from the dealer, and most of them are easy to install.


the only thing that you cant add later is dual side airbags. i wanted them but there was not a single black 5-speed ex coupe with them in a very large radius so i settled for one without

 
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I wouldn't add anything to the ex model. It is perfect in its unaltered form. $15986 for a bottome line ex, and around 15,586 for the coupe. I got my sedan ex with mats and mudguards for 15,986 out the door. The only thing I would consider is the spoiler if you care for that sort of thing. The dealer will want 500 for it. I ordered a replica from spoilerdepot.com for 225 to my doorstep and installed it myself. I am 5'9 and find the legroom in the sedan a little tight. Although, I like to completely stretch my legs out. My sister has a 00 coupe and I have more than enough legroom in it. Not sure if there is a difference in the 7th gen coupe and sedan legroom measurements.

Also, I'd definately go with the five speed. Better gas mileage, will lasts longer than the auto, and an engine this small is best suited to the manual.

 
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<< Just so you know, as long as the 5 speed isn't grinding every other shift (In other words... extreme wear on it) it will last longer than an auto, but there are always those exceptions. >>



my old '89 mazda 323 is still running after 13 years with its original automatic tranny... in an econobox like this, you're going to get all the life you need out of the auto tranny. if you still have the civic in 13 years, more power to ya... the tranny will still be there for you coz if mazda could do it in 89, honda can do it in 2002 [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

If you're looking for a car to pass down to your daughter... look into the VW bug - it's got chickmobile written all over it (especially with the built in flower holder). lol. seriously though, if you are worried after all your sacrifice she'll want a jetta, you might want to include her in your shopping [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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<<

<< Just so you know, as long as the 5 speed isn't grinding every other shift (In other words... extreme wear on it) it will last longer than an auto, but there are always those exceptions. >>



my old '89 mazda 323 is still running after 13 years with its original automatic tranny... in an econobox like this, you're going to get all the life you need out of the auto tranny. if you still have the civic in 13 years, more power to ya... the tranny will still be there for you coz if mazda could do it in 89, honda can do it in 2002 [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

If you're looking for a car to pass down to your daughter... look into the VW bug - it's got chickmobile written all over it (especially with the built in flower holder). lol. seriously though, if you are worried after all your sacrifice she'll want a jetta, you might want to include her in your shopping [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG] >>



The VW bug is one of the least reliable cars to ever hit the road. VWs in general are close to the Jeeps as far as being big pieces of junk. I'd stay away from vw unless you like visiting the dealer and spending lots of money on repairs.

 
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I could see myself driving a Jetta for awhile, but not a bug. I still think the Civic will be more reliable.

Where are the Civic EX sedans built? I know they were designed in Japan (coupe in U.S.).

Thanks for the site with the accessories.

I see the low APR offer ends today. I hate to rush into anything just to get that offer. Do you think they will come out with something else by the end of the month?

I'll tak eher shopping tonight to look anyway. I'll let her pick ou tthe color.

I know it will most likely be silver or the dark blue. How does that blue look in the daylight?

 
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if she really wants a jetta you can get a fully loaded accord for that kinda scratch [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

I have the navy blue colour - its awesome, but hard to keep clean [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

and the silver - i find it doesn't take very long for silver to appear 'grey' and flat looking.. though proper maintenance of your car's paint will work wonders.

~B

 
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I got my 2k2 EX Coupe Auto for $16750 with floor mats, mud flaps, fenderwell trim, door trim, and a cargo net [IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG]. This was at Honda of Lisle. I think it was a pretty good deal. I haven't gone back yet for any service or anything since i just got my car 3 months ago. I think it is a pretty nice dealer if you are still looking for a place to go. Not sure how far it is from you though.

 
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<< I could see myself driving a Jetta for awhile, but not a bug. I still think the Civic will be more reliable.

Where are the Civic EX sedans built? I know they were designed in Japan (coupe in U.S.).

Thanks for the site with the accessories.

I see the low APR offer ends today. I hate to rush into anything just to get that offer. Do you think they will come out with something else by the end of the month?

I'll tak eher shopping tonight to look anyway. I'll let her pick ou tthe color.

I know it will most likely be silver or the dark blue. How does that blue look in the daylight? >>



vw's have a plush comfortable, interior but reliability wise they are near the bottom of the barrel...before you flame me look at the attachment (i've included a vehicle dependabilty survey of 5 year old cars [2001 published] and vw isn't even at industry average)...they are also built in mexico

civics are built at the marysville, ohio plant and the civic si is built in england

i saw a commercial from honda offering 0% financing on some older models still on the lots...call around and ask...however this may be regional as i'm in teh washington, dc area

g/l


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id concider the nissan sentra spec V really, bes bang for your buck in my opinion. id get one if i had to buy all over again

 
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This is what jaje posted. Notice how Nissan is ranked lower than Ford.[IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG]