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hello, new to hondas and wondering some stuff.

I'm lookinf for a car, I need a safe, fuel efficient and hopefully one that will last a lot (properly taken care of). I'm usually driving for my work for about 40 minutes and to see my gf, no need to rush. Every once in a while I get to travel about 200 kms at average speed of 120 kmh. At city my average speed goes from 40 - 60 km/h, several lights around on a few streets so constant start / stops.

Within my budget, I can:
a) buy a 1999-2002 civic. Automatic transmission. Average 120,000 kms.
b) buy a 1998 - 1999 civic coupe. Manual transmission. Average 130,000 kms
c) buy a 2002 accord. Automatic transmission. Average 100,000 kms.
d) buy a 2003 civic - average 170,000 kms
e) buy a nissan sentra, not really fond of this car, friend recommended it, otherwise wouldn't consider it.

The pros and cons I see:
a) I like fuel efficiency on the civic, the flat floor on 2001 model. The thing that has me wondering a lot is that I have read that transmissions fail on this models, as they were 1st gen. Would it be better to take an older model?

b) I like manual transmissions better, are there less prone to failure? (Transmission) I dont like a lot a bigger engines as it means more gas consumption, however would be still in my budget. Don't like a lot 2 doors only but can live with it.

c) Read that accords have lots and lots of transmission problems, so probably not an option at all.

d) Newer model BUT more kms in it.

I prefer reliability + comfort instead of speed, and actually manual transmission (more fun to drive for me). Haven't found civic with manual transmission other than coupe, do they exist?

Please let me know your experiencies, because of my limited budget I must buy something good, but used, and hopefully keep it for at least some other 6 years (something like 120,000 kms more).

Other than oil changes, battery, timing band / engine band, spark plugs, what other things should be changed regularly?

Thanks for your comments, regards.

 
Rep Power: 197

If you're buying a 1999-2000 Civic then you'll be buying a 6th generation one, which is a different game than buying a 7th generation one. You would have an easier time finding a good quality 7th generation one. The 2001-2002 automatic transmission are prone to failure, and you should avoid them. All 2001-2005 manual transmission are good and reliable (and they do come on every model, not just the coupe like you asked).

Apart from the transmissions, there are not really any chronic problems with the 7th generation Civic (2001-2005). In 2004 they got an update, so you should keep your eyes out for 2004-2005.

 
Rep Power: 312

The transmission issues are limited to automatics and 01-02 are more prone than 03-05, however they are all junk.

If I were you I would take my time and find a good condition 6th gen 99 or 2000 that was taken care of. In my opinion they are better than 7th gens.

 
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Thank you both, will keep in mind your points and look for a Manual transmission civic.

BlueEm: I would like to know why do you consider 6th generation is better.

Thanks again.