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Which year or generation Civic is the easiest / cheapest to repair, tune, modify, find parts, kits, aftermarket products?

Which has the most available parts or aftermarket parts kits, etc?

Between 98-2015?

Which has a limited slip differential?

I ask about 98+ because of ability to use OBD scanner tool, to diagnose issues and maintain optimum performance/ fuel effiency.

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Because I cant afford a new car so my plan is to take someone's cheap civic, fix it up, rebuild engine to ensure gaskets are good, and reset the mileage so to speak, and rebirth it as if it were a brand new car ready for 400k+ miles.

I have never rebuilt an engine but I will learn. My dad is a retired mechanic so I might be able to get his help and guidance.

Thank you gentlemen for your help!

 
Rep Power: 244

Well if your budget is $1500 like you mentioned in a previous thread then anything newer then 2005 is out unless it’s high mileage or beat to hell.

How many miles do you drive a year? How long would you like to keep the car. A 98 Civic with 100k still has lots of life left and if only drive 10k a year then you are set for 10 years.

The older cars are simpler and parts are a plenty for all Civics. Limited slip idk when that was introduced.

 
Rep Power: 512

Older the car, more aftermarket parts available, cheaper parts available, easier to work on, but may be harder to find new Honda OEM parts.

Newer the car, probably a little harder to work on (newer tech is usually a tad more complicated), less aftermarket parts available, much easier to find new Honda OEM parts.

 
Rep Power: 223

You're asking alot of the same questions as in this thread you posted a while back....

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...nda-civic.html

 
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I am asking more specific questions.
I read online that 2006-newer have timing chains, which make it more difficult to replace for a nonmechanic hobbyist. Which sucks becayse I really prefer the way the newer models look. The older dont look that great.
I found a few cheap 2006+ but I dont want a complicated timing chain.

I want to be able to fix car up like brand new and drive forever if i can. I dont want to have it forever but as long as I can make it last.
I know 98 is when you can start using an OBD2 scanner. I dont know about OBD1.

But I do see some online from 1993-1998 alot but none have been customized at all.

I was thinking maybe an SI or sport version because it has better quality parts. But I dont know understand all the dx lx lx-g si-g ex.

can anyone suggest anything between 98-2005
with timing belt and si or heavy duty better quality models? Si and EX?

What about 93-98?

 
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96-98 also have obd2...
ezone told you he's never seen a timing chain problem on the r18 (the engine for new civics)
the si versions don't have better quality parts, just a more powerful engine, and more fancy options

 
Rep Power: 244

If a timing chain is to complex then maybe doing a rebuild is not the best idea.

That’s a good thing. You don’t want someone else’s problem.

It’s not better quality just different options. Dx is base with roll up windows and no power options. Then Lx and Ex with Ex being the highest (sunroof, power everything). Si is sport so higher HP engine (not better) and sportier suspension (again not better). Each offers different amenities and driver experiences.

It’s not better quality just different amenities. If you just want a car to drive from a to b and want good mpg and low maintenance get a Dx in whatever year fits your budget and style.


All great options. Pick which you like the best!!

 
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it almost feels like i see more 7th gens and the salvage yard then 6th gens... most are there because they wrecked ..not due to mechanical problems..