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So, I hope this is the best place to ask this. I'm interested in getting a pre-owned Civic that I can use as a daily driver, but possibly also have some fun with. I'm wondering if it matters what "level" of Civic I get to start. What I mean by that is, I know there are ones that are already tuned by the factory. Can I get to that point (over time) starting with say a baseline model? Or, do I need to start with like an EX or something? Thanks in advance.

 
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Tuned from the factory?!? Probably referring to an Si model (US not Canada).

If fuel economy and comfort is above all else get a regular Civic. If you want more performance at the cost of MPG and possibly ride comfort get an Si. From a tuning perspective an Si is a better choice. By better I mean cheaper and easier to make more power.

 
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It also depends on what year/generation you wanna get. Which are you interested in?

 
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Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm on a tight budget with regards to the initial purchase, since any mods will be done as able. But, initially I need something I can use right away. So, reliability is a factor. I'd like to be able to have something that has a bit of style. But, I don't need anything like those ones in the movies.

 
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What budget you have in mind? We may be able to steer you to one that will 1) be reliable and 2) give you some room to have fun with when funds allow

 
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Initially, I'm thinking not more than $3000. Though, if I can get away with MUCH less, I'd be ok with that. I mean, what is the lowest price you'd expect for something that's reasonably not that difficult to mod and work on?

 
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At that price your looking at a well used EP3 Civic Si or none Si Civic. High mileage 8th gen Si.

What are your goals? Big HP numbers or do you just want to have some fun? Do enjoy doing suspension mods or more motor stuff?

Honda’s are pretty easy to work on but to get big power out them you need to add boost. Motor swapping a more powerful engine into an economy chassis is one way to go or adding a turbo to an already powerful engine.

 
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If you're set on a civic, then I'd get the EP3 for that budget. If you're still open to suggestions, I'd look at the k24 accords.

 
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To answer your questions: I'd like something I can have fun with, and maybe tinker on occasionally. I enjoy being able to accelerate quickly. But, I don't plan on racing. As for what types of mods, I'm not sure. I enjoy learning. And, if it's something I could do in a weekend, cool. But, I'd also like to be able to see some nice returns on a budget. I don't know what that budget would be. But, say being able to be impressive without breaking the bank. I also would need to be able to use it as a daily, too. I have kids on the weekend.

To chezboat24: That may be an option. I was initially looking at Civics, because I thought it'd be a fairly inexpensive start. But, if an Accord can be as affordable, yet give me better returns on my investments in mods, that may be the way to go. I like having a car with guts. But, I'm also looking for something with a little more mature style than something that is clearly just meant to go fast. No offense to go fast. It's just not my focus now.

 
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You should have absolutely no issues getting a mid-2000's accord sedan with the k24 and 5-speed for under 3k. They're one of Honda's better engines for modification, and you'll have no issues getting your kids around.

 
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I like the Accord idea 👍.

I would go with a V6 Accord over the 4 cylinder. With some bolt on parts those J series can be quick. Get the manual transmission. Add an air intake headers and an exhaust and you got yourself a nice sporty sedan!!

 
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Do you think I could get a good one for less than $3k?

 
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Probably not a great one, but if you're patient you may get lucky. I agree the V6 would be a better choice for you, but you could get a really nice 4 cylinder accord for under 3k. I'd personally wait and save up to get the V6, but I don't really know the U.S market for them (I'm in Canada). They'd cost about 5k for a good one here, which comes out to roughly $3800usd

 
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So, I have another question. Just how different is an Accord from a Camry? Or, a Civic from a Corolla? I'm just wondering.

 
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They should be fairly comparable.

I personally think all older Toyota's have some pretty lame styling, but they do make very reliable cars.

 
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Toyota are reliable but more bland compared to Hondas. They also hold their value more so they will be more expensive compared to a similar honda

 
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Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo boring

I will admit the Corolla XRS is pretty cool, but I highly doubt you'd get one for your budget. I'd still take the accord over it

 
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Toyota's don't die because they have no soul.

Corolla or Camry = Appliance
Civic or Accord = Car

There is a reason the Accord has been a C&D top 10 car for so many years.

A 3k dollar V6 Accord might be a little rough but I would save some extra money up to get a nicer one. The 4 cylinder ones are great too and can be modded but that J series has some nice torque.

 
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