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I am a new member of this forum and would like some help on a decision to buy a new Honda Civic (I want the EX, my wife says the LX)? Please feel free to include info. about problems, mods, personal feelings on the car, etc. I would like to learn the most that I can before I buy, I am looking to purchase in the next day or two. Also, which years are covered by the term "7th generation Civic"? Thanks so much for the good information.

 
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7th gen civic ~ 2001,2002,2003 models.

EX comes with ABS, moonroof and power everything all around i believe and you get the vtec w/ 127hp. I think you also get the 15" alloys.

But if all that cosmetic and the extra 2whp and abs is important to you, then get it. But you'll save a few grand buying the LX.

 
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2003 COUPE comes with alloys(si wheels 99) but sedan doesnt.
i bought EX because it has abs. moonroof. its worth it imo

 
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mine came fully loaded with the "SI" wheels..

but they are off now...

 
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Noodleboy's right. Except that I have an '02 sedan LX, and it has ABS as well. It also has power everything. The only thing it doesn't have is a moonroof. Although, at least here in Canada, you can now get a moonroof on sedans too. I bought the LX because of the ABS, and I will never buy another car without it.

As for problems or concerns, I would probably avoid buying a 2001 used vehicle. Since that was the first year of this model of Civic, it has the most problems (At least that's what I see in the posts.) As for the rest of them, they should be fairly reliable. There are some squeaks and rattles from some loose plastic panels, and some things like the driver's seat needing bushings to keep it from rocking, but other than that, it's really a crap shoot. Some members here have had a ton of problems, and some, like me, have had a few, easy to fix ones.

If you're buying used, I would say to check the repair invoices of the car. If they don't have them, don't buy it. I have all the invoices for mine, so if I sell, that'll help me. If you're buying new, then I wouldn't sweat it much, warranties rock!!

I hope this helps you out, and welcome to the forums!

 
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EX costs like $2000 more? Is it really worth it?

EX comes with:

Moonroof: How often do you use it? I know a lot of people with EX's that just keep their moonroof shut all the time.

ABS: How often are you going to lock your wheels? It's not like everyday someone cuts you off.

Front tweeters: stock ones suck... you can buy some for $20.

15" EX coupe alloys: Good sh*t

VTEC (+12hp): Doesn't do anything in our cars. Can't even hear it.

Illuminated ring around ignition hole: few people know that their EX comes with this, but it's pretty useless anyway.

Different fabric design: ... wow.. big deal

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In my opinion go with the LX and save money (unless you want to always feel good about driving the TOP OF THE LINE (EX) Civic). Gas mileage is also better in the LX because there is no "VTEC", but it's only like 1mpg better.
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<----LX owner
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2001 has the most issues.
2002 are fine. Haven't heard any major problems
2003 ... have yet to hear complaints.

 
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I own a 01 lx sedan and have had no real problems as of yet.

IMO go with the lx to save yourself some cash, but if you have it (cash) to waste it on the goodies go with the ex. the moon roof is no good if you live where it snows or rains all the time.

 
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mooroof = god
^^

 
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silly double poster!

 
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Don'y buy a 2k1. It had all the recalls, and a bunch of problems. Which is why my 2k1 sedan is in car heaven.

Listen to your wife and the rewards will be far better than moonroof + abs. Also the 15" alloys are ugly and small. Go with the LX.

Abs does help, but if you don't drive like a maniac and pay attention i highly doubt it's worth your money.

 
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<------Another LX driver



The only difference between the LX and EX is about 12hp and a moonroof as well as the ABS.
For about $1500-2000 difference. Save your money.

 
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I'd have to say go with what will make you happy.. and dont forget about resale value when its time to sell or trade-in. Maybe compromise with your wife and see if you can find a 2002 EX.

 
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ABS is really helpful if you live in a place where it snows. Living in Vancouver, you wouldn't experience that though, would ya'? j/k

 
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Vancouver and snow don't go in the same sentence.

We haven't seen snow for a LONG time.
Also if it does, the max it gets is 1 feet and the roads are salted and cleared very fast.

And when you're driving in the snow, you should never slam on your brakes. You should turn slightly, blip the brakes to cause your back to slide out and blip the throttle slowly to move away. Shouldn't have to slam the brakes and shouldn't be going that fast anyways.

 
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i have a 02 lx sedan....no problems with the car at all....very smooth....the only thing that i see why i wish i had an ex over the lx was the fact that there seems to be so much more aftermarket products available for the ex than the lx........

 
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Ah, blow the coin on the EX...
ABS = Lower Insurance & shorter stopping distances
Front Seat Air Bags (optional) = Lower Insurance & Safety
+12 HP = GOOD
Moonroof = GOOD
15" Alloy's = GOOD (optional)

It was worth it for me...

 
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Go with the EX. You wont regret it. Not only does it come with more and better options, but you will have a better satisfaction.

 
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if u get snow... get the ex... abs helps out when u are trying to stop on ice...

 
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I have a 2k2 EX... I have my moonroof open any time that I can. I just dig it... anyway I opted for the EX solely because it was the highest HP Civic with a Moonroof. *shrug* just my preference....

HOWEVER.. My EX did not come with alloys. It came with the standard crappy little honda wheels and hub caps thingy... cheap ***.. I hate them..