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I own a 2003 civic LX Sedan. All stock. 66,000mi. Budget around $5,000.
Goals in order of priority:
1. (Ride Quality) To make it the most comfortable commuter car possible.
2. (MPG)
3. (Longevity) I would also like to optimize it to last 10 more years based on mild to moderate use. Although ultimately I wish to ride it into the ground if it outlasts this forecast.

I plan on buying these parts. An advise on what I should and should not buy is really appreciated.

 
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Sorry! Forgot to include the actual parts
--Ride Quality--
Tokico HP blue shocks [HB4020 HB4021 HU3741 HU3741]
Eibach [5.67230K] Pro-Alignment Performance Alignment Kit
Eibach [5.81280K] Pro-Alignment Performance Alignment Kit
Eibach [4051.140] Pro-Kit Performance Spring Kit

--MPG/Performance--
MEGAN RACING EXHAUST HEADER [MR-SSH-HC0117]
Magnaflow [99355HM] Universal Converter 2.25
4 DENSO IRIDIUM POWER IK20L- [5358] Extended Spark Plugs
Magnaflow [15712] Stainless Steel 2.25" Single Cat-Back
Injen Technology [SP1567P] Cold Air Intake System

--Indurance--
Hayden Automotive [677] Plate and Fin Transmission Cooler

I can include pictures on request.

 
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sell it and buy a 2003 civic hybrid. spend $1k for an upgraded hybrid battery pack, some suspension mods another $1k (your list is good) and call it a day. you will be at 60+mpg easily and then a year later you will have over another $1k saved from all the gas you never had to buy. you can spend that on some forged lightweight rims and nice tires. bolton parts are a waste and all they do is make the car noisy and add 2whp and maybe 2mpg.

 
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Thanks for the reply.
That was the original plan I had a year ago. What changed my mind was the idea that electric cars like the volt would start getting more mainstream in about 4 years and most if any of the kinks would be worked out (and the price lowered).

At that point I would ditch the 03 for one. But until then I had to make sure the care would last 16 years of use or more.

I can ditch the header, cat, and exhaust, but will the intake really not do anything for me? and what about the radiator?

 
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trans cooler is really only needed if you drive long distance (over 30 mins at a time) or tow stuff. you can get an intake if you want for the sound, but dont expect any difference in power. just make sure and use a dryflow filter that does not require oil.

 
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I figured the cooler was a good idea commuting in Texas and all.
Thanks for all the help with this gearbox.

 
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Most people get that kind of age out of their Civics just with regular maintenance and not driving the bejesus out of it. I know lots of people with 5th gens with 360000-400000kms on them that have said they have no problems, no issues.

 
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save the 5,000 for when yours trans goes out.