kw151002

Newbee buyer here looking for a Honda Civic after 15 years with my Subaru Forrester S...

Just moved to Florida and now I have lots of city driving and wanting something with better gas mileage..

So I will try to be as detailed as I can - and I appreciate any POSITIVE advice

-I have a 5k budget but would like to stay around 4k to have some money to register it, insurance, etc
-I am not set on any generation of civic in my mind - I would like a 4 door if possible but I can live with a 2 .. Possible baby with car seat down the road
-I can drive a manual
-Looking for better gas mileage than what I have now -- 17/25
-No intention of racing or joy riding - mainly to work and back and a few multi hour drives to Miami or Orlando
-I do have some mechanical skill as in auto repair
-Sunroof would be a plus
- I would like to say I want a 2000 to 2004 model but I am not really sure but willing to go to 1996 to 2000

Examples of local Honda's

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4072897428.html ----------- $2350

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4072972573.html --- 2001 Honda civic lx extra clean -- $3600

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4056765118.html

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4061055170.html ---- 2000 HONDA CIVIC HX - $3300


So this is what I need help with..

What generation do you suggest - 6th Gen or 7th and if you say 7th which model Chassis codes: EM2, ES1, EP3, EU1 - I honestly don't know what that means.

I have read various articles on not getting an automatic transmission from the 7th gen because of transmission issues.

Also I have seen never get a car with a rebuilt title - because insurance can be expensive

so what do I need to know about a honda's for example Subarus must get the timing belt, water pump and thermostat replaced around 110K miles along with normal maintenance but what are the honda items that I need to know.

One guy I talked to works for a Honda dealer as a certified mechanic and is selling it as his not as a used car from the dealer. He has a 2004 EX 2 dr automatic for $4k that has 147k miles on it and is putting in a new engine with a new timing belt, water pump, seals, oil pump, oil pan gasket, value cover gasket, tube seals, new plugs and he says the tires are fairly new. I have been looking at craigslist the last few weeks and he sells a car once a week it looks like all sort of the same way. Is this something I need to stay clear of?

Any advice will help.. Thanks

darcane

7th gen manuals can have trouble too. Often the input shaft bearing fails (mine did, I'm replacing it right now...). So, watch for that. I'd recommend a manual regardless of generation.

If fuel economy is your primary concern, look real hard at that HX. Lean burn, higher gearing, lightweight wheels, and VTEC-E all add up to better mileage. 40+ hwy mpg should be easy to hit. The DX/LX would be next. EX or Si would be worst for mpg.

Timing belts are critical with these Hondas. Get proof of when it was last done or plan to have it done.

Rebuilt cars should generally be avoided because they typically still have problems. Many are fine though; I've owned a bunch over the years and most had no significant issues. Typically insurance was cheaper for me.

Good luck!

husyk

Look for coolant flush service, these cars are known to have head gasket issues if not flushed regularly.

Per your requirements, only trim that includes moonroof is the EX for 01 to 05 model years.

kw151002

Thanks guys..

I went and looked at the HX tonight and it was complete @#%@

two big cracks in the windshield, lots of issues in the interior, oil all over the engine compartment, etc ,etc ,etc

Thanks for the advice..