Wasn't exactly sure where to put this.

So I want to buy a Honda. I used to own a 1993 two door Accord EX. Loved it, but it died on me. This was probably 6-7 years ago.

Right now I'm in a pinch, I need to buy a car because I don't have one. My Chevy Venture (piece of crap) died on me and I'm really stuck not having a vehicle. I only have about 3-4 thousand to spend and I want something reliable. So I'm turning to Honda because I know they are generally reliable cars.

I really don't care if it's a civic, accord or prelude. A del sol is too small. But I'm hoping for early 00's or at worst late 90's. Checking Criagslist in my area, the prices seems to be right for those model years and my budget. I guess if I had my choice it would be a 5-speed Civic hatchback with power everything and cold AC, but at this point I just need a dependable car.

I want to be smart about what I buy because I would like it to last me 4-5 years minimum without a lot of fuss, if possible.

So my question is what should I look for? Any problems I should look out for? Any specific models/engines that are more dependable than others I should look for?

 

get something stock, that's never been lowered with a clean title...in my opinion, if your lookin for a good daily driver

 

Is it better to go for a 4 cylinder or a v6?

I would prefer the gas millage of a 4 cylinder, but which will last me longer?

vtec or no?

 

Just forewarning you this thread is going to get moved here, its at the top of the page:
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/%24-value-thread%24-whats-worth-should-i-buy-whats-cost-2960015/

 

But aren't I also asking technical questions, about what are good engines and good models to get?

 

Google, wikipedia.......... the questions are general and you'll find the answers one of the two places.
Get the best car you can get for the money you have to spend.

 

mid to late 95-99 honda accord ex with the 4 or 6.

or personally Id get a 4 door acura integra ls.

you dont want anything dohc vtec, just b/c 9 times outta 10 your getting something thats been beat on. Id personally make sure I got a ex trim, just b/c you get the extras, more hp, sunroof, pw/pl etc

 

You can pick up an accord v6 for the budget you have.. just be patient and find the best "Jewel" in the box.

 

Do not pick up any Accord v6 automatics. Their transmission is horrible and tend to have problems. For 3-4k you can for a 92-95 Civic or 96-00 Civic. But the 1988-90 Civics are often dirt cheap and still reliable.

If gas saving is on your mind and not power then any 4 cylinder without vtec will do. Although the best gas mileage I have experienced in a Honda would be the Civic hatchbacks with no options except A/C.

 

A 1997 honda civic ex is nice, 2 door coupe if you dont have kids. sunroof, d16y8 vtec and power everything. cant go wrong with that. mine just finally hit 212,000 miles and the motors about to go. but i have definitely gotten my money's worth out of it. debating on going high compression on the build or low compression. any ideas?

 

How are the 4 cylinder vtec engines overall?

 

Also what are common problems with older Hondas like these? Things to look out for. Things I should ask a seller so I get the whole picture before buying.

Someone above mentioned that the auto trans on v6 Accords aren't so great, good info, thank you. I'll stay away from those. Anything else to look out for and ask about?

Also how many miles are too many miles on a 4 cylinder Honda? I know they last longer than many makes, but am I relatively safe paying say $1500-$2200 for a mid 90's Civic with 175K miles on it?