First of all, if this is the wrong place to post this (or against the rules) I apologize, please redirect me.

I'm looking to spend $7.5-8k on a car, and I figured I'd join the civic community as my first car. If you think I should consider something else, please feel free to post. I don't know squat about cars.

For $7.5 - 8k I figured I could get a 2003 with good miles?? What exactly are my options here? I think I want a manual coupe.

Things that are important to me are: mileage, comfort, reliability.
Things that aren't important: looks, speed

Also, I'm around 6'5". I've sat in an 07 and I felt like I had plenty of room, but I know 03's aren't the same. Will I be able to fit comfortably in an 03 coupe? I don't plan on carrying anybody in the back seats.

Any comments or suggestions would be welcome. My local used car dealer has a good system we're their customers will tell them what to look for in what price range, and then they'll buy a used car off the auto auction and make sure it has a good history, etc... so I think I'm going to do that once I figure out what I want.

 

I'm 6'6 and can fit into my '04 Coupe, barely. The moonroof eats some headroom, leg room is plenty IMO.

Post 03's are very reliable, '01 and '02 are known to have a few bugs. I'd avoid the automatic transmissions on all years as they are prone to failure every ~100K miles.

 

^Stay away from auto's for sure you will save your self some headache down the road.

 

@katzenjammer84 thanks for confirming that

gotcha. manual it is then


Whats the difference between the different styles?? DX HX LX EX??? definitely want side air bags and ABS

 

dx doesnt have power windows/locks/cruise control/moon roof/ Ex has all of them. I dont know what hx and lx have different. But i know that ex is the high end model civic.

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-2001-2005-78/info-7th-gen-civic-chassis-specs-features-2244923/

PS. That was in the FAQ's.

 

sorry, I must have skipped over it, I think it was under chassis or something which was misleading.

It's unfortunate ABS is only offered in the EX. I really hate sunroofs....

 

I have an 03 Civic LX Coupe. I am a foot shorter than you. I have adjusted the seat height but I still bump my head getting in and out. Test drive one, adjust the seat, get in and out. My bet is that you will find it unsuitable from a comfort standpoint.

Use www.kbb.com for used car appraising per mileage, location, and condition. Craig's List is a resource to consider for used cars, but for Craig's List cars, definitely do a title check, and do not buy a car having already had more than two owners. Here's my writeup on buying used: http://sites.google.com/site/hondalioness/buyingused

 

If you do decide to get a car like ares with manual or automatic you probably already know this but be sure to test drive it run it threw the gears to make sure there are no grinds and know slipping.

 

Mine quit at 75,000, and I babied it!

 

I agree. Never buy a AT. (for me, whats done is done, unfortunately).

 

When test-driving a manual transmission Civic, make sure to check for noise from the transmission mainshaft bearing (also known as input shaft bearing or ISB). This problem can be detected by sitting at a stop with the car in neutral and the clutch pedal out. Listen for a noticeable growling/humming/whirring noise that goes away when the clutch pedal is pushed in and comes back when the clutch pedal is released. If you hear this noise, it's a telltale sign that the transmission's inboard mainshaft bearing is failing. You will also hear a growling noise while rolling in the lower gears.

I've seen a number of '01+ Civics (along with many older model Civics) develop this problem with less than 100,000 miles. It's nowhere near as expensive to repair as automatic transmission problems are and wouldn't stop me from buying a Civic with a manual transmission, but it still involves removing and disassembling the transmission to replace the bearing and related parts - which is either time consuming if you can do it yourself, or somewhat pricey if you cannot. It should be addressed within a reasonable timeframe after it is discovered because it can damage the transmission mainshaft and case if left alone.

 

go for a 99 si coupe

 

Good idea. Go for one of the most stolen Hondas on the market.

 

first of all your an idiot. all hondas have a chance of being stolen. you think a car jacker is gonna say oh thats a 99 si im going to definately steal that one not the 98 ex down the street.

modifing a civic or import and parking it outside is taking a chance of it getting stolen. and actually to be specific the 95 civic hatchback is the most stolen car in the united states followed by a 91 accord, and then an 89 camry. look it up! heres the link http://editorial.autos.msn.com/artic...umentid=434545,

the 99 si isnt even on the top 10

 

A. If you're looking for a quick exit, being insulting is a good way to find one.

B. Of course all Hondas (or any car, really) have a chance of being stolen. He's asking for suggestions in the 2001 - 2005 Civic forum. How often have you heard about one of these being stolen compared to ANYTHING from previous years? The Si, the clones, EG, EJ, EK, etc. etc. .. .. all stolen on a regular basis. Perhaps I should have been more specific in my previous statement, but your suggestion to get a car that has a remarkably much higher chance of being stolen is a bit foolhardy, even though the OP did say "Any comments or suggestions would be welcome."

C. Googling "most stolen cars" and pasting the first link you find doesn't exactly make you an expert.

Example: http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=...d6ef47431c6a4a

I'll give you a 4 for effort, but only a 3 for execution.

 

Go for EX 04-05 MT and do a test drive before buying it.

 

okay but is that 4 and 3 outta 5 or out of 10?

 

I would honestly look into EP3's as well. Having owned 2 I can attest for them being great cars. They also have plenty of room.