I wanted to post this in a better place, but since my account is limited I couldn't find a better option. I have just started tossing the idea around of getting a car. I've always had trucks, with the exception of a Firebird I had in high school. My first vehicle was a 97 Ford Ranger when I was 16. Then came the Firebird and after that a couple more Rangers and a Dodge Ram mixed in too. I currently have a 99 Ford Ranger (I like them ).

I bought a house back in September, and the drive to work is about 25 miles one way. Like I said I like my little truck, but it's a V6 and only gets about 20-21mpg on the interstate. It is a regular cab, so space is also limited. I started looking around on Craigslist, but the only Civics I can find in my price range are 2002 and older. I won't have a lot of money when I sell my truck, maybe $3500.

So the main reason to buy a Civic is to get a little better gas mileage, I also have a 2 year old son, and another on the way. It would be nice to be able to take my kid(s) with me sometimes without having to take my wife's car. My truck is a 5 speed so when I use her's she is stuck at home. How well does a car seat fit in the back of a 99 or so Civic? I'm not really set on whether I want a hatch, sedan, or coupe. The coupes seem to be easier to find.

The last, and perhaps most interesting question is, how much can you tow with a Civic? I rarely put stuff in the bed of my truck, so losing it is not a big concern. However, I would like to get back into riding dirtbikes. Would it be possible to pull a small trailer maybe 5-10 miles with a dirtbike on it?

I'm sorry for the newb questions, but I want to find a car that suits me well. Also, to make it worthwhile I'd like whatever car I get to get atleast 30mpg, but the more the better.

 

mid 90's honda civics (depending on where your located) are tanks. YOu can pick them up for 1500 ish and as long as your not in the NE like me, they wont be rust buckets.

You can tow....but it'd be super limited. a dirtbike is a possibility. Id keep up on tranny maint, the trans in little hondas aren't bulletproof.

As for a car seat...I suggest you get a sedan.....less stress on your back.

 

Are you talking about the automatics or the 5 speed transmissions? If I were to get an automatic I could use our Grand Cherokee for towing it, but I don't think I would want an automatic, especially in a Civic. No offense to you guys that have them, I just prefer 5 speeds.

99% of the driving would be me by myself, to work and back. The other 1% would be with my son in the car. Well its like that now, if I had space for him I'd take him all over the place. I live in Alabama, so rust isn't a big concern.

Thanks for the reply,

Joey

 

I wouldn't go for a coupe if you're going to be putting car seats in the back. It makes it a hassle.
I wouldn't try to tow very much with a civic, if anything.
Like redm said, civics are tanks. Just keep up on the maintenance and they'll run for a long time. Just watch out for the rust.

 

This non-technical thread doesn't belong here. Consider reposting the question in the Member Introduction or Value sticky at the top.