So I have a 2003 Civic sedan (automatic) and its my first car, a hand-me-down from my parents that I've helped take care of for a long time. I want to upgrade some aspects of the car, but ultimately leave it naturally aspirated without hurting the fuel economy too much. It also has some rust, some leaks, and some other problems.

Aesthetically the trunk and rear wheel wells have some rust. The paint is oxidizing on the top and rear. There's a small oil leak in the engine, amounting to about 6-10 drops of oil per drive, so almost nothing. The exhaust is also suspected to be cracked somewhere because I can distinctly hear a rumble that didn't exist before.

Bearing this all in mind, is it worth it to go for a new trunk, exhaust, intake, and other small upgrades? Or should I just fix the oil leak and investigate the exhaust, and leave it at that?

 

Since it's an automatic, it'd take a bit of extra time and money to make it into something with more performance in mind. Unless you're extremely attached to it, I would investigate the mechanical problems and try to remedy them only.

 

Regardless, definitely fix both of these issues.

Your questions about rust/body work can't be answered without you posting some sharp pictures.

 

I'd say fixing the issues it has is definitely worth it. I personally prefer to keep fixing my cars than get myself into a new car payment.

Car payment plus insurance plus registration is almost always going to be more than the cost of fixing. And the loan is usually six years.

As far as whether performance upgrades are worth it, that's really up to you.

 

Take notice of the rust bubbling to the right side of the trunk and the oxidation on the top of the trunk on the left and some more on the top of the roof on the left.

 

X2 on just making it mechanically sound and leaving it at that. You would have to get so deep into a build to get any type of "performance" out of that package that it really wouldn't be worth it for what your looking for. Just fix the basics and have a fuel sipping daily.

 

Seeing that tow hitch on the back, hopefully, they did not tow a lot or pull something heavy. I'd drain the tranny fluid right away, (only use honda ATF). do NOT do a transmission flush.

 

Most 01-05 Civics fetch very little in the repairable segment. The body quality and parts availability (short of a salvage yard) make it unaffordable.

Even used car dealers despise them in my area because of the cost of repairs, and to poor body condition.

For the Civic owner on a budget, the 01-05 is a deal breaker. I would personally stay 2000 or prior due to parts availability and information. There is simply not a large enough commercial aftermarket to invest in this car in my opinion. The 99-00 Civic and 00-02 Accords are very desireable due to the availability of parts and information. The 01-05's do have a good look in my book, but that doesn't reflect resale price or value.

 

Thanks for the info everyone, I've decided to pass on the car and look for something else. I wanted to fix the trunk and mysterious engine leak, but it's not worth it to me. I believe the tow hitch was meant for a bike rack that originally came with the car.

I am going to take a look at the 2004-2008 Civic range and see what's out there.

 

those cars are dependable. I would fix the issues. also if it is your day to day car I would just fix the issues and then if you want to do performance get another vehicle for that.