I plan on getting into the car scene and due to my budget of no more than $2000 I decided to start with Civics.

I really like the Coupe versions because I feel it is sporty compared to sedan and HB and the years 1998 and 1999.

What do ya'll think and what should I shoot for?

 

according to kelly blue book you can just barely afford a middle-of-the-road '98 coupe. assuming you're on the east coast and you buy private party. chances are the car will suck due to neglect (normal people don't take care of a $2k car) or be someone else's failed project (a terrible start to "get into the car scene"). you still need to pay taxes and title fees.

so your plan leaves you broke with a mediocre 20 y/o car that you can't afford to fix if any of the following happens: battery dies, alternator fails, tires are dry rotted, the engine overheats, the ignitor/ICM fail, the radiator cracks, it fails smog (where applicable). each of these I've listed is not an uncommon occurrence on vehicles like this and each cost at least $100 in parts and whatever your time is worth.

$2k is a good starting point for getting into the GY6 chinese scooter scene. when you have 2-3 times that much, come back to Hondas.

 

You'll probably find them. But they might be in a condition you're not comfortable in.

 

I think $2000 should be enough to get a decent Honda... I have seen some under that even with swap... However, I am not sure about how reliable or maintained they are. You will more than likely need to do regular maintenance at the very least. But that is with any used car even from the dealer.

 

I've seen some not bad ones for $1,500.

Everyone else is saying all this bad stuff, I think I should go for one.

 

I'm working on it over a couple months, I'll have money for small things, but What car do you have in mind I should get then?

 

This is a bad idea if you want to start in the car "scene" with only 2000. Save your dollars for a better car that will be worth something when youre finished with it. Or spend it on a college tuition.

 

 

i have a '93 del sol in decent shape with a replaced motor/trans/etc id let go for 2k to the kid.

 

 

key words here, "just enough".

 

That's all I read. OP, obviously you're planning to mod a car just to fit in. SMH.

 

 

 

 

$2500 to $3000 will get you one that is pretty decent. I literally just looked on craigslist in Phoenix and anything under $2000 was busted up and would cost more to get in good working order than buying one for $2500 to $3000.

 

I would suggest going a little older to 92-95, probably something with a D16 already in it and a stick. The 93 Sol mentioned above would be a great start but they are kind of appreciating atm and i don't see that changing any time soon.

You can do a lot of this on the cheap you just have to be vigilant. Check sites like Craigslist / let go / Kijiji on the daily and go check out any cars you see worthy ASAP. Join local facebook groups that deal in used vehicles and parts. Plot out where you local scrap / pick and pulls are. All these things can save you a ton on not just upgrades but the maintenance that WILL BE NECESSARY on a car of that age. The problems the vehicle may have will force you to solve them and thats how you learn, by doing. Before you know it you will know the vehicle like the back of your hand and can aim for even cheaper vehicles as you now have the know how to bring them back from the brink.

If your interested check out my CR-V build thread where im attempting to fix up a 99 CRV EX for under 2k
Also on Youtube give these guys a follow they all build on the cheap,

79th Productions
His $2000 Civic priced out

DIYmike

BoostedBoiz

YoungStatic

 

 

3500 w/ rims

BOOM

 

Modding cars should be something you enjoy doing, not because your cousin, buddy, GF/BF, friends with benefits, etc is doing it. That's why you see all those dumbasses who have no clue what's done to their cars when you ask them simple questions.