I have a question, I'm looking to buy a civic. There is a 97 civic 4 door lx with only 27k on it, like brand new. now this one had the 1.6l 106hp:-(. but i was also looking at a 98 civic ex 2 door, its got the 127hp vtec in it, except its got 75k on it, u think its worth it to go for that one? does it have more potential to mod? Does the lx easy to get more pwer out of? I can't decide what to do. And both are autos

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jayman117 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And both are autos</TD></TR></TABLE>
Keep looking in your classifieds...

 

The more horsepower from the start the better. You might as well go with the EX even tho it has more miles. The engine can prolly go past 200, 000 miles if taken care of properly. The EX has a better flowing intake manifold and head I believe. Look at it this way, most people buy EX parts to upgrade their DX, LX, etc.. motors. Go with the EX. The auto tranny will slow you down, but i'm not going to try to convince you to get a manual cause thats not what you are asking. Good luck.

 

^ I would agree with what he said, if you're not looking to go big with this car. Something else to consider- it would be a pain, but not at all impossible to switch to manual transmission, especially with the help of members of H-T.

 

Is the ex engine that much of an improvment over the lx? B/c if its not that big of a difference, you really can't beat 27k miles. I appreciate all the help.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jayman117 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> And both are autos</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

it really is, the tranny is a much better unit, the y-8 manifold is the best (arguably) for SOHC.

having vtec stock is nice, but can be added in later on.

 

how does the suspension hold up with 75k miles usually? Anything else to look out for around that milage?

 

The suspension could be ok. You might as well replace it with something a little better. Struts and springs are cheap nowadays anyway. Watch out for the timing belt at that mileage. If you dont have the service records for it, change it when you get it. I would also check for lots of grease buildup and leaks. Also, check for unusual tire wear and odd looking welds around the body and engine bay.

 

get a manual car instead

 

which is cheaper...if the lx is then get that and mini me the engine and throw in a y8 tranny....that will make it just about the same as a EX....but will still be slower cause of 4 doors...but its even funnier beatin coupes in a four door anyways....oh and if i were u i would look into a manual....

 

it sounds like you do not know much about hondas huh? 75k for a honda is almost brand new! whether its a ex/lx/dx/hx it will always be slow in stock form. automatics are turd unless its a drag only car which its not, get a 5 speed so u wont be bored to death while driving. Bottom line is if you are worried about it being fast dont buy a civic (unless its a si which is quicker but still not fast) purchase a high milage 5 speed coupe and drop in a b-series!