So, as I said in the "new member area" I'm about to buy a car... Of course, I want to buy a lot of parts for my ride and tune it right.... I'll study in mecanic in a few months so...

Here is my problem... maybe you'll be able to help me...

One of my friends would like to sell me a Frankenstein 2000 Civic at 8000 $. There is aproximately 15 000 $ to 20 000 $ of investment. It's imported from the united states. (I live in Canada) Well I haven't seen the car yet but he says there is a lot of parts on it. Carbon kits, frankenstein swapped engine, fast and the furious 17" mags, modified interior and so on...

Or, I can buy a 2004-2005 Honda Civic which i'll pay cash and modify the next year... I would like a 2004 coupe LX or a 2005 coupe Reverb if possible... The car looks nice and because of the generation that finishes in 2005, it's really trustable...

Where I hesitate is when I see the new 2008 Honda Civic Si. For sure the Honda Civic Si 2008 is too expensive but the 2007-2008 Coupe is approximately 14 000 $.

I'm in Quebec so, insurances costs are very high ! The 2004 Civic coupe may cost 2400 $ per year and the 2007-2008 Civic coupe may cost 2500 $. The Frankenstein may be a lot higher I think... Maybe over 3000 $ a year....

What would you do ?

 

I personally like the 2000 Civic out of your options provided. Try and get more information about this "frankenstein" car and the motor within.

 

IMHO, the double-wishbone suspension in the older Civics was way better than the generation that followed it in 2001 with the MacPherson struts. IIRC, Honda did this to give the vehicle more interior space and make its econobox ride more comfortable while sacrificing handling. In doing so, they basically handed the tuner market over to Mitsubishi and Subaru on a silver platter

 

I worried a lot how was made de Frankenstein engine... I've read a little bit about these engines and it seems that Honda Swap are not really tough... Some people said Toyota Frankenstein were better than Honda... I Also worried if the car was Turbo charged, and if the frame had a lot of kilometers... If a Honda Frankenstein is swapped with a turbo kit, people seemed to say, well your engine will scrap in a few months...

For the 2001-2005 Gen of civic, I have heard that the macpherson suspensions were too much soft and 2001-2003 had some problems with oil pressure in the shock !?! I suppose 2004-2005 had not the same suspension...

Is the Reverb more "sporty" or is it just the front skirt ?