I'm in the market to buy my first car this summer and I am seriously considering a fifth-generation Civic.

However, I'm not sure which year or model would be best. I'd probably want an EX or Si model due to the bigger VTEC engines.

I don't care if it's a sedan, coupe, or hatch. Whatever is available/cheaper/better.

I live in Northern California and the availability of these cars seems to be pretty good (just from visiting craigslist today).

Here are my requirements:

- $3000 or less
- Manual transmission
- good (running) condition
- reliable

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

any year 92-95 is the same, the base models will generally be cheaper and easier to come by. also if your into performance the base models offer a lighter weight. and engine mods like a mini me are relatively cheap to do.

 

i got a 95 EX coupe for 2500...so i would say go for the EG's...they are the best in my opinion anyway....

 

when you are looking at any of the cars check inside the oil cap and see if the oil looks like its been changed regularly or if it hasnt and is black. check the coolent color as well. When you start up the car let it warm up a tiny bit and then give it some gas and look for any smoke coming out the tailpipe.... if it is a manuel tranny when you take it for a test drive, come to a stop light and when you take off shift normal through 1-3gear and then dont go to 4th and just go straight to 5th gear and give it some gas, if the engine wines up and the car feels like it isnt going any were the clutch is toaste and will need replaced. If the clutch starts to pull the car then the clutch is still fine...

hope this helps