I'm researching my options to buy a reliable first car that is
cheap to run, budget is <$5000.

I'm deciding between a 7th gen Toyota Corolla
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_...0.94_June_1991

and a 5th gen Honda Civic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_C...281992-1995.29

I'm leaning towards Civic cos I like the bodystyle better.
My question is, should I choose the sedan or hatch?

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

 

im not familiar with the corolla...but the eg hatch/coupe has a lot of potential...large (for a civic) engine bay so just about any swap can be done easily/cheaply...exceptions are the K series motors which are pretty new to the swap scene so parts are pretty expensvie...but other than that your good. also the eg is very light and nimble...with a good suspension....and a motor swap it will be a very quick/reliable track or street car. also, they are pretty cheap...(i cant find them in my area cuz every one that has one wont sell it!) and they get really good gas millage...so you wont spend a whole lot there....untill you boost it or go full out N/A....but that will be a while.

 

hatch Civic ftw!

 

i used to hate hatches. now i love them. They have so much potential

 

why's that?

 

Hatches are more useful. Not sure what all you need it for, but my wife's Mazda 3 hatch is great to have for travel and shopping, etc. I think a hatch generally looks better than a sedan also.

 

i used to hate hatches and still do.. i just do not like the look of them

 

How so? I thought hatches have more smaller trunk area?
I actually think that a sedan looks much better than a hatch, but
but I'm not sure in terms on handling, etc? which one is better

 

I would go with the Civic, for multiple reasons, 1) looks better 2) better aftermarket support 3) Looks better, and 4) looks better

The ONLY advantage that the Corolla has over the Civic is that with Toyota engines they are non interfierence, so if your Timming belt were to ever snap then you just throw on a new one, set the timming fire it up and off you go. where as the Civic is the timming belt snapped you would need a new head probably. And trust me the noninterfierence engine can come in handy in that situation. i know from experience lol

 

^ same here, this forum has opened my eyes to alot of different things, including how sick hatches can be [8D]