If you're looking at an older civic you might want to take a look at the rear wheel wells, they tend to get a bit crusty, and if they look good make sure they're not full of body fill. If the car has higher mileage ask when the timing belt was changed last.. just to make sure it doesn't let go on you, and maybe ask what mods are on it, if the car has a lot of "go fast" parts on it theres a good chance it was driven hard.

 

Personally, I suggest the 92-95 Civics. Ex gives you a decent starting platform. But it's kinda weak. THE REASON I suggest this is because you can buy 94-00 integ parts, 93-97 Del Sol parts, and they will fit your Civic. B-series is the common Engine swap. It's a fairly straight forward swap, given the amount of kits for them, and they are the most supported general after-market. They will run you around $2500 for a decent one, and you can buy "Car Project" magazine and they tune one for $5500 including cost of the car and get more than 1/2 the stock hp in returns using bolt-ons and running **** that a backyard mechanic can easily do himself. Plus it's full walk-throughs. Parts are cheap, and if you leave it looking stock-ish... no one will really mess with you. Total sleeper.