What's new (besides me)? I'm new on the forum and am in the market for a new vehicle. Or at least a new to me vehicle. My old car (a 1992 Lexus LS400) is starting to develop some weird high mileage issues and I think it's time to let it go. I've been looking in the economy/compact realm mostly and after some seriously bad encounters with the worst sales people ever at Mazda have thrown a lot of consideration towards a Civic. I want the economy (I'm getting real world figures of 14 mpg) but I also want a car that has a rich aftermarket. I have a lot of time on my hands and am learning how to work on cars.

Anyways: The main question I have is I'm looking at an absolute bare bones DX. I've been looking through the trim levels and notice quite a few differences, include 4 disc brakes higher up the chain. I want to keep my price down and still keep my options open (and have a little extra cash for mods along the way). Are there things that are must haves on the trim level up? Are there things that the literature aren't telling me? Performance is important to me, handling is more important - I quite literally live on top of a mountain.

Any thoughts before I take the plunge?

 

dude you should definately get a LX, at least! barebones dx, is NO POWER STEERING,no a/c,no power doors,windows. LX are not expensive at all, maybe you can swoop a lx up for like 2200-3000 in excellent condition.

 

Wait what year civic are you looking at?

 

Welcome to the forums! About what model year are you planning on getting ('88-'91, '92-'95, '96-'00, '01-'05, '06+) ?

 

I thought about picking one up brand new, so an '09. The DX doesn't have power steering... There might be an '07 Si I saw on one of the lots around here, tempted to look at that. I'm pretty sure it sold, unless they moved it to another lot.

No AC isn't an issue. I live where it is really only hot two months of the year and am at 7000', so even 90's in the day goes down to 40's at night. I haven't had a working in AC in a car... ever, I don't think. So no sweat (no pun intended) there.

Basically DX vs LX? I don't see too many things on the LX I couldn't live without or where upgrading myself would be cheaper (like wheels).

Thoughts?

 

I think the 8th gen. DX's and LX's are pretty comparable. If you can, see if you can't find an Si. The k20 is hands-down a much better engine than the r18.