for a while i have been thinking about getting a 3 cyl 5 spd geo metro because of the gas mileage they get. the more i researched gas mileage it seems that civics do just about as well and offer a better vehicle. so i have a few questions concerning the civic. i am looking in the 90's mid to late don't matter to me. but all the ones i find seem to have high miles and not a real low price. what is considered high miles for a civic? is there any difference in the hatchback and trunk models other than looks? will one get better mileage than the other? will a 2 door offer better mileage over a 4 door, it's less whight right? i'm mos def wanting a 5spd but they seem hard to find, mileage wise do they really do that much better than a automatic? any input would be a great help, thanks.
ps i am in boone nc

 

high miles on a civic is probably 175,000 and above

the best civics for gas mileage are the 96-00 Coupe HX (the automatic transmission on this model is different and made for mileage), the 92-95 Hatchback VX, and the 92-00 Hatchback CX.
with civics, the gas mileage isn't really about the body style, it's about the motor.

 

Also the reason that the prices are so high is because honda's have an excellent resale value, and everyone is looking for a car that gets good gas mileage and is relaible so they're getting a premium price for em. 5 speed definatly the way to go if you look around here on the forum there's usually some good deals on some civics. only thing is, is that they are probably modded.

 

just keep your eyes open there is always deals to be found, I got my 97 coupe not a spot of rust on it 200 000km but all the maintenance was done at the honda dealer timing belt etc etc single owner older gentleman in a high price neighbourhood and I ended up only paying 3000 for it (1000 lest then asking price ) hasn't given me any trouble at all and getting just under 50mpg highway when i go on longer trips....

 

i can tell you something for sure...do not make the mistake of buying the cheap *** geo metro...my mother has one of them...garbage!!

A ****ed up civic is way better than the ridicously cheap metro!!