Hello!

Well I really wasn't looking for a Honda Civic when I came across the one I just purchased. I needed something other then my 20 year old pickup truck to haul the kids around and get to work in the winter (I ride an Aprilia Pegaso most of the year). So I have been keeping my eyes open for a good deal on some wheels. I also wanted it to be a cool and fun car.

A co-worker posts on the bulletin board “For Sale – 97 Honda Civic, 5-speed, 4door, 38,000 miles, LX, $6,000”
Only 38,000 miles in 7 years? This had to be looked into. It turns out it was his mothers car, she is 77 years old and it was time to stop driving. I needed to go see this car.

He was wrong. It was an EX model (read as with ABS, 127hp, keyless entry and moon roof) with only 30,000 miles on it. I drove it and other then being really dirty on the outside, it was like a new car. The glove box was full of dealer maintence receipts, and the original $17,000+ window sticker. SOLD! :cheers:

BTW Edmunds retail was $8,500. Trade in was $6,500. I asked him how he priced it and he said he used Edmunds. Who am I to argue?

Upon closer inspection it does have a dent in the hood where somebody tried closing it without putting down the prop rod. Also, it was parked outside all the time in a crowded parking lot. This resulted in numerous nicks in the rub stripe on the doors.
Other then that, it is mint, especially the interior and mechanicals.

So I have entered the world of import sedans. I had an 87 Accord a long time ago and it was the best car I ever had in terms of reliability and fun to drive. My wife drives a Buick…err…I mean Toyota Avalon. Reliable, but not really fun.

I love this car. It is zippy, handles great and is just large enough, Got 32mpg on my first tank. Well… you guys all know this, you own Civics also. Another thing I like is I have a blank canvas to modify to my liking.

First thing I did was win a Honda CD changer on Ebay. I posted an install question in the Audio section. Next I am looking into:
Alloy wheels (15" or 16"), rear spoiler, getting the hood and rub stripes repaired and painted. (anybody have a white OEM hood they want to sell?)
My 14 year old son is whining that we should get a turbo kit. It will be his car in 2 years and he will not need no turbo, yet.

I am planning on some Solo II racing this spring and summer. May put 205/60/14 tires on it for that. Think I should stay in the stock class to start.

Overall I could not be more pleased or excited about my new hobby.

Sorry for being so long winded.

 

Hey, I'm from CO too. Boulder. Sounds like a pretty sweet purchase :thumbup: I dunno if you want your kid learning to drive in a souped up car... it'll either get him in trouble, or he'll just wreck it. Not to make parenting suggestions, but in your shoes, I'd leave it stock till he's 16, and then make HIM save up for modifications and whatnot. Just an idea.

As for the hood, check out http://partmartone.com. They have body parts for pretty cheap :thumbup:

Welcome to the board! :wavey:

PS: as I say to all n00bs, familiarize yourself with the search function (at the top of the screen). It will answer many questions.

:edit: If youre interested in colorado racing, check out the links in my sig. I'm a regular at the autocrosses around here, so let me know if you've got any questions. I would recomend Falken Azenis in the 195/60/14 size for a good, cheap H-stock tire.

 

You got a good deal on you're sedan. I have a white 96 4d h: "see signature". Welcome to han

 

oh yeah, and check out http://www.highaltitudeimports.com for a local board :thumbup:

 

Welcome to HAN. Sounds like you got a great deal on the car.

 

Congrats.

For OEM parts, I suggest www.hondaautomotiveparts.com

:goodjob: on the sedan.

Leave the car the way it is, take care of it, and it will last you a long time.

 

BTW, SCCA offers driver education autocross courses... a great way to teach you kid the essentials of car control, and to respect the racecourse/public-roads boundary.

 

This is gonna sound a bit odd, but bare with me.
You obviously want to put some money into the car. Your son obviously knows he wants a tweaked car. So, in an effort to get things done around the house (mowing the lawn, shoveling, taking the trash out, etc) you can offer to put things on the car in exchange for his work.
If he helps you reroof the house and really puts some work into it, you get suspension. If he goes out of his way to help an elderly neighbor, get a short shifter. Positive reinforcement for the kid, you get stuff done around the house, a kid that behaves, and you have a hookup up car while it's still in your hands.
PLus, when he gets the car, he knows he worked his ass off to get all the stuff on the car, so he will be much more appreciative, and he'll work harder to take care of it.

 

Congrats, that's a really good deal.

If you need wheels and tires let me know :thumbup:

and Westcoaststyle is the go-to guy for other parts