Im looking for a civic hatch, 96-00. I plan on swapping the engine so I was thinking about getting one that has higher miles to save some money. This leads me to used car lots. I usually stay away from them, but in this case I basically only need a car with a good body and frame. Should I still just pay a little more for a privately sold car?

in my opinion privately sold cars usually cost a little less. I would just look at alot of them until you find one with the color and options that you want for a good price.

yeah, sometimes lots have like really cheap cars but they are almost always total crap. i think ill just wait as you said.