car selection troubles

Hey what's up guys?

Ok, so i'll get down to the point. My grades have become better so my parents are going to let me buy a car this summer after summer school. I don't have very much saved up and im kind of on a tight budget so I was just wondering what year civic should i select that will also be relatively easy to modify (easily found parts for it). I was thinking about a 1988-1991. I can easily come up with a couple hundred more and make a couple of monthly payments because they are willing to pay for half what the car costs.

Now, I am currently not worried about insurance. I should have a job by the time that i need to make insurance payments. Now, on the other hand, my concern is learning to drive a stick shift, I'm soooo sick and tired of driving an automatic. I know it's all pretty much easy, the hardest part is trying to get going in first, i know that, but im just worried that i might be among those that is just not suited for it, ibut no one will teach me they all say that i might burn up their clutch so im going to have to go the extra mile, buy the car and THEN teach my self. sorry that this is sooo long but what do you think I should do? thanks for all of your help in advanced! peace!

Find yourself a nice '88-91 Si (either hatchback or CRX), or sedan (LX or EX). For our generation of Civic's, the Si, LX & EX are all the better platforms to start a project with (IMO).

Learning to drive a 'stick' is just like riding a bike. You're not gonna fry a clutch just by learning, and once you learn you never really forget. It just takes practice...