Question on CVT

My family got a nice offer on a 98' Civic HX but I read up that CVT transmissions aren't really reliable. I know that this is only if you beat on them but the previous owner put on I/H and lowering springs and I'm not sure on how much the transmission is worn in. Is it possible to swap in a different transmission and if it is, would it be a good idea? I was also thinking to swap the engine and tranny altogether. Any help would be nice guys. Thanks in advance.