My first car

Hello, this is my first post on these forums as I'm just starting to get into the car world. I am going to buy my own car soon and I have a ~4k budget. I am wondering a few things, and hope that you pros can help me. I want something reliable, decent looking, good gass mileage, and fast accelleration (Yeah, the last two contradict). I don't care about age as long as it's reliable and ok-looking.

I know nearly nothing about cars, but i would like to modify the one I buy if it is cheap (I learn these things FAST especially when I get obsessed). I want advice on what to get that would gain me MAX HP for under 1k. I want the car to last me a while and would also like to have around 200HP. Do you think that's possible for under 5k?

Last question: Gas is expensive, and I am wondering how much more gas would be used up if I mod it percentage wise.

I was thinking of getting a CIVIC as they're cheap, and I heard pretty reliable. Please suggest anything you would like.

Older Civic hatch...they're really light so you don't need as much power to get them to really move, that way you can still keep your gas mileage at something respectable.

You probably won't get AS good acceleration as you like. Acceleration comes from torque and that is something many 4 bangers, let alone civics, lack.

You probably won't get AS good acceleration as you like. Acceleration comes from torque and that is something many 4 bangers, let alone civics, lack.

Very true but the light wieght means that it takes a hell of a lot let torque to get it moving. I've heard of the little hatches getting the GSR engine and a couple bolt on and running 13's...that's LS1 territory right there. While getting 25+ mpg around town and probably over 30 mpg on the highway with Honda reliability.

k. Thx. for the quick replies. I am wondering what year Civic I should get. OR if there is any other car that is better/ more efficient.

Early 90's (92-95 or so) is what I would look at.

Nissans are nice too, try to find a 200SX, especially teh SE-R model, or Mazda MX-6/Ford Probe. 95% of used Civics are overpriced, so if you do get one you should use the high resale to your advantage and not run it into the ground.

Civic is a pretty good choice. Its not going to be super fast but it will allow you to learn. I cant seem part with mine yet. partly due to lack of money.