New car, switching from Civic

[Spiral 9]

Hey all,

This is my first post so I'm gonna make it as short as possible and to the point. I have a stock 94 Civic, which I want to be rid of. The reverse gear craps out on me and upon inspection it needs a replacement transmission. I've heard that once you do that, the motor itself will need replaced before too long. I bought it at 90k miles, only put 650 on it. So I figure, instead of replacing the motor, transmission, suspension, etc. I would just get rid of it and get something new. Being 19, I have problems with credit, etc etc. like everyone else who doesn't have parents that will co-sign and help them out. So, my question is this. Should I actually go for a newer car, new car or just try my damndest to fix up my civic. I do eventually want to 'trick it out' or whatever, any car I have. I would love to drop an H22 or B16 in my Civic, but there just aren't many connections to do that where I live. Plus, everyone and there grandmothers' are racing Civics. I wouldn't have a prob with it if mine actually worked the way it should. I was thinking I could try to find a newer Integra, Prelude, Eclipse etc. I definitely want an import, with the exception of a Neon SRT-4 which I haven't the blessing of a good credit report yet. Yeah, this is real short and to the point huh?

Anyway, any advice would much appreciated. Thanks alot.

In my dream world I would be driving a Supra or Skyline but thats just not going to happen

-Thanks

[YogsVR4]

What the real issue is, is whats your budget? If you can swing a newer car at 0% then that would be a good way to go. If not then you're probably better off getting a better used car. It sounds like the one you have is a lemon because most civics last a good long time with just a little tlc.

You say your credit isn't good. Is that because you haven't established any or because you defaulted on a loan. If you just haven't gotten any then you can still qualify for manufacturer rates (depending on which one you look at) otherwise you should stick with a used car that you can take a small loan from a bank and pay back in a hurry. That will accomplish two things. You'll have a car to drive and increase your credit rating.

[Spiral 9]

My budget is pretty much in the mid-range. Making about 1000 a month. I just haven't established any credit yet. No loans or anything. Honestly, I couldn't afford a $250-300 payment then 150 a month for insurance. Ins. is pretty high for teens in NC. So budget isn't terrible and I have no credit due strictly to age (19).

Thanks for responding.

[96z28SS]

I would recommend a Ford Aspire....doesn't have much for speed but it will be cheap, you could pay it off quickly and then not have to pay for comprehensive insurance! Plus if you can start making mods to it and you get it respectable fast(which would take a lot of work, you are starting with a 63 hp 4 banger) you would be in possesion of the ultimate sleeper car! Or don't make any mods and you can save some money for a better car when you do have credit!

[Spiral 9]

Thanks for you reply Z,

however I do not like, trust, have never and will never own a Ford. Maybe a Mazda if someone gave it to me... but never a Ford.

[AirAllen01]

If you're going compact, then don't go with domestic. I would have to say that Honda has the more reliable cars, but like you said they are played out (but I still have one). Mitsubishi isn't too bad, but I still think they are higher in the maintenance department. I know someone who has a Mirage with an Evo kit on it, and it looks pretty nice.

[Spiral 9]

Thanks for the input guys.

Actually, I just found a shop that will hook me up with a B18 Integra engine (motor, transmission, axles, etc included) with very low mileage and very clean, and the swap out/installation work for about $2,000. So, I'm thinking I'm just gonna go with this for now. I don't need a 5,000 dollar Type R engine now anyway so... it's just more suitable for me. Plus I don't want to get too ricey

Does anyone think that deal is overly priced or anything? Considering the "Complete guide to Honda engine swapping" (probably not the right words) post that I read, I think it's pretty good.

It will be a damn good start anyway.

Thanks again.

[chunx]

see if you can get the eng/trans by itself for cheaper and do the labor yourself