Question about '91 DX Hatch

[bchreng]

Hi all!
I need to get a car, but I'm practically a complete newbie. I found someone who is willing to sell me a '91 Civic DX hatchback for $1925 (USD). It has 161,000 miles on it, has only had 1 owner and is in fairly good shape. (no real major dents or dings) Is that a good deal for this car? What are the differences between this and the '91 Si?

I was also wondering how hard it would be to put in a new stronger engine? I think the car comes stock with a 70hp (~50 to the wheels?) engine. The wheelbase for the car is around 98"; would it be possible to fit 15" rims into that and still be able to turn the wheels w/o having them scrape against the sides?

I plan to use this car as a daily driver for the most part and take it to autox with my friend on occasion. Plans for this car include an engine swap, some sporty 15" tires and a stiffer/sportier suspension.

[Hondaman56]

Well, by the books, the price is within the range given by NADA, but the mileage is high as they recommend 125/K +/_. Is the car worth that much, who knows. The Hatchback models are not as popular as the Si models. The Si models are faster because they have beefier engines and better gearing. They also have more trim and better brakes and steering ratios. Everyone wants the Si as a result and the hatchbacks sometimes sit. That kind of mileage on a stock engine is a lot, Any abuse is liable to break it. Its totally up to you, but I would hold out for a just as nice an Si with original equipment with low miles. (Easier said than done) If you intend to do an engine swap I'd recommend the Si engine AND trans together. I just purchased a 91 CRX HF body in realtively good shape for $200 and transplanted the entire drive train and interior from my wrecked 89 Si with 107/K miles on it. If your planning that much work, you should either low ball the seller and get this car cheap or maybe even look for a super clean hatchback body to drop a better engine into. Cannot help on the wheels, don't do them myself.

[Bilson8tor]

Originally Posted by bchreng

Hi all!
I need to get a car, but I'm practically a complete newbie. I found someone who is willing to sell me a '91 Civic DX hatchback for $1925 (USD). It has 161,000 miles on it, has only had 1 owner and is in fairly good shape. (no real major dents or dings) Is that a good deal for this car? What are the differences between this and the '91 Si?

I was also wondering how hard it would be to put in a new stronger engine? I think the car comes stock with a 70hp (~50 to the wheels?) engine. The wheelbase for the car is around 98"; would it be possible to fit 15" rims into that and still be able to turn the wheels w/o having them scrape against the sides?

I plan to use this car as a daily driver for the most part and take it to autox with my friend on occasion. Plans for this car include an engine swap, some sporty 15" tires and a stiffer/sportier suspension.

i say see if u can get the seller down a bit, and i thought the DX had 92hp or about 70 something whp, as for the 15" those will fit fine, thats what i have on mine...