My first car

[adpr_02]

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.

[Andydg]

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.

[sickcallawayc12]

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.

[Andydg]

Originally Posted by sickcallawayc12

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.

[adpr_02]

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.

[Andydg]

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

[Fire-3]

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.

[alphalanos]

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.