I am wondering if the 00-05 Civics are a better project car platform than the earlier 90s Civics now that their prices seem to be bottoming out. The engines were simple D-series units with strut suspension instead of double wishbone, yet most of them were still in good condition considering their age. Do they make a good toy, or should I wait for an earlier model? Consider a budget for a challenge car.
Are they going to take a B-series engine? Boost it up?
The 00-05 Civics are becoming more affordable and could be a good project car. They have simple D-series engines and strut suspension, and many are still in good condition. However, the 90s Civics have better performance potential with double wishbone suspension and more aftermarket support. While you can swap a B-series engine into the 00-05 models, it’s easier with the 90s models. Both can be turbocharged, but the 90s Civics have more proven setups. If you want a budget-friendly project, the 00-05 Civics are a good choice, but for performance and easier modifications, the 90s Civics are better.
I’ve been in a similar situation, weighing whether to go with a 00-05 Civic or an earlier 90s model for a project car. I ultimately chose the later model because they’re generally more affordable and offer a solid platform with a simpler D-series engine and strut suspension, which is easier to work with and maintain. They’re still in good condition, and you can definitely swap in a B-series engine for more performance. Boosting it is also a popular option, and there’s a lot of aftermarket support for these cars. If your budget is tight and you’re looking for a challenge car, the 00-05 Civics are a great choice.
I’ve had both 00-05 Civics and 90s ones. I’d say the 00-05 Civics are great for a project. They’re simple and cheap now, and even though they don’t have double wishbone suspension, they’re still fun. A B-series engine swap is totally doable, and boosting it up sounds like a blast! But if you’re into the classic vibe and don’t mind hunting, those 90s Civics are cool too. Either way, you’ll have a fun ride