Best Honda/Toyota car to buy for ecomodding?

[Titanium]

I'm aware of the Honda Civic VX and Honda Civic HX, but have never owned one. I have owned a 2000 Toyota Echo, but sold it when it had 104,000 miles on it. I also owned a Honda CRX almost twenty years ago.

I'm looking at buying the right 100% stock car to start ecomodding because I drive 70 miles round trip to work and 90% of the trip is on the freeway. Car must have cruise control and air conditioning. There is a point where a high milage car get's too old and then you have to replace too many parts on the car which defeats cost savings. Reliability is very important to me.

The Honda Civic HX looks promising to me due to they were made between 1996-2000. Any opinions on this car and any other models I should consider buying?

[Daox]

Hands down the 1st gen Honda Insight 5spd manual.

[Ryland]

I vote for the Honda Insight as well, made up till 2007, aluminum body, size of the CRX.
If you go for a Civic HX get the 5 speed as the automatic kills your mileage and wears out quicker.
If you don't mind spending more on repairs then a VW golf TDI would work for you as well.
But really, if you find an older Honda or Toyota that still has a good body you can replace nearly everything else without spending a whole lot compared to buying a new or almost new car.

[Titanium]

Daox

I know a guy who owns two Honda Insights, but of course he is not selling them. Good to know you prefer this car.

[Titanium]

Ryland

I prefer sticking with the Toyota or Honda. I'm aware of the VW reliability.

[bestclimb]

if price is a factor the mid 90s toyota tracell could be a good start. Also the 5th generatation civics are nice as they are still somewhat light, and the 95s had airbags for both front seats.

[AeroModder]

I've actually found a few 1st gen Insights reasonably close to my area.

[Titanium]

Originally Posted by bestclimb

if price is a factor the mid 90s toyota tracell could be a good start. Also the 5th generatation civics are nice as they are still somewhat light, and the 95s had airbags for both front seats.

I like those cars, but usually when I find one for sale they have 170,000 to over 200,000 miles on them and sometimes the prices are up there also. I would rather spend more money and get a newer model with less miles.

I did find a Geo Prizm for $450.00 that had 110,000 miles on it, but I passed it by due to it had the automatic transmission. Had a little front end bumper damage too.

Lately I'm finding a good car except it has the automatic transmission and I want the manual trans.

[Titanium]

Originally Posted by AeroModder

I've actually found a few 1st gen Insights reasonably close to my area.

Awesome car. I like the looks of this car and would love to have one.