Advice and expectations on a 2000 civic purchase?

[robots4joey]

Hello everyone!

I am considering a Honda Civic purchase, I want to eventually go 'aero' on it- but that is many years off, for now, I want to just be able to drive conservativley and coast a lot with a decent car- that will have good reliability for the next 10 years...

There is a guy offering a 2000 civic LX 5 speed with 85,000 miles on it.

A. Does this sound like a good price
B. What kind of mileage can I expect? -someone with experience?
C. Any other advice? this is my first car purchase, I've been driving my family's toyota tacoma, and I'm moving out

Thanks 1,000,000!

[robots4joey]

Here's the full sales description:

2000 Honda Civic LX, low miles at 83,449, 5-speed, new complete custom exhaust system, good on gas, custom-lowered 3 inches in front and 2 1/2 inches in rear, recent engine upgrades such as new cam, new battery, new plugs, new wires, new alternator, new distributor, etc. Aftermarket stereo deck and speakers. Has a few minor dings. Call Darrel at Central Bank and Trust at 620-727-7893. Current NADA value is $6,125. Will sell for $4,400.

[RobertSmalls]

Avoid that one like the plague. The nature of the customizations may clue you in to the previous owner's disposition. He's a ricer, he's been beating on the car, and I'm sure that's not a fuel economy cam.

Any small, stick-shifted car can be great, and I'm a fan of Hondas. Maybe you can find the lean-burn Civic HX? That one is good for a few more MPG than a regular Civic.

I also find hatchbacks have more cargo space than sedans, so I like those too.

[MetroMPG]

I think that's good advice from Robert about that particular car. Keep looking.

[PaleMelanesian]

I agree about all the "upgrades". Keep looking.

If it was stock, see my signature for the possibilities. Features like power windows and a center armrest are the differences between DX and LX. The engine and transmission are the same.

The 96-00 hatches are more like a bob-tail sedan. They do have a larger opening thanks to the hatch, but the actual space inside is much smaller.

[redline5th]

It would be one thing if you bought a virgin car and customized it yourself. That's what I did. There is very little that is stock on my car.

You do not know the past of the car.... I'd skip.