16.3 mpg hurts... looking for a HX maybe.

[ceb302]

I had a 95 Civic Vx a few years ago that was pretty nice and I decided to sell it to get something newer. I know you are yelling at the screen and I realize my mistake. Now I drive a 4x4 Tacoma that I don't plan on selling but I do want to get a commuter car to save on gas. I drive about 15k miles/yr and spend aprox $3,400/yr in gas and I calculate if I get another civic I can easily save $2,000/ yr in gas so that is my goal.
I am thinking about a 99-00 civic HX because of the price. I have seen decent ones for about $2500
or maybe 01-03 HX but they are a little harder to find.

[Stowers74]

I had a 99 Si a while back and got about 38-42mpg highway, depending on how fast/hard I was driving. It was lowered on Megan Racing Coils and tons of other suspension mods(LCAs, sway bars, etc.), had a full header back exhaust (didn't sound like a typical honda). It was one of the most fun (not the fastest, but incredibly fun) and by far the most fuel efficient car I've ever owned. And that was before I started getting into hypermiling and stuff. I miss that civic lol. Good luck on finding one man!

[Superfuelgero]

Hey neighbor!

The hierarchy goes Insight (g1)>CRX HF> Civic VX> Civic HF

Right now, they all in your range.
proof:
01 Honda Insight Runs Drives Great 5spd 65mpg Hybrid 138k Miles $2400
1988 Honda CRX HF
1992 honda civic vx hatchback wtt/wts
2000 Honda Civic HX
Prices are lower if you'll take more damage/work, or get lucky.

If you need a back seat it leave the last three (CRX had a EDM/JDM backseat).

Just have cash in hand, and be ready to drive, because they go fast.

PM me if you need anything, I'm up in guys.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by ceb302

I drive a 4x4 Tacoma that I don't plan on selling but I do want to get a commuter car to save on gas

Unless you really have to use the off-road ability of the truck or the cargo capacity so frequently, you may even get satisfied with a commuter and a small utility trailer

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...uck-25485.html

[ceb302]

I would love to have a 99-00 Si but I know I wouldn't get anywhere near 40 mpg. After my VX I got a 94 Si with a B18C5 Type R engine and I only got high 20's mpg...

xntrx, that 2000 HX you have listed is the one I have been thinking about! I have 2 kids so the crx or insight is out.

I live out in the county with about 120 achers so I use the truck a good bit. I have considered just getting an ATV or a UTV for around the house but I don't know.

[ceb302]

Instead of an Hx I would rather have a hatchback. Since I have had two 92-95 civic's and my last one was so nice I want to try a 96-00. I have found a 99 Dx hatch that is automatic and I found a damaged low mileage 98 hx with a 5-speed. I think I would really like the lean-burn engine in the hatchback for my commute. I am debating if I will have the time to do the engine and trans swap.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by ceb302

I live out in the county with about 120 achers so I use the truck a good bit.

Have you never considered a Diesel engine swap? Some folks have good results with the Volkswagen TDI into compact Toyota trucks, and others have been fitting Kubota and Yanmar engines out of refrigerator units into many different trucks such as Ranger and S10. It's not unusual to get from 30 to 35MPG with such setups. BTW is your truck fitted with a manual transmission or an automatic?

I have considered just getting an ATV or a UTV for around the house but I don't know.

An UTV can also be a nice option.

[ceb302]

My truck is a 2001 3.4L V6 automatic 4wd with 225k miles and it still runs like a top. No I haven't considered a conversion on my truck. A 5spd conversion would be great! I just think for the money invested and the prices of a 15 year old civic I can get more long term savings. Well, I say long term... We got my wife a new car a couple years ago and it will be paid off in 3 years. That will give us a little more freedom for me to get something newer.
I also have a possible new job opportunity but it will be driving 100 miles round trip every day. But if the money is right I could be making about $10,000 more a year. If that happens I will try to get a 04-05 HX with the lowest miles available. Ex and SI would be next if I can't find the late model HX unicorn.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by ceb302

I would love to have a 99-00 Si but I know I wouldn't get anywhere near 40 mpg. After my VX I got a 94 Si with a B18C5 Type R engine and I only got high 20's mpg...

Discipline? Haha. I redline my car sometimes on freeway onramps for fun but that's about it since I find it a little underwhelming to drop straight from 1st to 4th or 5th on a slower road.

[nemo]

100 miles /16.3 = 6.13 gallons a day
6.13 x 3.50 = 21.46 per day in fuel cost
x 248 working days (using 12 holidays)
$5320 fuel cost per year commute only
-$3400 current
That's an additional $1,920 in fuel cost alone if you drive your truck.

A better FE vehicle would have a short payback time.