Honda Civic HB VX. Good buy?

[GearHeadDriver]

Hey all, I'm new .

I'm looking for a Honda Civic HB VX. I've been looking for a few days... I'm kind of new to the Honda scene. I don't want to overspend on this car, so I'm posting the listings I've found thus far.

I've bolded the listings that I think could potentially be a good purchase. The only factor is, I'm in NJ and I would more than likely either have to drive the car back or ship it.

I'm looking for a car that is closest to OEM with minimal amount of body damage on it.

If anyone could please be so kind to look at the links below and let me know what they think is a good buy I'd appreciate it!

Thanks a lot!!!


http://www.greenridenashville.com/1994_Honda_Civic_Nashville_TN_226589609.veh


http://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/4917025121.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/4971617478.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/4943166623.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/cto/4968598111.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4965233999.html

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/4924298184.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4962936564.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/4930279426.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/4950231777.html

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/4934317950.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/4963734838.html

http://carbondale.craigslist.org/cto/4910672126.html

http://tallahassee.craigslist.org/cto/4961019991.html

http://rmn.craigslist.org/cto/4974357906.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/cto/4973362784.html

 

[lethal6]

What is your reason for buying? Are you looking for a VX because of the best gas mileage in the platform or are you just looking for a 5th gen hatch? If you do want a real VX, a LOT of these aren't VX or have been swapped meaning that best gas mileage platform is gone.

IF you are looking for a real VX and based on your provided description of what you want, the last one is by far the best one IMHO. It won't last long at that price though, guarantee it. I would be really surprised if it is still available if it is that clean and the price being that low. VX models are very popular because of the coveted top gas mileage (it is arguably the best gas mileage platform for a couple generations of civics) and people usually ask a lot of money for them if they are in good stock shape.

Problem is, most kids get these and want POWER so they dump the motor for something bigger and destroy the whole reason the car is so popular.

 

[GearHeadDriver]

I want the VX because of the great MPG.

The last listing is still available. The owner just texted me back.

You're telline me that out of all the listings I posted the one in Minnesota is the one you think is the best deal, even with the costs to drive there and back? I'm not complaining, but it's gonna be a long drive home .

Let's say my total cost is around $3800 including travel costs. Is this still a good buy?

 

[lethal6]

In good condition I have seen VX's go for around $3500 here so that wouldn't be too far off if you are getting it for cheap and then having to ship it. I personally would ship it but that is just me. I have access at work to shipping carriers so it is easy and a LOT cheaper for me than to drive to get one. Problem is, it is sight unseen in that aspect so it is always a gamble.

It looked the best to me, but I just quick scanned all the ads. It fits YOUR description of what you want the best. The rest have needed body work, swapped engines, riced out parts, price way too high, or too high of mileage for me. The high mileage is a hard one to get around because these being coveted for the high MPG they will all likely have high mileage as they are turned into daily commuters for people with long commutes, but it is still something I personally try to stray clear of.

 

[GearHeadDriver]

You're right. I looked over the listings again that I originally posted here. Most of them are exactly what you described.

Does it matter which year VX I go with? The one you recommended is a 92 and this one is a 94.

What about this one in Denver? It doesn't seem too bad. It has lower miles.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4962936564.html

If these are the only two available that I can choose from. I don't see why I shouldn't buy one of these right away.

 

[HeX]

I agree with all of Lethal6s points. I'd prefer the VX in Minnesota. The one in Denver has a few more noticeable red flags in the post; aftermarket intake, aftermarket radio & shifter, previous partial paint job (why not the whole thing?), removed door guards, cheap rims, rear picture cuts out left rear panel (wonder why?). Those are too many red flags that indicate a kid owned it and likely ragged on the engine. The Minn. VX may have dents and higher mileage but everything appears bone stock from the original radio to the VX rims, which are hard to find. Mileage doesnt worry me because its a Honda and if the engine is unmolested, which is a safe bet considering its all stock, then that engine will last another 200k with continued maintenance and normal repairs.

My question to you is where do you calculate an added $1600 on top of the $2200 asking sale price? Outside of registration/title costs, a one-way flight shouldnt be that ridiculous and a comparative 2000 mile trip at 60MPG will cost you about $100 in gas. Add in 2 stays at a hotel or motel for rest and your still at around $3000 total cost, maybe less. It may be advantageous to get some estimates from a few transport companies in that area. Paying a few more hundred for shipping while saving you 2 days of driving and hotel stays would be worth it to me.

I would ask the seller if he's willing to take some video of it with the engine running, maybe revving it up as well, and send you more pictures. If he sees you're that interested then he may not mind providing them. In my opinion, it'd be worth it if you intend on keeping it for the long haul. You'll make money back in gas savings and if they day comes you choose to sell it you can likely get at least $2000. Old well maintained Hondas just dont sell for less than that, and a rare original VX should easily merit a reasonable selling price.

 

[GearHeadDriver]

The extra $1600 was just a really rough estimate .

It's around $500 to ship the vehicle.

The seller has been more than cooperative with me. I'll try to get a video of what you mentioned. Is a cold start good enough for you all?

This might be a long shot idea, but what's the possibility of taking a VTECH-E Engine out of a VX and putting it into a 1996 Civic Hatchback? My reason is simple... The insurance I currently have has given me a permanent 30% discount on my car as long as I live in my current state. If I move to another state, I will have to earn the discount again. The cars that are eligible for their discount program are 96 vehicles and newer since they have an OBDII port on them.

Is this idea even feasible?

 

[HeX]

There's really no benefit to such an engine swap. The VX is about 200lbs lighter than any '96-'00 model. The added weight in the next gen. will impede the VX engine's efficiency by making it work harder to move the added weight. Dont forget the costs related to any engine swap. My hopeful plan is to one day swap in my '97 HX (D16Y5) engine into a '92-'95 Civic hatchback, ideally a VX body. The HX engine would get near VX mileage with better performance.

Your question confuses me a bit. If you dont intend on moving then what does it matter if you buy a car in a different state? Or was that just added unrelated information? Have you asked them what it would cost to insure the VX to have a comparative number? Factor in monthly gas savings with your insurance costs.

 

[GearHeadDriver]

Your question confuses me a bit. If you dont intend on moving then what does it matter if you buy a car in a different state? Or was that just added unrelated information? Have you asked them what it would cost to insure the VX to have a comparative number? Factor in monthly gas savings with your insurance costs.

If I move in the future from my current residence to another state, I will loose my 30% discount on my car.

I'm just throwing that out there because I didn't know if an engine swap would be worth doing. The car might loose a few MPG, but I would also be saving 30% on top of the already good MPG I get. I thought it would be a win-win situation . It was just a thought, especially since I have friends who wouldn't charge much to do it.

I got a quote for a 95 and it was actually $10 more per 6 months then my current 2005 Dodge Neon SRT - 4.

The owner is going to provide me with footage of a cold start with some revving.

Anything else I should get from him?

 

[HeX]

$2000 VX sale price
+ $500 shipping
+ a one-day round-trip flight (approx. $400)
+ $50 one-day car rental
= roughly $3000-$3300 overall cost for the venture and purchase

 

[GearHeadDriver]

Not bad.

By the way, I updated my post as you made your last reply.

 

[HeX]

If I move in the future from my current residence to another state, I will loose my 30% discount on my car.

I'm just throwing that out there because I didn't know if an engine swap would be worth doing. The car might loose a few MPG, but I would also be saving 30% on top of the already good MPG I get. I thought it would be a win-win situation . It was just a thought, especially since I have friends who wouldn't charge much to do it.

I got a quote for a 95 and it was actually $10 more per 6 months then my current 2005 Dodge Neon SRT - 4.

The owner is going to provide me with footage of a cold start with some revving.

Anything else I should get from him?

You would drop roughly 8-15 MPG with a few hundred extra pounds of weight, which would put you in the realm of '96-'00 Civic HX gas mileage (high 30s-low 40s on average, mid 40s-low 50s optimally). Keep in mind that the VX engine has only about 90HP while the HX has 115HP. With all your options considered, you should evaluate buying a Civic HX instead. You'd save in gas and get your 30% discount. Win win!

 

[GearHeadDriver]

I really do appreciate such an honest post! I never considered this as an option.

Now I gotta start over again .

I don't know how much these cars go for, what year to buy, or what a decent price would be .

I'm not sure if this matters or not, but I anticipate of adding around 35 (estimate) or so lbs to the car I end up buying. This would be from random knickknacks like a small sub, amp, jumper box, and some emergency car bags.

 

[HeX]

Hey, sometimes all you need is an extra view point. You have 2 added factors that make the HX a more reasonable option for you over the VX; your insurance discount and added traveling costs. A solid '96-'00 HX (either year is fine) should run roughly $3000-$4000 depending on its demand and availability in your region. Some will have a higher asking price but I would only pay approx $4000 for an HX if its in great original condition with very reasonable mileage. If finding one proves difficult, you should consider find a Civic shell and buying an HX engine and trans and having your friend install it if he does in fact give you a good deal on the job.

 

[HeX]

FYI, they did make HXs in the '01-'04 generation but those werent as popular and have less available parts, to the best of my knowledge.

 

[GearHeadDriver]

http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/4968729074.html




Honestly, I'm having trouble finding any on eBay or Craigslist in good shape.


What do you all think about these?


http://elmira.craigslist.org/cto/4956601523.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/4973694087.html

http://ocala.craigslist.org/cto/4947507895.html

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/ctd/4971499923.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4975282286.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/4967652253.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/4974834819.html
Maybe?

 

[GearHeadDriver]

If I can't find an HX, maybe I should get the VX for now? I get to keep the 30% discount on the car. It'll only go away if I move to another state. That's hard to know when that'll happen.


Here's another one. I actually like it a lot. It's from a dealer too. What do you think?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=07960&endYear=2016&keywordPhrases=HX&showcaseOwnerId=579471&startYear=1981&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0&listingId=397363035&Log=0


http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=07960&endYear=1999&modelCode1=CIVIC&sortBy=distanceASC&showcaseOwnerId=64261445&startYear=1981&makeCode1=HONDA&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0&mmt=[HONDA[CIVIC[CIVIC%7CHX]][]]&listingId=394828230&Log=0


Here's the search listing:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=07960&endYear=2016&keywordPhrases=HX&sortBy=distanceASC&showcaseOwnerId=579471&startYear=1981&transmissionCode=MAN&numRecords=100&transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0




Despite these all being good deals, I have a gut feeling I may still end up with that 92 VX. I don't want to sound picky. I feel like the VX is more visually appealing to me. I also think that since it gets better MPG, I can overcome the issue with it not being a 96. Who knows, if I end up moving I would hope I can afford another car as well heh .

 

[HeX]

If I can't find an HX, maybe I should get the VX for now? I get to keep the 30% discount on the car. It'll only go away if I move to another state. That's hard to know when that'll happen.


Despite these all being good deals, I have a gut feeling I may still end up with that 92 VX. I don't want to sound picky. I feel like the VX is more visually appealing to me. I also think that since it gets better MPG, I can overcome the issue with it not being a 96. Who knows, if I end up moving I would hope I can afford another car as well heh .

I dont blame you for preferring the VX, I'm very partial to hatchbacks as well, primarily the '92-'95 hatchbacks. Again, you cant go wrong with either model but it all comes down to what you feel is the best decision for you. Just make sure you're confident about your choice. Weigh your options, calculate your immediate and long term costs, test drive or at least sit in each model to verify your comfort, then make an educated decision.

I did forget to mention earlier that if you decide to go HX, do NOT get an automatic. They have CVT transmissions which feel weak, are somewhat problematic, and are very expensive to repair.

 

[GearHeadDriver]

Don't worry, I'll get a manual .

I forgot to ask before... What kind of tires and rims can I put on the VX while still maintaining good MPG? The reason why I ask is 13" rims are going to be hard to find a good tire to put on it. I was hoping to go to at least a 15" rim. I just don't want to adversely affect the MPG with something too heavy.

I didn't realize, but this car has manual locks.

Unfortunately I have no VX's in my state I can test-drive to get a feel for it .

I do know how Honda Civic SI's drive. I know they aren't the same, but it's all I can go off of :/.

What I do know is that most consumer reviews say this car is fun to drive, handle, with a little pep to it. That sounds right up my alley.

 

[HeX]

The only other rims Id consider outside of the factory 9lb VXs are the 14" 11lb HX rims. To my knowledge, anything bigger or significantly heavier will start knocking off roughly 5mpg at least again cuz the motor doesnt have much power to begin with.

You can find fitting 13inch tires online for reasonable deals. I can suggest a couple of good sites Ive previously ordered from. My current 175-70-14s are very difficult to come by and I got a better deal online than any local location.

I actually referred to sitting in each gen. Civic to ensure youre comfortable in it. They all drive pretty well and if fuel efficiency is your goal then a little lack of performance isnt a big concern.