For many passionate auto-enthusiasts the concept of a dream car, or even a personal daily driver, doesn't end at just owning one. These people usually implement personalization and meaningful customization to their cars according to their taste, type of use, or the surrounding environment. The idea of buying a cheap car not necessarily in ideal condition, and tuning it to make it unique or optimal for its use, is called a project car. There are many incredible options for project cars, like the MX-5 Miata, the BMW 3-Series E36, and the Ford Mustang, but today we are looking at another JDM from the far east, the Honda Civic.
The Civic remains one of the most popular and successful automobiles in history. One of the main reasons behind the success is that there have been 11 generations of the Civic! And those 11 generations came with a bunch of different trims of their own. I think we can safely say that there is a specific Civic suited for everybody. There are tons of advantages to getting a Civic as your project car. Let's see what makes the Honda Civic an excellent project car for both beginners and experts alike.
Honda Civic Choices And Options
When I said that there is a Civic for everybody, that was not an exaggeration. Whether you want a hatchback, sedan, coupe, shuttle wagons, and everything in between, a Civic variant is out there to cater to your personal needs. Moreover, these are not experimental models that come with a risk of turning out to be bad either. All of them were tried and tested versions, which ensured peak performance and comfort. Some of the best variants for projects are the EK Hatchback, EM1 Coupe, the Sixth Gen Si, the CRX, the EG, and the newer Type R hatchback(if you don't mind the overdesigned rear).
The ultimate advantage you get with the Civic is that you don't have to buy one and then change it. There are already so many options available that you can pick a Civic with your preferred body style, engine capacity and get a jumpstart in making your project car. They are all Hondas, so we all know they are all reliable and resilient, even if they read more than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
Honda Civic Performance And Mods
Modifying the car is the most crucial part of any project build. Hence, it is the prime requirement for any vehicle to be considered suitable as a project. Many owners already know that it is one of the most tunable and moddable cars on the planet. Going to the nearest auto shop, we can easily find all kinds of aftermarket parts like air intakes, turbos, wheels, stiffer/softer suspensions, wings/spoilers, widebody kits, seats, Momo/ Mugen steering wheels, and many more. You can even change the entire front/ rear bumpers, fenders, doors, or do a K series engine swap with a 2004+ Honda Accord. You name it, the Civic can have it.
Moreover, working on a Civic is relatively more manageable, and it is a good practice car for the uninitiated. Honda made the Civic intending to keep it fun to drive, and the majority of reviews complement the driving experience and modularity of the car. In terms of performance, you have the luxury to choose between anything from a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 to a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. Most of the Civics feature Honda's VTEC system. It allows the engine to have dynamic inlet and outlet valve timing to increase efficiency during low RPMs and increase power in high RPMs. Although the engines of these cars are not precisely race-spec, they are sufficient enough to provide a fun driving experience. Yet, more importantly, it is more likely that a Civic engine will get tuned, and their ability to handle extra power is awe-inspiring.
Honda Civic Theft and Security
It might be hard to believe, but we need to keep in mind the possibility of your parts or the whole car getting stolen before buying one. The resale value of these cars is high, and this puts a target on its back. Popping up a hood of a '90s Civic will give you $3000-$4000 worth of parts like turbo kits, ECU kits, wheels, axles, and more. Even a good steering wheel can get nicked for a mere $200-$500. Even if the KBB value of a Civic will only be $2,000 to $3,000, thieves will have high hopes to find aftermarket parts worth $7,000. Auto insurers have listed the Civic alongside Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry, and Corolla as the most often stolen cars in the Los Angeles, CA, or SoCal area. You might live in an area where this problem is unheard of; nevertheless, investing in safety measures is highly suggested.
Honda Civic Is The Best Project Car
The Civic is a proven success for Honda and a living legend that has been a part of many gearhead's favorite moments. The Civic is an icon in every sense, and Honda has forever immortalized the name of Civic with such a dense and rich history over the years. The Civic is a phenomenal project car you can buy for under $5,000, whose advantages outweigh its disadvantages. The fact that we all can have a taste of that glory and become a part of a very diverse community without emptying our bank accounts is the cherry on top.