1) You dont have to worry about frame issues.
2) Sway bars do well on civics, the ones from integra type r's (rear) are used very often. The only issue w/ running large bars is the weak subframe. If you were to weld on an entire plate to both sides, tearing would most likely be eliminated.
3) The hatchback models tend to leak on the back sometimes. Rear trailing arm bushings are good for around 5-7yrs...so they will need to be replaced w/ either new honda or mugen mounts (NOT polyurethane). The 5th gens occasionally have a problem w/ sagging front bumpers. Synchros are crap and shifting fast constantly will kill them even quicker.
4) Annoying...the seats suck. Its loud inside. Things rattle and make noise. Hey, its a cheaper car...what do you want?
5) Parts are easily found in lots of junkyards and on ebay. Not as common as domestic parts, but thats obvious. Parts, now, arent as cheap as they really should be.
6) I already mentioned the synchros
7) Insurance is going to be a lot less than what youre paying on your current car. Civics are NOT sports cars (well, not most of them...type r models and del sol vtecs are concidered to be) I, being under 25, pay $2K/yr for full coverage w/ a shit company. Many, if not most w/ a similar record (0pts), pay less.
8) As long as you take care of the engine, keep up on maint., it will last a VERY long time. Ive seen 250k miles on several civics, w/o any rebuilds. Most important things are to change the fluids and filters and keep up on the valve adjustments...it will treat you right.
I honestly say there are few cons to owning a honda. It gets great mgp, relatively quick for its engine size, light weight, low insurance costs, and clean lines. I have not run into any problems w/ my car as long as I have owned it, where as with my past chevy, I had tons of problems.
(Japanese manufacturers aim for 0% flaw...American manufacturers strive for 6%. Thats something to keep in mind when trying to decide on a product.)
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