Well we had some bad hail damager here and I'm thinking of getting rid of my 99LX and upgrading to a 2002 EX. Is there anything I should be looking for that may be wrong/broken with the car if I get a chance to test drive it? The car has about 75,000 miles on it right now and I don't know the seller.

 

That sounds like a downgrade to me, EK gen is way better than '01+ IMO. The newer ones had a cheaper suspension design, and seem to have WAY more problems than the '96-'00, do some reading before buying so you aren't disappointed.

 

I've heard that the EK generation is better in terms of suspension but are they really much more reliable? The reason I see it as an upgrade is that I would get 31mpg city rating with a 2002 and would have the 1.7 127hp Vtec with the 2002 (only have the 107hp on the 99).

 

I much prefer the 96-00, and you aren't gonna see better gas mileage out of a heavier car like the 2002. 2000 Si or EX is a great car, I prefer the hatchbacks but different people have different needs. If the 99 is damaged beyond the point of it being cost effective I would look into another one if you like it. I think you will be disappointed in the 2002. I would say go drive one and see for yourself

 

my ex gf had an 01 lx coupe that i thrashed on a few times
it has a great 5spd and felt nice and tight, but lacked the same feedback and control of my ek sedan

strictly a dd it might be nice, but any mods or spirited driving and i would stick with the ek