I'm considering buying a 7th gen but I'm concerned about how the car handles compared to 6th gens. Won't be doing anything crazy with it. I will be keeping the engine stock. But just taking a 2001 out on a test drive I can feel the difference in handling between the two generations. I've googled a little bit about what I can do to improve the handling but I have no knowledge of car suspension systems. From what I've seen I think that a good mod would be to add an upper strut bar. How much would this cost? Would it be something that I co do on my own? What exactly does the strut bar do? What are some other modifications that i can make to improve the handling that aren't too costly?

 

a good upper strut bar will run about 100 bucks... its easy and will take no time... basically it will stiffen the car up and help tighten up the suspension. basically the way you have to look at the front is a box. the strut towers are sides and the sway bar is the bottom of the box, but without a lid it will flex.
the strut bar becomes the lid...

dont get an ebay or cheapo strut bar cuz they are not stiff and dont do anything.

for cheap suspension mods, look into front and rear strut bars and possibly sway bars but be careful when doing so cuz sway bars should be tailored to your driving preference.

also look into a good set of springs or coilovers and new struts/shocks... pay a decent price for these and don't go too cheap otherwise it may be worse.

good luck and have fun!

 

Those who can say they notice a difference with a front strut bar in is lying to you.

Probably the best bang for the buck in order:
1. coilover suspension (shocks and springs)
2. rear sway bar
3. newer stickier tires
4. wider tires
5. larger wheels say +1 or +2 larger than stock
6. suspension bushings
7. strut bars