Yes, I'm a noob. Just wanted to get that out of the way.

So, I'm looking at purchasing a car within the next couple of months and have pretty much narrowed it down to these top two choices. There's a vivid blue 03 civic si sitting at the local dealership and since I used to work there, i can get the car $100 over invoice. I know a lot of people don't like the body style, but I do. However, there's a white 03 Sentra SE-R Spec-V sitting at the local Nissan dealership that is the last 03 they are getting before the, IMO, uglier 04's come out. I wanted to get some opinions on which I should go for. I think the Sentra has a nicer interior and stereo, but I was put off by the SCC article about the claimed 175 hp engine only putting out 141 on the dyno. Also, my gf keeps yelling about how ugly the rear looks. I like the 17's, but I have an old pair of 17's anyway, so it's not a big deal. I like the smooth ride of the Si and I think it looks more unique. More cargo room and I've been a Honda guy for a while now anyway. Your thoughts? (Oh, can we please limit it to these two cars. I'm not looking for a FI car right now and want to keep it to $16-20k)

Of course, there are other options, like a used car, or waiting to see if Honda really does bring the CTR out in the fall. Which, I'll probably decide on one of these two cars and then decide whether to buy now or wait until the fall to see if the CTR comes out.

Also, what kinda mods am I looking at to get the Si K20 up to its big brother's performance level? I realize there aren't very many engine mods out right now for the 02-03 si, but I figure I'm gonna wait to gut it out anyway.

 

I got my 2003 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS for $17,500 and 3.9% financing. Why not get AWD?? :dunno:

 

I was considering that, but then I'd just be mad that I don't have a WRX, or even worse, a WRX STi. lol.

Plus, I'm a fwd person myself. I don't know why. Although you have persuaded me to go test drive it and at least give it a shot.

 

:werd: and put a custom turbo on it and it's about the same as wrx sti (without some of the niceities like the vsd and driver controlled lsd)

 

I'll consider it. But, as far as the civic or sentra, which one should I eliminate?

 

I took my car over the SI. Price was about the same for both ~$16k. Between the car mag comparos and me driving it, it was instant love. However, between the two, I would say take the SI due to the hatch.

 

being in both i like the civic much better and it feels faster, the sentra has to much other stuff (like the built in rf subwoofers in the trunk) and forgets that it's supposed to a performance model

 

the svt focus is that cheap, wow that's pretty good bargain, but i'd go with teh civic, because focus mods are still somewhat of a premium i believe

 

For sure. In all honesty, it's a better car than the Si or the Sentra. I think alot of people overlook them since it's not a WRX. Go drive one. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the performance even though you are a FWD guy. Subaru offers great financing too that's not super hard to get. I'm only 20 and don't have a very long credit history. As far as eliminating the Sentra or Si, I'd say the Sentra. I'm just not impressed with the design or the fony HP rating. I drove a 2002 Si and like the interior alot. The shifter was pretty cool too. Plus it's still a Honda and you know it's a great car. But the 2.5RS has alot of potential and insurance won't kill you either. There are a few after-market turbos and sc's available that are simple bolt ons with ALOT of power. Just drive one man .

 

Thanks guys. I'm more confident in my decision of going with the Si over the Sentra, but I'll definitely go testdrive an Impreza and see what all the fuss is about.