Roojai

I'm arriving in the UK in a couple of months and need a car. Want reasonable performance and good reliability so it will have to be Jap I think. Only got about 4000 to spend. I notice I can get a reasonably new civic SiR for this. Are they any good. Must be pretty fast with their 170-ish BHP. Also looking at 200sx but concerned about reliability and handling in the wet.

Roojai

Just to add, I know the newer Civic SiR's are fugly, but some of the older ones, with the rounded hatchback looked pretty sweet and are commonly modded into very fast cars over here in Hong Kong. Are there many of those over in the UK?

marty_t3

You'll get a good standard S14 model 200sx with full service history for that money. In terms of acceleration, the 200sx is consideraly quicker and more powerful than the Civic. Handling wise... the Civic is easier to drive fast and will handle better in standard form. If you're worried about rear wheel drive then buy the civic. Reliability.... i'd say they were pretty much the same. S14s have very strong engines but MUST be regularly serviced. If you plan to modify the car then the 200sx wins hands down. Even in standard form the 200sx will put a bigger grin on your face (just a pity it looks like a squashed mondeo).

Personally i wouldn't think twice about it.... 200sx

astraboy

I'vew got one. Buy the 200sx. As for the handling in the wet, well its the reason I bought the car
astraboy.