Well, I just couldn't take driving the Kia anymore as an everyday car. So I went to my local Honda dealer, Scott Honda, and took a look at what they had in search of a more enjoyable beater car. They had two 2002 Civic Si's left, with 3.9% financing and a $2002 discount off MSRP. I just couldn't resist the temptation, and took it for a test drive. After the test drive, I was instantly sold, and paid $18,460 ($1,000 above invoice) for a black Si with 17" OZ wheels (that's how they had it in the showroom) and four 15" standard Civic wheels (for the winter). Yes, I bought a Civic with eight wheels!

It really is a fabulous car. Because I don't want the ultimate in performance as an everyday car, I was okay with it's average 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. The SVT Focus performs admirably, but I want a car that's going to last...a long time. With the 17" wheels, it handles very nicely. The interior? Incredible. The seats are even nicer than the Recaro's in the S2000. It's a fabulous little car that's both practical and fun-to-drive.

Here are some pics:

http://www.americanmascot.com/dmk/si/MVC-001S.JPG
http://www.americanmascot.com/dmk/si/MVC-002S.JPG
http://www.americanmascot.com/dmk/si/MVC-003S.JPG
http://www.americanmascot.com/dmk/si/MVC-004S.JPG
http://www.americanmascot.com/dmk/si/MVC-005S.JPG
http://www.americanmascot.com/dmk/si/MVC-006S.JPG
http://www.americanmascot.com/dmk/si/MVC-007S.JPG
http://www.americanmascot.com/dmk/si/MVC-008S.JPG

My girlfriend now has the pleasure of driving the Kia Rio. I tell you what, we have 20k miles on the thing and it has been perfect. Fun? No. Reliable? Yes.

Hopefully, an S2000 is still in my future (after I buy a house in the next 12-18 months). For now, I'm going to enjoy Honda's new pocket rocket.

FYI: Scott Honda has 1 more 2002 Si with aftermarket wheels. I'm sure that they would offer the same deal.

 

Sounds like a deal, Dennis. I like the look of the Si, and it should be reliable and fun too. What was the msrp?

 

MSRP is $19,460. They have a silver one left. If you don't want the aftermarket rims, they would definitely unload it for invoice, which is $17,460.

 

wow it came with superleggeras? that's awesome! car looks great...congratulations with your purchase!

 

Superleggeras and 4 standard 15" Civic wheels. I'm going to throw on the standard Civic wheels this weekend.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SkLz325
[B]wow it came with superleggeras?

 

Congratulations , how do you like the location of the shifter in the SI? Does it seem ackward? Good luck w/ the new car

 

Sweet car!

 

looks good ... would look even better if you lowered it an inch or so .. you have some *serious* wheel gap in the rear ...

 

just one thing... please remove the dealer license plate frame

 

You're not kidding.

How much are a good set of lowering springs?

2002 Si's have a lot of wheel gap for some reason.