I plan on buying a car in 2 months and have been researching alot. I'm stuck between the Civic EK9, 240Sx S13, or the FC. The only thing I'm concerned with is whether or not I can actually fit in the car the FC (I'm 6'4" 200lbs). Second, is it really a good first project car? I'm just worried about the rotary, I'm used to pistons.

 

You'll fit just fine.

It's a poor first project car if you know nothing about the rotary.

 

well, its not the BEST first project.
but seeing as you've worked on piston engines i'd say its okay first project.
i'm assuming that you're somewhat mechanically inclined and are going to do a buttload more research on the car since its going to need quite a bit of upkeep.
if you just want a daily driver. just get the civic, it saves you gas.

 

This really depends soley on your abilities. I wouldn't worry about the rotary though. It's quite a bit more simple of a design than piston engines. Your issue will more than likely be a plague of electrical problems. If you can troubleshoot and repair electrical issues then you will probably be ok. Also, define "first project car" I wouldn't really recommend the FC to anyone as a daily driver unless it's been very well taken care of. The car is between 16 and 21 years old and has probably not seen enough regular maintenance to keep it reliable. So, if daily driving is your plan, I'd recommend keeping some extra parts money in the bank for emergencies. If you are just getting something for a toy then I definately recommend the FC, it's worth it just for the rotary experience.

 

And a giant bag of quarters for the city bus. haha

 

in all honesty it depends on what you're looking for.

the EK9 is ok. It's FWD, slow but parts are fairly cheap and there IS a huge aftermarket-section for hondas.

the 240SX is decent. It's rwd and slow and there is only so much you can do with the truck motor.

the FC is decent but tempermental. the NA is slow(not as slow as the 240 though) and the TII is decently fast. there aren't too many people willing to work on them so you better work on your own car. You cannot drive this like your mom's toyota corolla or a civic. You must keep a careful eye on the temps, the fluid levels, stay on top of routine maintenance and be ready to constantly fight with your GF about the car. If you don't have a GF then great, don't expect a decent relationship unless she's really cool.

I started with an NA as my first car and I don't regret it but at one point I was broke because the 7 needed my full attention. If you're in your late teens, early-to-mid twenties with an OK job then go for the civic or 240SX otherwise get an RX-7.

Don't be discouraged but realize that it's not going to be easy. Check the boards and see the typical issues we FC owners have and then do the same for the civic and nissan and then decide. My vote: go with the 240 because it will be decent in MPG, slow enough not to get you killed, and you can swap the SR20DE-T into it when you want more power and there is a fairly involved aftermarket sector for this car.


with all that crap said: I'll never own a piston engined car.

 

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