For many casual observers who look at this car, it may be lost on them what a find it is to anyone who chases tuner or import cars. The EH3 Civic Si is a legend to enthusiasts of a certain age and because of its bomb-proof dependability and willingness to stand up to huge amounts of abuse, it’s rare to find one that hasn’t been completely ruined. A friend of mine sent this one to me which has some modifications but considering what counts as “typical” among Civics of this era, this Si hatchback may as well be showroom new. The Si does roll on modified suspension but overall, it’s one of the more honest ones I’ve seen. Find the Si here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $15,000 and an opening bid of $0.99.
The Hondas and Acuras of the early 90s counted for some of the best cars the company ever made. The Integra often gets most of the shine because Acura produced the high-strung GS-R, which was a precursor to the legendary S2000 roadster. The Si hatch, however, was just as capable if not more so owing to its lower curb weight than the Acura. The Si may have only had 125 horsepower, but that humble D16Z6 motor revved to the heavens, with a lofty 7200 RPM redline and a close-ratio transmission to make the most of its compact powerplant. This is the engine that many competitive drag racers used as a basis for their 1/4 mile builds – and it was a popular theft target as well.
The Si, believe it or not, featured comfort-oriented upgrades over the standard model. But we’re not talking about navigation systems and Bluetooth here: the Si got a power sunroof; storage/map pockets in the doors; “plusher” upholstery; a dash clock; and a triple sun visor. This Si does ride on a coilover suspension and features a custom shifter assembly, but otherwise, this is the rare Si that has been left alone, with zero engine modifications and a healthy list of recent maintenance items. The seller clearly enjoys keeping his cars in OEM condition, going so far as to have a set of floormats custom-made to replicate the original Honda mats that are no longer available.
Not even a cold air intake – this Si is truly a rare bird. The seller had addressed several key service jobs, including the following: timing belt and water pump replaced 60,000 miles ago (209,936 miles on the car currently); new clutch 20,000 miles ago; new brake lines and hoses and remanufactured calipers; new master cylinder and brake booster; new starter 5,000 miles ago; new Denso half radiator with new hoses and thermostat; and much more. The Civic is said to drive quite well and the transmission does not pop out of gear. If you wanted a bone-stock Si, it would not be difficult to bring this one back to 100 percent OEM condition, but it also looks like a hell of a fun driver as-is.
Might be a fun car to drive,but on the outside it looks like ever
modern blob on the road today.I had an ’84 Civic hatchback,which
was a nicely styled car,but boring to drive.
Here you go Grant, your BF dream come true.
My sister owned one of these when new, exact color. Yes a very fun car to drive, but glad to jump back into my Vette afterward.
I consider this overpriced, but who knows in the crazy market we are in at the moment.
For those who don’t “get it”, this is finding like a solid, unmodified ’34 Ford 3-window coupe or ’49 Mercury 2-door, when those cars were just short of 30 years old.
The boy racers can’t help themself but to monkey with these one way or the other. Even though it’s almost nice in every way they manage to screw up the suspension and the shifter. Geez!
My 4th ever new car was a 94 Civic Si Coupe. I wanted the hatchback, but the Si was only available as the Coupe in Canada in 94. It was the same colour combination as this hatch. It truly felt like it was attached to me when I drove it. It was the weirdest feeling (but in a good way). I’ve never had the same experience prior to that car and sadly never since either. It was (and in some ways still is) the best car I ever owned. The price? $20,339.53 cdn. The options? A/C (dealer installed), armrest and mats. How I wish it was June 1994 all over again. I had a blast (and only had one speeding ticket (photo radar).
Mike,
Well,you could buy this one for less than about
1/2 the price when new- (taking inflation into account).
Don’t think I’m not tempted.
Unfortunately life has thrown me a curve ball health-wise. It may not be life threatening, but very easily could. What I am doing now is hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. Buying a fun car to drive is not the best preparation (especially since my wife cannot drive a manual). Now if I win a big lottery jackpot all bets are off.
Hope things get better for you.In August I ended up in the
hospital for surgery for a very serious hand infection,& I’ve been
off of work for over three months.Can’t wait to get back to being
(semi) normal,& be able to work on my cars again.
210 thousand miles and I want double what the car cost new…..time for a new hobby.
All of my Civics went 300k miles without issue. Just saying, there is plenty of life left in it. After that point, they are still inexpensive to keep going.
I like this car, and I still own a 96 hatchback (green) which I love to drive. Back in the day, I drove my Honda in Texas (where I purchased it) to New Jersey (when we lived there for several years) back to Texas, then to Ohio (to help take care of my wife’s mom) then to central Arkansas…. where I drive it at least weekly, often more. All my Great Danes loved riding in my green car…. and people keep trying to get me to sell it to them…. it’s in my will to whichever kid wants it (both my son-in-laws will have to haggle… lol).
Turn that same 4cyl motor the opposite direction, in the engine bay, and that’s what I’ve got in my 02 & 03 Acura RSX’S, (both base models).
Bought one with 5spd manual, under 125,000 miles, 2yrs ago for under 2800, for a commuter, so I could park the LS(saving ga$ & mileage).
Then I lucked upon this 03 base automatic, from California, I bought for $500! (Has no title, but know ownership). Swapped worn out coilovers for oem, and came with 2 sets of aftermarket rims/tires (17″ enkei’s/18″ roja’s), which I sold to even the purchase/parts/title expenses!!!
And the best part is, both cars are identical color!