I would go with an early Civic but thats cause i bought one 3 months ago...For my winter car i got a 1990 Civic for $594 dollars out the door (tax, title, license) and i have had absolutely no problems with it...I love the car
I've made multiple trips out of town (longest one was 3 hours one way) and it hasnt had any problems at all...Go with the Honda!
