his 1997 Honda Civic DX Hatchback pairs the simplicity of a classic EK with a long list of recent maintenance, interior updates, audio upgrades, and supporting modifications. It has 196,000 miles, a 5-speed manual transmission, cold A/C, working heat, a clean title, and recently passed emissions for the next two years.
A considerable amount of attention has gone into refreshing the interior. The Civic features reclinable sport seats with aftermarket seat brackets, custom upholstered LRB Speed aluminum door panels, a rear seat delete, new carpet, refreshed headliner material, upgraded sun visors, and an aftermarket steering wheel with adapter.
The audio setup has been extensively upgraded as well. An Apple CarPlay head unit is paired with JL Audio front door speakers, Rockford Fosgate rear speakers, a JL Audio subwoofer and enclosure, an amplifier, and a bass control knob. Additional sound deadening has also been installed throughout the cabin.
Outside, the car has been fitted with upgraded wheels using custom wheel adapters that were machined locally. Replacement headlights and a new windshield round out the exterior updates.
More importantly, a substantial amount of mechanical service has already been completed. Recent maintenance includes:
Recent Maintenance & Service
• Water pump replaced
• Timing belt replaced
• Timing belt tensioner replaced
• Valve cover gasket replaced
• Oil pan gasket replaced
• Rear main seal replaced
• Clutch replaced
• A/C condenser replaced
• A/C compressor replaced
• A/C receiver/dryer replaced
• A/C system recharged
• Radiator replaced
• Heater core replaced
• IACV rebuilt
• Inner and outer tie rod ends replaced
• Front upper control arms replaced
• Ball joints replaced
• CV axles replaced
• Front brakes replaced
• Front rotors replaced
• Motor mounts replaced
• Windshield replaced
Interior & Audio
• Reclinable sport seats
• Aftermarket seat brackets
• Upholstered LRB Speed aluminum door panels
• Rear seat delete
• New carpet
• Refreshed headliner material
• Upgraded sun visors
• Aftermarket steering wheel and adapter
• Apple CarPlay head unit
• Upgraded radio bezel
• JL Audio front door speakers
• Rockford Fosgate rear speakers
• JL Audio subwoofer and enclosure
• Amplifier
• Bass control knob
• Added sound deadening
Exterior & Chassis
• Upgraded wheels
• Custom wheel adapters
• Wheel adapter machining completed locally
• Replacement headlights
Vehicle Details
• 1997 Honda Civic DX Hatchback
• 196,000 miles
• 5-speed manual transmission
• Cold A/C
• Working heater
• Clean title
• Recently passed emissions for two years
For someone looking to get back into an EK hatch, this Civic offers a solid combination of classic Honda simplicity and modern usability. A significant amount of time and money has already gone toward mechanical maintenance, interior restoration, audio, and supporting upgrades, while the car still leaves its next owner plenty of room to take the build in their own direction.
