Civic Si48/70
The Deal
8
$7,760, and the premium over a 2008 is almost exactly the repair it avoids.
The Drive
6
15.0 lb/hp and front-wheel drive, rescued by a standard LSD and a high redline.
The Upkeep
7
$4,502/yr. Cheap tires and Honda service, given back on premium fuel.
The Risk
8
Scope out the 2006-2008 gearbox and nothing expensive is left.
The Daily
7
Four doors, five seats and a real trunk. It works as an only car.
The Limit
6
H Street, and a standard limited-slip diff, which is rare at this money.
The Mods
7
Elite aftermarket, and the gearbox is the constraint rather than the engine.