As the regulars here know, I have got a kick out of working
on my 1991 Civic over the years. But (1) it has rust around
the gills and I want to look sportier (I surrender to
vanity); (2) I think for the next several years I will
always fear that it has a major engine breakdown yada and I
will have to find another car fast and at some loss of
money; and (3) I have the time to maintain two Hondas.

I have said I'd lean towards new (my last two cars were
brand new) but now knowing more about maintaining cars, I'm
leaning towards the price-savings of buying used. I see a
1999 2-door, 5-speed Civic with 90k miles for sale in my
area. The owner says it runs great. Photo looks good. Price
is consistent with Edmunds (it's also "or best offer"), so
far, though I'm betting it needs a new timing belt (no
problem, Elle says, knock on wood). Of course I would
inspect it. Questions for the group:

How will maintaining this car compare to maintaining my 91
Civic, generally speaking? I have looked at the parts
drawings of the 99, and it looks awfully similar.

What's the best way to get a carfax or whatever report
indicating whether the car has been in an accident?

Any other caveats? Tegger, I bear in mind your recent
caution about how even cars this new are usually just a
whole other ball game. Can you (with others) take a look at
this one and opine on how much, ya know, overlap between
maintaining it and my older, 91 Honda will be, technique
wise?

My used car guide is that at
http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id18.html