So about a year and a half ago, my daughter gets her driver license. So being a good Dad and seizing a opportunity to buy another car, I go out looking for something cheap that I can 'fix up'. I end up buying a '98 Civic 2dr automatic. It need some work, but was a pretty decent car for $1700. One thing I did learn was that insurance for a teenager is a lot less if they have a older car to drive. So six months later, she ends up rear ending another car on the way to school.
I was able to talk the other driver into letting me pay for the repairs so I did not have to go through my insurance company.
The Civic needed a new hood, bumper, grill, two headlights, intake box (got crushed) and a radiator support. So, knowing that this car would probably get more damage in the future, I scoured Craigslist and eBay for parts. $300 later, replaced all the damaged parts in my driveway and even painted them.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago after I picked up my new Camaro, my daughter says to me: "Dad, can you teach me to drive a stick in your car?"
Are you kidding????
And yes, I know the hood is not the correct hood for this year car, but it was cheap and available. I actually think it doesn't look too bad. I even had her helping with the repairs so she could learn about cars.
Installing a CAI I found on Craigslist for $45.