The Good: Perky handler, all around visibility
The Bad: No safety kit, cheap interior trim
The Say: A great basic car and no more.
Go For: 1.5 VTi
Avoid: 1.3 Di/GL
Price Range: P145,000-P230,000
Our Rating: **
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Used Car Review - Honda City (1996-2003)
Car Choices:
Between the 95hp 1.3 and the 115hp 1.5, go for the larger engine especially the difference between them are minimal. Whatever engine you choose, you'll be rewarded with a rev happy motor and since the City weighs less than a thousand kilos, it is a fun to drive car.
When it comes to equipment, we recommend springing up to the 1.5 VTi that adds folding side mirrors, power door locks, power mirrors, rear power windows, and for 1999 and later models side skirts and spoiler. You can have the VTi with a manual transmission. LXi models have the 1.3 and an optional automatic transmission plus power front windows and alloy wheels. Unless you find one in the cheap, the Di (renamed as the GL in 1999) is worth going for since it gives you steel wheels, cassette tuner, and power steering.