[8695Beaters]

Here's where you can get smart: If you can buy the Si you were talking about as a parts car, you can upgrade your entire car to Si status. I think the major differences are the engine, suspension, and wheels. Swap those parts (and some of the interior bits if they are good) and you have a DIY Civic Si. Oh grab some of the badging while you're at it. Get the bumpers and skirts painted to match your car and you'll be set. That car will pass as a stock car during tech and will be fast enough to teach you how to drive. Then you have the perfect platform to upgrade.