Welcome and check out the 1st & 2nd gen forums for alot of helpful info.
Well welcome to the site.I can understand buying something to at least get around in the mean time.I however would at least get the civic fixed seriously.If it was a good sound free car the cost to refresh the engine would more than pay for itself over time!As for the 2nd gen parts are pretty easy to find in the pull a parts like a hood as you need one not mushed in.I will keep it short and say finding the normal tune up,replacement parts are pretty common at most auto stores.Tired long day of busy work at home.The 2nd gen forum is the spot to ask any ?s about your ride specifically to get the best response.It is slow in this forum but members who own these and or people like me do know enough to suggest and or help when needed!!!! I own a 1st gen cav but moderate on the general stuff with yr like you have.I would def fix the civic if it were mine.My nephew has a 02 and have done most of the work on his with out to many real problems.
I don't want to put any money into the civic. It's in my dad's name and he wouldn't give it to me even if I fixed it myself. I want to keep the cav and fix it up, possibly a 3400 swap down the road.