Honda: buying a civic, american models, japanese models

Question
i'm looking to purchase a civic. my price range is 8,000.  what is the best purchase for the money model and year wise? is there anything i need to be concerned about in the particular model, and how how how do i keep from being cheated by a used car dealer? is there a more cost efficient vehicle i should be seeking for the money i'm allotted to spend?

Answer
I don't really know about the american models because I live in New Zealand and we get the high spec japanese models of civic but the one to go for would be the vtec engined models a very revvy engine with good low end and top end power and good when modified. You get the car inspected before you buy it off the dealer so you know if there is any faults with the vehicle. Good luck.