Up until earlier this year, I ran a 1998 civic 1.5. Part-exed it for the princely sum of £150. For my purposes it was run into the ground but a competent mech could have had another few years out of it. Not at all exciting to drive, but rewarding to own. In all the time it was in my family, it only had routine maintenance, consumables plus a new fuel tank and brake lines.
Original clutch, alternator, starter.
The 1.8 will be LOT faster. Harder suspension and bigger wheels will probably tighten up the handling a bit. Just make sure it hasn’t be thrashed (most will have been) and as woods said, been maintained.
Oh, and have a sit in one because the driving position is a bit strange and not very adjustable by modern standards.
I actually think old, fast Hondas are quite cool. The Aerodeck is especially niche!