RE: Plane recommendations for starting IMAC
I will second the recommendation for the 160FX as power choice for a smaller size IMAC model; they're not too expensive, especially if you time the purchase right with the Tower Hobbies special deals. It's a popular choice for competition, lots of good recipes in the pattern world for setting it up with prop/fuel/exhaust/pump; strong, simple, reliable, great workhorse, good power/weight. However, when I say 'smaller' I mean something in the 72" wingspan range. There are a bunch of candidates to choose from in this size, not too expensive, including models from Sig, Great Planes, Goldberg, all products you can order through your local hobby shop to save the shipping cost. You could probably put one together with removable rudder to help it fit in your Civic. You would need removable wings though, not one-piece wings.