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Car Forum / Honda Cars / May 2007Don't want a Civic b/c it's too ugly
I like my '92 model Civic EX but it's way to old (166k miles). I just replaced the distributor and have a feeling other things will "suddenly" start going out at the red light or where ever else is most inconvenient. I was planning to get a brand new Civic but after looking at the newer models, Honda finally degraded their look to aweful. Basically it's a Ford Focus now. Then again, a lot of people drive a Focus. I haven't even seen any of the new Civics on the road. I'm probably confusing them with a Focus. Does anyone else feel the same way? Has anyone bought one of these yet? Why? So, my next in line was a Corolla. No luck there either. The Camry is another car with zero personality. Now it's sharing the wealth with the Corolla. I don't want a Camry. Those were really my only two choices. I very much like the look of the Volvo S40 and Jetta but the reliability isn't there. I can do without constantly going back to the dealership for this and that. What else is there to choose from that looks nice and is very reliable? Possibly sub $20k. > I like my '92 model Civic EX but it's way to old (166k miles). I just > replaced the distributor and have a feeling other things will [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > What else is there to choose from that looks nice and is very > reliable? Possibly sub $20k. Hyundai or Kia... JT > So, my next in line was a Corolla. No luck there either. The Camry > is another car with zero personality. Now it's sharing the wealth [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > What else is there to choose from that looks nice and is very > reliable? Possibly sub $20k. Scion. >>So, my next in line was a Corolla. No luck there either. The Camry >>is another car with zero personality. Now it's sharing the wealth [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Scion. I dunno... The Scion, Element, new Chrysler stuff all fall under the "repulsive" category along with the crap of plastic "convertible" trucks pioneered by GM... <G> JT The main two I'm considering are the Civic and base Jetta. I'd get the Jetta but it looks as though they've stopped making the diesel this year. The Jetta doesn't have as good gas mileage as the Civic. Only 23/30. I'm not impressed with the Civic's looks but I like it better than the Camry looking Corolla. I may go with the current Civic b/c of gas mileage and I know it won't give me any headaches. That will probably pacify me until better looking models come out. I just don't want another used car. Seems like an overall bad year to buy a car. > The main two I'm considering are the Civic and base Jetta. I'd get > the Jetta but it looks as though they've stopped making the diesel [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Seems like an overall bad year to buy a car. There are lots of ugly cars on the road these days. I always wondered how that happens. Maybe there's a silver lining. Looks like the Jettas will have diesel for 2008: http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp;jsessionid=GCQRGZCPL35ZRLAYII5JXKY? makeid=48&mode=&revid=50179&year=2007&acode=&modelid=447&revlogtype=21&crpPage=s ummary.jsp&myid=§ion=reviews&mode=&aff=national > http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp;jsessionid=GCQRGZCPL35ZRLAYII5JXK > Y?makeid=48&mode=&revid=50179&year=2007&acode=&modelid=447&revlogtype=21&crpPa > ge=summary.jsp&myid=§ion=reviews&mode=&aff=national Yes at the auto show VW told me the Jetta will have a diesel for 2008. Looking at MPG figures in the UK & Europe I estimate a 50% increase in MPG over the equivalent gas engine. Now can they solve their reliability problems? > The main two I'm considering are the Civic and base Jetta. I wouldn't buy a German car with YOUR money. (Been there, done that.) And yes, I "get" German cars. German cars are the expensive, pouty, and high-maintenance mistresses of the road. Damn, they are a fine, fine ride... ....but then the maintenance and pouting kicks in. At some point, without unlimited funds, you are at a decision point: continue the high-priced, high-maintenance fun, or go back home and enjoy your reliable Lexus (or Honda) wife of a car, patiently sitting there waiting for you to get over the midlife crisis. Oh sure, she's not as sexy as the German car, and she doesn't handle at the edge like the German car. She's also not as fickle and high maintenance and pouty, and she agrees with you much more of the time. She's always there and never complains, and you come to realize there's more to life than a high-maintenance relationship with a pouty, high-maintenance woman--no matter how sexy she is or how fun the nights out with her can be. Because when she lets you down and demands more of you than you have to give, and treats you like dirt, you're standing there all alone outside the club, looking and feeling like an idiot. Your Lexus (or Honda) wife would never, ever do that to you. And the occasional fun night out isn't worth what you end up paying for it, both financially and in time wasted while you wait for the German car mistress to be in the mood to play. Do this: start paying attention to cars with tail light and headlight problems. What brands of cars are you seeing? That's right--VW, M-B, and BMW. And pay attention to how old, or rather how new, those problem cars are. The reality of electrical issues with German cars make Lucas electrics look reliable. Now *try* to find a Honda or Toyota, either low brand or high brand, no matter how old, with non-working tail lights. Good luck. It's a small thing, but it represents the reality of the situation. You want to buy a German car? Just buy a GM car. At least the money you're throwing away stays more inside the country--and you get just as reliable a car. Yes - you're correct on all accounts. Actually, the Civic Si is a nice looking car: http://automobiles.honda.com/assets/images/2007/civic_si_sedan/customize/base_ca r/WH_si_34REAR.jpg http://automobiles.honda.com/assets/images/2007/civic_si_sedan/customize/base_ca r/WH_si_34FRONT.jpghttp://automobiles.honda.com/images/banners/2007/civic_si_sed an/exterior_gallery/large4.jpg http://automobiles.honda.com/images/banners/2007/civic_si_sedan/exterior_gallery /large4.jpg Trimmings make all of the difference. Is the Si just a sportier EX? > Trimmings make all of the difference. Is the Si just a sportier EX? No. It has its own engine, transmission, and suspension--as well as equipment level. It's been awhile since the Si was "just a sportier EX". > I dunno... The Scion, Element, new Chrysler stuff all fall under the > "repulsive" category along with the crap of plastic "convertible" trucks > pioneered by GM... You're probably thinking of just the Scion xB. There is also the Scion xA which is similar to the Toyota Yaris, as well as the Scion tC coupe. >>I dunno... The Scion, Element, new Chrysler stuff all fall under the >>"repulsive" category along with the crap of plastic "convertible" trucks >>pioneered by GM... > > You're probably thinking of just the Scion xB. There is also the Scion xA > which is similar to the Toyota Yaris, as well as the Scion tC coupe. I'm referring to the (almost) perfectly square box... JT I guess its a case of personal preference. I bought one and I think it looks great. If your taste changes, I would recommend the new civic.  SignatureBlackGT2000 http://www.automotiveforums.com Get a little maturity. Beauty is only sheet metal deep. >I like my '92 model Civic EX but it's way to old (166k miles). I just >replaced the distributor and have a feeling other things will [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > > Get a little maturity. Beauty is only sheet metal deep. Agreed. The only part of the car I pay attention to (looks wise) is the dash board. It's the only part I see when driving. How the outside of my car looks is not my problem. I like the outside of the new civic and I like the performance of the si.But when I drive one.I feel like I am in a mini-van.I don,t like the windshield and the little windows at the A pillar. SignatureBIAR http://www.automotiveforums.com Let's say I go with a 2008 Civic EX with Si trimmings (EX b/c I want auto) and it cost $23,500. I use my '92 Civic EX with 167k miles, some dings but perfect mechanical condition and kbb of $1800. It also has alarm and CD/MP3 player but that probably doesn't matter. Credit and descretionary income are high. I'll put down $10k or perhaps $15k. What is a ballpark of what I can get the car for using those two figures? I'd like to keep the monthly note under $600 w/ insurance. When is a good time to buy a 2008? I'll be a first time buyer as well. > Let's say I go with a 2008 Civic EX with Si trimmings (EX b/c I want > auto) and it cost $23,500. I use my '92 Civic EX with 167k miles, [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > When is a good time to buy a 2008? I'll be a first time buyer as well. I bought my 06 Si with 0 down, no trade. My monthly payment is $400, and the monthly insurance is about $100. If you are trading in for $2000, and putting down $10k-$15k, your payment will be much lower. >> Let's say I go with a 2008 Civic EX with Si trimmings (EX b/c I want >> auto) and it cost $23,500. I use my '92 Civic EX with 167k miles, [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > If you are trading in for $2000, and putting down $10k-$15k, your payment > will be much lower. After you know how much you want to finance, go here: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/auto-loan-calculator.asp Plug in the loan amount, term of the loan (months/yrs) and the interest rate. It'll figure out your monthy payments. Call your insurance agent to get a quote. Your agent may ask for a vin# to get a more specific quote. If you go through the dealership finance they can often get your monthly payment down to almost anything you want - but you'll be EXTENDING your loan and paying more interest. And don't forget to have a little fun test driving your options! -Dave Using the numbers I have above, the monthly will be around $430. I'll probably lease since I don't want to keep the car very long. I'm still considering an '08 Jetta TDi. Leasing will be $2900 dn and $199/ mo for 36 months through VW. That's a better deal for me. I imagine Honda will have a great lease offer as well. > Using the numbers I have above, the monthly will be around $430. I'll > probably lease since I don't want to keep the car very long. I'm > still considering an '08 Jetta TDi. Leasing will be $2900 dn and $199/ > mo for 36 months through VW. That's a better deal for me. I imagine > Honda will have a great lease offer as well. Some advice: Avoid the Jetta. VW's are unreliable junk. > Some advice: Avoid the Jetta. VW's are unreliable junk. The Jetta TDi has been more reliable than the gasoline Jetta. Most of the complaints come from the gasoline Jetta. You don't hear much from TDi owners. Check the rating: http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/jetta/2006/consumerreview.1.html. Same as a Honda Civic EX of the same year. You'll also notice a number of gasoline Jetta owners are mixed in that rating, weighing down the overall, and it still gets 9.2. > > Some advice: Avoid the Jetta. VW's are unreliable junk. > > The Jetta TDi has been more reliable than the gasoline Jetta. Yeah. So? And Rosie O'Donnell is better looking than Molly Ivins. What's your point? > In article <1178044227.104099.65...@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups.com>, > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > And Rosie O'Donnell is better looking than Molly Ivins. What's your > point? Who is Molly Ivins? >>In article <1178044227.104099.65...@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups.com>, >> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Who is Molly Ivins? A dead liberal... JT >>>In article <1178044227.104099.65...@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups.com>, >>> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > >A dead liberal... ...from Texas who warned us about W. >>>>In article <1178044227.104099.65...@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups.com>, >>>> [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > ...from Texas who warned us about W. ...and the alternative was??? JT >>>>>In article <1178044227.104099.65...@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups.com>, >>>>> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > >JT (Well it couldn't have been any worse so it must have been ...) better. > The Jetta TDi has been more reliable than the gasoline Jetta. Most of > the complaints come from the gasoline Jetta. You don't hear much from > TDi owners. The biggest problem with VW's and modern German cars in general is shoddy electrical systems. A friend of mine spent close to $2000 to fix a bunch of electrical issues in his 2000 Golf a couple years ago. > The biggest problem with VW's and modern German cars in general is shoddy > electrical systems. A friend of mine spent close to $2000 to fix a bunch of > electrical issues in his 2000 Golf a couple years ago. Nothing new there. I had a 1961 VW beetle. The under dash clip electrical connectors were continually coming lose, losing power to various circuits. I fixed it by soldering all under dash connectors. <:) > > Some advice: Avoid the Jetta. VW's are unreliable junk. > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > number of gasoline Jetta owners are mixed in that rating, weighing > down the overall, and it still gets 9.2. I know a chap who works at a VW service desk and his wife at Toyota. They compared notes and he bought a Toyota. His VW boss was quite upset. He said I just couldn't face the problems our customers do. A few months ago VW ran ads saying their quality was now much better. They admitted they had quality problems, now to see if they really are better. > > Using the numbers I have above, the monthly will be around $430. I'll > > probably lease since I don't want to keep the car very long. I'm [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Some advice: Avoid the Jetta. VW's are unreliable junk. I'll agree. Also Mercedes, according to CR the most unreliable car. > Let's say I go with a 2008 Civic EX with Si trimmings (EX b/c I want > auto) and it cost $23,500. A 2007 Accord EX auto is less expensive right now. In a couple of months it'll be cheaper still (new Accord due in the fall). Higher resale value and lower insurance make the Accord a better buy than the Civic, IMHO. (Fuel economy isn't the only measure used to calculate total cost of ownership.) Civic Si: if you don't know what a LSD is, you're wasting your money buying the Si. However, your insurance agent will be happy to accommodate you. Yeah, the Corolla isn't pretty. Yet it outsells the Civic. I put a set of decent tires on a '99 Corolla and it was a great econo-car. Still, when Accord LXs start to go for $18.5K in June a $17K Corolla just doesn't cut it. YMMV > When is a good time to buy a 2008? I'll be a first time buyer as well. Just don't buy the first off if it is a new design. Wait 1 yr for body changes and 2/3 yrs for drive train changes. > I like my '92 model Civic EX but it's way to old (166k miles). I just > replaced the distributor and have a feeling other things will [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > road. I'm probably confusing them with a Focus. Does anyone else > feel the same way? Yep, so very many cars are jellybean (term I use)/egg (term wife uses) cars nowadays. Unfortunately style has been sacrificed for aerodynamics in a lot of cases. The new Civic does look like a lot of those cars and that's not a good thing. > Has anyone bought one of these yet? Why? Yep. Because I didn't want to spend more than $20K, wanted a reliable car (and Kia, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, and VW weren't as reliable as Hondas, according to Consumer Reports), and wanted a 2-door (and the Toyota Camry Solara was over my price range). My 94 Saturn SC1 has better styling than my new Civic, but it's still a decent car, just kinda bland... I got it in Galaxy Grey, which seems to help it not be as ugly as the other colors. brian SignatureIf you want to reply to this message by mail, you will have to change the reply address to beuchaw@beuchaw.net |
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