Which car should i buy?

[Richelieu]

I'm starting to shop for a new vehicule and i thought i'd ask what you guys think. I've narrowed it down to 4 choices, all within my price range. I'm not going to hint at which one i like most as to not influence you guys.

What say you all?

[asleepathewheel]

What models are you talkin'?

We recently got a 2004 Civic EX for my wife. Very nice little car for her. Easy to drive. More interior space than you would expect. My only complaint is the accelleration-its not always a fun thing merging onto the highway, just flat out not enough horses. Then again, it is a reasonably priced sedan. Also not too fond of the speaker system-just doesn't sound right. I would give it a and recommend a civic to anyone whose needs it fits.

I've also driven a recent year (2004 or 5) Corolla (rental) and liked it, but not as much as the civic.

[Richelieu]

Originally posted by asleepathewheel
What models are you talkin'?

We recently got a 2004 Civic EX for my wife. Very nice little car for her. Easy to drive. More interior space than you would expect. My only complaint is the accelleration-its not always a fun thing merging onto the highway, just flat out not enough horses. Then again, it is a reasonably priced sedan. Also not too fond of the speaker system-just doesn't sound right. I would give it a and recommend a civic to anyone whose needs it fits.

I've also driven a recent year (2004 or 5) Corolla (rental) and liked it, but not as much as the civic.

Well, considering your handle i'm not sure i should be taking your post too seriously but... . Actually i've owned a Civic too (91 SE) and i only have good memories of it.

As for models, i'm going for the basic 5 speed manual in all cases, no frills. The only options i am adding for now are a block heater and air conditioning. That would be:

Civic DX
Elantra GL 4 doors
Mazda 3 - GX (i may go for GS)
Corolla - CE with package B (hate those packages!)

[Asher]

My brother and I both have '04 Mazda 3s...they're awesome cars.

[Richelieu]

The way i see them:

Honda Civic - Great car. I owned one in the early 90's, never had a problem with it. Looks are OK. Fuel efficiency is good. Quality of assembly and overall quality of the car are excellent AFAIK. Basic warranty is 3 years 60000 K, bumper to bumper. I find that Honda is putting a lot into what is still, after all, a small car. It’s driving the price a little bit high.

Mazda 3 – Good car AFAIK. I have to admit that it’s the one that I’m the less familiar with. Contrary to most of my buddies, I don’t care particularly for its looks. Its OK, nothing more. The GX offers a lot at a good price I find, although the sound system is poor. I’ll definitely need a test drive.

Hyundai Elantra – A bit of an unknown. Up until a year ago I wouldn’t have put it in the same category as the others but it has received very good reviews last year. Price is lower than any of the other 3. Basic warranty is 5 years bumper to bumper, a big plus.

Toyota Corolla – It’s the middle of the road choice i guess. I actually like the CE model’s looks better than that of the Sport. Reliable, well built, etc… I trust Toyota, which is a big plus.

[Pekka]

amis

[Richelieu]

Originally posted by Pekka
amis

[Richelieu]

Originally posted by Asher
My brother and I both have '04 Mazda 3s...they're awesome cars.

That's what i've been hearing. No problems at all?

[Asher]

Well, my brother got a ticket for going 177 on his way to Montreal last weekend.

Other than that, no.

[Richelieu]

Originally posted by Asher
Well, my brother got a ticket for going 177 on his way to Montreal last weekend.

Other than that, no.

177? Hmmmm. That's kind of an incentive actually...

[Ming]

That's only around 110 mph... too slow

[aaglo]

Buy a bicycle, and save money. Or a bus ticket.
Besides, real men can carry their transportation equipment (like: bicycle, in-lines, buss ticket).

[Asher]

Originally posted by Ming
That's only around 110 mph... too slow

I agree, he should've just outran the cop.

[Asher]

Originally posted by aaglo
Buy a bicycle, and save money. Or a bus ticket.
Besides, real men can carry their transportation equipment (like: bicycle, in-lines, buss ticket).

Poor men do that.

[Richelieu]

Originally posted by aaglo
Buy a bicycle, and save money. Or a bus ticket.
Besides, real men can carry their transportation equipment (like: bicycle, in-lines, buss ticket).

As it is, it's taking 45 - 50 minutes to get to work and there isn't that much traffic since i'm an early bird. Using public transportation would take me 1.5 to 2 hours at best. Not an option. Same for Bicycle: it's just too far.