Car Suggestions - Looking to Start Anew.

[Azone]

Out of those, I'd pick the Fiesta with the Civic in second. I admit, I'm not a huge fan of the current Civic, but I don't hate it by any means. It does A to B transport well, better than a Corolla anyway. Personally though, if I was in the market for a car in this price range, the Fiesta along with the Golf/Jetta and Focus would top the list. Fuel economy is fantastic, it's well priced, well made, and while I haven't taken one on the road, it should be pretty nice to drive based on owner experience.

[booboo12]

I'm not a big fan of the current Corolla. The interior is pretty bad and the car's pretty uninteresting to drive. (I haven't driven a XRS model so I dunno about that one)

I'd look at the Civic and the Versa. While the Versa's technically a class lower than the Civic, it has mid-size car space inside. Also, in SL trim it has one of the best interior's you'll find in a subcompact car with plenty of high quality, soft-touch plastic. The Versa definitely doesn't drive as sharply as the Civic though, and the Civic is still a very good car, despite it's overall age. It's redesign was delayed due to changing market forces. (read, small is the new big..so they are reportedly canning a larger Civic to make one that's around the same size as the current car)

The upcoming Fiesta is also a very good choice as well. I'd at least test drive this if you consider the Versa. It's definitely the "driver's choice" among the subcompact cars here. (Fit, Versa, Yaris, Aveo, Accent/Rio) The pricing can creep up fast though, esp. if you start laying on the options, due to Ford positioning it as a "premium subcompact."

Good luck on your search, let us know how it goes!

[JM]

Ford wants your business! Support an American company! Ford is really putting out some great cars these days.

Not with the way they were acting. And not unless they wanna lower their interest rate. 8.9% from them, while Honda is at 0%. Not exactly fighting for my business, honestly. They know what Honda is offering, and they keep avoiding the subject.

And while it's nice to support an American company, I am a bigger supporter of capitalism. Best offer gets taken.

Fair enough, gas mileage is more important most times anyways, the only reason I suggested the XRS was because (for me), it has adequate power for passing and such while still being good on gas. If thats not important to you than I see no reason to shell out more for it.

Mmm. I tested the Honda Civic a bit and it was fine with the passing I'd do. Very zippy for my style of driving.

And I appreciate your input either way. I still looked up the XRS to get a feel for it. Definitely a nice car.





Update: I will be going down to the local Honda dealership to talk with the finance/fleet manager in regards to numbers and financials, and will most likely pick something up next Saturday, if everything is in good order.

[Pai]

The only things I see on the EX is $2k more on the price and an inch and a half less headroom. Beyond that, there isn't much that differs between the two, in my opinion.

Being 6'4", the extra inch and a half of headroom makes a difference.



And the road noise wasn't a bother in the 2010 I test drove a few weeks back. I'll have to try a few more when I go back on Saturday.

Thanks for your very detailed input, btw.

wow, I actually did not even noticed that EX is smaller than the LX, good catch. btw, You are tall, which imo is a good thing!

The EX has some small improvement like audio control on steering, wheels and the mp3 (usb port) connector in the center console, vehicle stability control, multi disc CD, alloy wheels, and remote trunk. I agree they are nothing game changing but will definitely make you feel more convenient.

To be honest,from the EX, I really just want the Audio control, USB port and the Alloy Wheels.

No problem.

[usapatriot]

The best offer isn't always the best offer.

[JM]

The best could also be most reliable, which would be Honda.

[usapatriot]

I couldn't recommend a GM or Chrysler in good conscience. Ford is the only way to go if you're looking to buy American at the moment.

As for the Civic, everyone and their mother has one. So boring! I see over 9,000 Civics on my commute to school every day.

[David]

+1 for the Honda Civic. If JM was looking for a car to stand out from the crowd, I'd expect he go with something more flashy than a Civic, Fusion, Corolla and the likes. However, his priority seems to be reliability for <$20k and the Civic would be a prime candidate for his needs.

[usapatriot]

A Fiesta or Focus would be just as reliable at the Civic.

I'm tired of the, OMG Honda and Toyota are super reliable and nevar have any problems BS!111!!!eleventy!!!!111ONE!!one2!!11

[JM]

I couldn't recommend a GM or Chrysler in good conscience. Ford is the only way to go if you're looking to buy American at the moment.

As for the Civic, everyone and their mother has one. So boring! I see over 9,000 Civics on my commute to school every day.

If I were to buy American, it'd be Ford, yes. However, that most likely won't be the case.

And I don't mind it being boring. I'm a boring person, and I see a car as something to get you from Point A to Point B. I don't need it to flash or get people's attention. It just needs to be reliable, great on gas, and a good price.

+1 for the Honda Civic. If JM was looking for a car to stand out from the crowd, I'd expect he go with something more flashy than a Civic, Fusion, Corolla and the likes. However, his priority seems to be reliability for <$20k and the Civic would be a prime candidate for his needs.

Yeaps. One reason I'm quite excited that in the next week or so, I will most likely the proud owner of 2010 Civic LX in Polished Metal Metallic.

A Fiesta or Focus would be just as reliable at the Civic.

I'm tired of the, OMG Honda and Toyota are super reliable and nevar have any problems BS!111!!!eleventy!!!!111ONE!!one2!!11

I've got friends with Focuses from the last few years and they seem to still have their fair share of issues. Not as much as GM or Chrysler, but they're not perfect.