Thinking about getting a new car....

[compguy786]

Ok guys, i have done this in the past.
currently i have a 93 accord EX with 204k miles, I am currently in college, and work part time in the IT deparment.

I spend usually almost 100-200 bucks a month on my car on random things that go wrong, my defogger system is weird, and my AC sucks even after a recharge. I work on iy myself, and sometimes that pisses me off, because putting that in work and school gets hard, but has to be done.

I am planning to get a new car...i have been interested in getting a 2009 accord lx or Civic LX/SI. IT would be cheaper for me to get it new apparently, so here it goes. My dad gets a great discount on Honda cars, the MSRP on a accord LX is currently at 22.3k, While i can get the car for around 18k on invoice. I plan on selling my car and putting about 3-5k down on it. The dealership says it will finance at 3.4 APR, which is awesome compared to 5.75 from my credit union.

The civic LX starts at over 18, and i can get it on invoice at 15-16k. My original plan was to get a Civic SI, 4 door, but it would cost more than a accord, and be smaller etc. I want to get a piece of mine now, my car is 16 years old, but some minor shit happens out of the blue, and then i have to fix it. I just want to have everything working, and be able to have a piece of mind. I work for the state, so i guess i have a stable job, and also i make okay money to pay for the car.

I just need peoples opinion on what you guys think about the deal i am getting, and if it is worth it !

Thanks !



EDIT - cross all the above out, i think im gonna go for a 2001 lexus is300.....=)

 

[The Stigenator]

Civic Si!

 

[caspur]

New cars are definitely the way to go for peace of mind and the manufacturer's warranty coverage.

Invoice pricing is fairly standard on Hondas. Sometimes below invoice can be had, along with incentives.

If you are OK with getting a family sedan, the Accord is preferable to the Civic and is a better car in every way. I would suggest the Accord EX over the LX.

The SI is a little iffy, I don't think it's that great of a choice for the price. It's not very fast, it doesn't handle that well, and the steering is artificial. For a sport compact there are better choices. (here come the masses raving about the Cobalt SS, Mazdaspeed 3, Neon SRT4, etc.) All are cheap, no frills, decently quick cars. I wouldn't commute in any of them, and as a primary car, I still stick with my Accord suggestion. Go with the V6 if you need the power.

In other news, I also suggest the VW Passat, VW GTI (or Jetta), Mini Cooper (base model, "S" if you have the funds). In the car biz, those are the cars we take home. Not the most reliable bunch, but definitely worth a test drive. If you are indifferent between an Accord and a Passat, get the Accord.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Unless you really prefer a smaller car, I'd take the Accord hands down over the Civic. Civic is a little bit more gas friendly, but it kills me driving/riding in smaller cars.

 

[StageLeft]

Know that only a crack head is paying MSRP for a banal car right now, which includes those you mention. Personally, I'd check out a 2008 ford fusion for $11-13k with under 10k miles. Beats the snot out of either of the cars you mentioned in terms of how far your dollar goes.

 

[Funyuns101]

Just cuz your dad gets a discount doesn't mean you have to go Honda.
The prices you quoted aren't that great to be honest.
But like others have said, the Accord is more comfortable car while the Civic gets better mileage and is more geared towards the younger crowd.
Either way, it'll be an upgrade from your current car.

I was stopping by the Mazda dealer last week to check out the new 2010 Mazda3.
They offered me a new 09 MazdaSpeed3 (MS3) for around $18k!

way better than the Civic Si, of course YMMV

 

[Fenixgoon]

if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

NOT

 

[BassBomb]

I looked for civics for a long time, settled with an 2007 Accord EX-L Sedan, for the same price as a brand new 2008 Civic LX... I was happy with the choice

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: adlep

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

NOT

as in "the OP is not looking for these cars"

or "the cobalt SS does not beat any of those cars"

because its 8:22 N-ring time says it's faster than a shitton of cars, especially those in its class.

 

[compguy786]

i dont like American cars, or the fact of mazda either.

i am going honda because i like honda, and i think 18k for a accord lx is a pretty awesome deal, considering the dealer is giving me 3.4 apr...and all dealer installed
stuff for no extra cost ?

Ford Fusion, focus, they all are POS, id never go with any of the cars you guys have listed.

im leaning more toward the accord, becasue the SI will be more $$ even after invoice, plus accord is a bigger car, and 177 HP seems
pretty decent.

 

[vshah]

i have a 2007 civic SI sedan, let me know if you have any questions.

coming from a 93 accord, i'm guessing the civic would probably be as spacious inside...maybe even a little more? accords were tiny back then!

do you drive stick already? you should definitely test drive the SI. i think its a great mix of practicality and fun, but it is not for everyone

FWIW i get 25mpg around town and 34 on the highway

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Originally posted by: compguy786
i dont like American cars, or the fact of mazda either.

i am going honda because i like honda, and i think 18k for a accord lx is a pretty awesome deal, considering the dealer is giving me 3.4 apr...and all dealer installed
stuff for no extra cost ?

Ford Fusion, focus, they all are POS, id never go with any of the cars you guys have listed.

im leaning more toward the accord, becasue the SI will be more $$ even after invoice, plus accord is a bigger car, and 177 HP seems
pretty decent.

The Si is pretty lame duck in its segment, if you want a sedan like that you're better off with an MS3/GTI. The accord is HUGE, be sure you are comfortable with how large that thing is, my brother just got one a few months ago and its the size of the mid 90's cadillac. He gets something ridiculous like 34 mpg with it though if you're interested in that.

I would personally go with a Passatt over an accord, but thats just me.

 

[BassBomb]

Accord is very large this gen..

Keep in mind the mileage bonuses have diminished with that car especially in the latest gen because it put on a few pounds and had to up the horsepower to keep up with that weight. It will still be a great car nonetheless.

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: compguy786
i dont like American cars, or the fact of mazda either.

i am going honda because i like honda, and i think 18k for a accord lx is a pretty awesome deal, considering the dealer is giving me 3.4 apr...and all dealer installed
stuff for no extra cost ?

Ford Fusion, focus, they all are POS, id never go with any of the cars you guys have listed.

im leaning more toward the accord, becasue the SI will be more $$ even after invoice, plus accord is a bigger car, and 177 HP seems
pretty decent.

In you OPINION a Fusion is a POS, maybe you don't care for the body styles but buyers have generally been impressed with Ford's quality as of late. I can see going Honda for resale/trade value in a few years, but if your gonna keep it a long time that benefit will diminish some. Check out insurance costs too, probably higher on the Honda, no one steals Fusions and Malibu's for parts..

 

[compguy786]

well, ford in general has been doing better, but it still sucks. Their design, parts, all are complete POS.

they are horrible in value, and reliability sucks as well. I have NEVER owned a american car, and never will until something crazy happens.
the Hondas are a EXTREMELY great value for what you get, and for the price.
the accord LX is the best equipped car in its class...fusion ? no.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: compguy786
well, ford in general has been doing better, but it still sucks. Their design, parts, all are complete POS.

they are horrible in value, and reliability sucks as well. I have NEVER owned a american car, and never will until something crazy happens.
the Hondas are a EXTREMELY great value for what you get, and for the price.
the accord LX is the best equipped car in its class...fusion ? no.

great! then go for it! you won't regret it

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: compguy786
well, ford in general has been doing better, but it still sucks. Their design, parts, all are complete POS.

they are horrible in value, and reliability sucks as well. I have NEVER owned a american car, and never will until something crazy happens.
the Hondas are a EXTREMELY great value for what you get, and for the price.
the accord LX is the best equipped car in its class...fusion ? no.

so why are you asking ATG about a deal if your mind is already made? we're trying to give you options, but you're adamant about purchasing a honda.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1

Originally posted by: compguy786
i dont like American cars, or the fact of mazda either.

i am going honda because i like honda, and i think 18k for a accord lx is a pretty awesome deal, considering the dealer is giving me 3.4 apr...and all dealer installed
stuff for no extra cost ?

Ford Fusion, focus, they all are POS, id never go with any of the cars you guys have listed.

im leaning more toward the accord, becasue the SI will be more $$ even after invoice, plus accord is a bigger car, and 177 HP seems
pretty decent.

In you OPINION a Fusion is a POS, maybe you don't care for the body styles but buyers have generally been impressed with Ford's quality as of late. I can see going Honda for resale/trade value in a few years, but if your gonna keep it a long time that benefit will diminish some. Check out insurance costs too, probably higher on the Honda, no one steals Fusions and Malibu's for parts..

Yep everyone knows Si's get stolen or stripped much more than other cars plus it sucks compared to any of it's competition.

 

[EXman]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

ROTFL!

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

ROTFL!

uh, is there something wrong with that statement? last i checked the cobalt SS beat all of its compeittors in every measurable manner (looks are subjective)

 

[compguy786]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

ROTFL!

uh, is there something wrong with that statement? last i checked the cobalt SS beat all of its compeittors in every measurable manner (looks are subjective)

It lost 75 % of it's value already lol

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Originally posted by: compguy786

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

ROTFL!

uh, is there something wrong with that statement? last i checked the cobalt SS beat all of its compeittors in every measurable manner (looks are subjective)

It lost 75 % of it's value already lol

If you don't want our advice then quit trolling and go buy whatever you want. The cobalt is a solid choice even though ive had a terrible experience with them, (mine was a lemon)

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: compguy786

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

ROTFL!

uh, is there something wrong with that statement? last i checked the cobalt SS beat all of its compeittors in every measurable manner (looks are subjective)

It lost 75 % of it's value already lol

making it cheaper for you to buy than a civic SI

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: PhoKingGuy

Originally posted by: compguy786

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
if you're looking at pocket rockets (MS3, civic SI, VW GTI, etc.) check out the cobalt SS. blows everything out of the water.

ROTFL!

uh, is there something wrong with that statement? last i checked the cobalt SS beat all of its compeittors in every measurable manner (looks are subjective)

It lost 75 % of it's value already lol

If you don't want our advice then quit trolling and go buy whatever you want. The cobalt is a solid choice even though ive had a terrible experience with them, (mine was a lemon)

Yea obviously he's a honda nut-hugger so we'll just let him be. He already has his mind made up so no need to even try recommending anything to him.