VSC Question

[thecritic]

Do you guys think that the avaliability of Vehicle Stability Control on a small car is enough to justify a buy or bye decision on a particular vehicle?

This time, its between the Toyota Corolla (which has VSC avaliable, but only upon special order) or the Honda Civic, which doesn't have it avaliable.

There is a $1,000 price difference between the Corolla and Civic, which Corolla being cheaper. Corolla has Front Disc/Rear Drum setup, Civic has 4-wheel disc I think. Also, ABS is only avaliable/standard on the EX trim for the Civic, and is not avaliable on any other line except the Si, which I'm not interested in. I'm not a fan of the moonroof standard on the EX since it causes you to lose 1.5" of headroom.

Michael

 

[Aimster]

No,

Are these both new cars?

Chances are if you go to the dealership and they don't have exactly what you want in the civic/corolla that you will still walk out with a less(er) version. Unless you aren't desperate for a new car right away.

 

[ElFenix]

drums aren't that bad. i drove a civic and a corolla back to back and the 'rolla was just a lot nicer. the civic feels cheap, and the 'rolla feels like a mini lexus.

 

[thecritic]

Just in case:
These are both new cars, 2005.
No I'm not desperate right away, just looking at this stage.
ABS is a must, so for sure if I get a Civic, its going to be a EX.
So the real question is, how important is VSC?

 

[thecritic]

Oh yes, I wouldn't mind waiting 3-6 weeks for a local dealer to special order a Corolla w/VSC. At least a special order model won't have ridiculously overpriced stuff on it like $87 for four floor mats.

 

[Aimster]

Not that important at all. You live in California and I don't know if you live in an area with snow, but if not then ABS is all you need really.

 

[Aimster]

BTW out of experience make sure you inspect the car to see if it has ABS/VSC, etc before you buy it. There should be lighting coming on inside the car and also check under the hood. Just because the sticker says so doesn't mean the car comes with it. There is nothing you can do either because on the bottom of the sticker they say "to the best of our knowledge"

My car supposedly had ABS and it was raining and it locked up and I ended up in the middle of the intersection.

 

[BillGates]

The VSC on my Rexus is great - but I'm in Wisconsin so it probably comes into play more than it will for you. My car is also RWD so it makes an even bigger difference.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Why is ABS a must? Are you really that bad at driving?

ZV