YACT: 2006 Civic, Mazda 3, Altima, or Corolla?

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
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I test drove the Civic and pretty much have my heart set on it now, but I was hoping some people here could give me some decent feedback.

Basically all I need is a reliable commuter car. Even the Echo might cut it.

Suggestions?

The dealer wants $400CDN on a loaded '06 EX Civic here in Canada on a $0 down 60 month lease. Is that an ok price?
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
14,377
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Originally posted by: tennisflip
Wait for the Yaris, Fit, Versa.

The Fit doesn't look as nice as the new Civic. My GF saw a Yaris and didn't like it (said it was ugly). I'm not sure about the Versa.
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
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Originally posted by: Gibson486
If you test drove and you love it, what else is there to say?

Well, I haven't taken anything else for a test drive so I want some opinions.
 

Gibson486

Lifer
Aug 9, 2000
18,378
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Originally posted by: SickBeast
Originally posted by: Gibson486
If you test drove and you love it, what else is there to say?

Well, I haven't taken anything else for a test drive so I want some opinions.


oh, in that case, start test driving other things. The Corolla (sp?) is Ok(I didn't care for it that much), but I am not sure how it competes with the Civic, especially the new one.
 

Aves

Lifer
Feb 7, 2001
12,232
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I wouldn't classify the Altima as small, at least not compared to the Civic or the Mazda 3.

It would be a tough choice for me but I think I'd end up with the '06 Civic.
 

tennisflip

Golden Member
Sep 25, 2003
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Originally posted by: SickBeast
Originally posted by: tennisflip
Wait for the Yaris, Fit, Versa.

The Fit doesn't look as nice as the new Civic. My GF saw a Yaris and didn't like it (said it was ugly). I'm not sure about the Versa.

In that case then I'd go for the Civic.
 

Gibson486

Lifer
Aug 9, 2000
18,378
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Did Nissan every improve he comfort of their cars? I have a 2001 Altima and it is so uncomfy.
 

xanis

Lifer
Sep 11, 2005
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I was never really a Civic fan, but I will say that I really like the '06 Civic's styling.
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
14,377
19
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Originally posted by: Aves
I wouldn't classify the Altima as small, at least not compared to the Civic or the Mazda 3.

It would be a tough choice for me but I think I'd end up with the '06 Civic.

Surprisingly, the Altima is in the same price range as the Civic, and both are very comparable cars. The new Civic is as big as the old Accord was inside.

Plus, the Altima somehow costs $400/year less for me to insure, dispite having 35 more horsepower. So, it's on there. :)
 

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
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Two questions:

Are you wealthy?

Do you have a business you're going to write off the lease with?

(WTF are you doing even considering a lease?)

 

xanis

Lifer
Sep 11, 2005
17,571
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I wouldn't consider the Corolla in thes case, its a pretty boring car IMO.
 

DeviousTrap

Diamond Member
Jul 19, 2002
4,841
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Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Two questions:

Are you wealthy?

Do you have a business you're going to write off the lease with?

(WTF are you doing even considering a lease?)

I know plenty of people who use leases simply because they don't mind having a car payment and like switching cars every couple years. But a 60 month lease?
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
14,377
19
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Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Two questions:

Are you wealthy?

Do you have a business you're going to write off the lease with?

(WTF are you doing even considering a lease?)

1. No.

2. Yes.

I've read articles that state leasing a car is cheaper than owning one, plus you always get to drive a new car. The 5 year least costs significantly less than the 3 year on a monthly basis, plus the car is fully warrantied for the lease term. In other words, all I will pay for the car is the monthly lease payments.

My sister pays $550/month to finance an Elantra, and she now hates the car and wishes she had leased it.
 

mercanucaribe

Banned
Oct 20, 2004
9,763
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Originally posted by: SickBeast

Thanks. I plan to test drive the 3. :)

Fuel economy is still a weak point for the 3. We drove both cars with lead feet just to keep up with the Southern California freeway pace, and it showed, especially in the Mazda which recorded a mediocre 22.3-mile-per-gallon average in combined city/highway driving. The Civic's 7-mpg improvement on that number is significant.


22.3mpg is inexcusable for an economy car. I get that in my 240sx driving with a lead foot. I say if you are buying an econobox, it should be damn good at being an econobox.
 

tennisflip

Golden Member
Sep 25, 2003
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Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Originally posted by: SickBeast

Thanks. I plan to test drive the 3. :)

Fuel economy is still a weak point for the 3. We drove both cars with lead feet just to keep up with the Southern California freeway pace, and it showed, especially in the Mazda which recorded a mediocre 22.3-mile-per-gallon average in combined city/highway driving. The Civic's 7-mpg improvement on that number is significant.


22.3mpg is inexcusable for an economy car. I get that in my 240sx driving with a lead foot. I say if you are buying an econobox, it should be damn good at being an econobox.

If that's the case I'd definitely go with the Civic.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
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60 month lease


WTF? If it has not already been said. Unless you can write it off on taxs or something, Buy it. If you can;t afford to buy it then you should not be trying to get it.

 

Nick5324

Diamond Member
Aug 19, 2001
3,267
0
0
Originally posted by: Xanis
I wouldn't consider the Corolla in thes case, its a pretty boring car IMO.

:( :( I have an 05 Corolla and like it.

With that said, I would say the OP should get the Civic. The 06 Corolla is the same as the 05, which is the same as an 03. You'd be buying a new car that was a "new" design in 03. I'd assume the 07 will be a redesign. I saw a 06 Civic yesterday, looks nice.