ABS brakes,etc.

Anyone have an input about how important ABS brakes are on a 2004 Civic? The
LX does not come with them, and I don't really need a mandatory sunroof.
Is the engine difference between the EX and LX enough to spring for the
almost $2000 more for an EX?

 

I imagine there must be more differences than just abs brakes and a
different engine to warrant an extra $2000. I would guess the wheels and
tires are upgraded, suspension is upgrades, more standard features, etc.

CaptainKrunch

 

I have a 2002 Civic EX and since I live in New England where the roads are
often slippery and sandy it has come in handy many times especially when you
don't know there is some black ice on the roads. I haven't driven the lower
models so I don't really know if the extra 25 hp is that important, but I
know that the ex is also a VTEC and the lx is not. Then you get the power
sunroof, better interior trim, remote keyless entry, I think the tires and
wheels are a little wider or something. I have side airbags on mine as well
as automatic transmission, fog lights, roof deflector, mud guards and
exhaust finisher, but those are extra options.

 

You should go to a dealer and ask them to justify the $2000 more. If
they're any good, you just might be sold on the top of the line. And if
you're financing, $2000 doesn't change the payment too much. Having
regrets after buying a car is a terrible thing. I doubt you'd regret
having the EX. Has anyone regretted paying the extra $$s for the EX
trim?

 

=========

Biggest regret may be the sunroof if you're 6'-3 tall. It shaves abit of
clearance and then you compensate by putting seat back too far which is
bad on long trips. :-(

'Curly'

========

 

To paraphrase that old saw about yachts, if you have to ask, you
should have them

Anti lock brakes can (usually) sense that a wheel is locked up and
unlock it. It does this many times a second. So you feel a pulsing
in the pedal when ABS engages. Some ABS's are way better than others.

The net result is that in a panic stop you just slam on the brakes
hard enough to lock them up and let the ABS give you the best possible
braking.

Us driving enthusiasts, who like to threshold brake on our own, would
rather do this by skill. High performance driving is all about using
up all the traction, but not a penny more.

More importantly ABS allows you to steer while panic braking as the
wheels are unlocked enough to change your direction. So when the lady
with the baby carriage walks out in front of you, you slam on the
brakes AND STEER AROUND HER. The third or fourth time you do this,
you will probably feel that the ABS was worth the extra cost.

Cheers,
Roadie Roger