Don't want a Civic b/c it's too ugly

I like my '92 model Civic EX but it's way to old (166k miles). I just
replaced the distributor and have a feeling other things will
"suddenly" start going out at the red light or where ever else is most
inconvenient. I was planning to get a brand new Civic but after
looking at the newer models, Honda finally degraded their look to
aweful. Basically it's a Ford Focus now. Then again, a lot of people
drive a Focus. I haven't even seen any of the new Civics on the
road. I'm probably confusing them with a Focus. Does anyone else
feel the same way?

Has anyone bought one of these yet? Why?

So, my next in line was a Corolla. No luck there either. The Camry
is another car with zero personality. Now it's sharing the wealth
with the Corolla. I don't want a Camry.

Those were really my only two choices. I very much like the look of
the Volvo S40 and Jetta but the reliability isn't there. I can do
without constantly going back to the dealership for this and that.

What else is there to choose from that looks nice and is very
reliable? Possibly sub $20k.

 

Hyundai or Kia...

JT

 

Scion.

 

I guess its a case of personal preference. I bought one and I think it
looks great. If your taste changes, I would recommend the new civic.

 

I dunno... The Scion, Element, new Chrysler stuff all fall under the
"repulsive" category along with the crap of plastic "convertible" trucks
pioneered by GM...

<G>

JT

 

The main two I'm considering are the Civic and base Jetta. I'd get
the Jetta but it looks as though they've stopped making the diesel
this year. The Jetta doesn't have as good gas mileage as the Civic.
Only 23/30. I'm not impressed with the Civic's looks but I like it
better than the Camry looking Corolla. I may go with the current
Civic b/c of gas mileage and I know it won't give me any headaches.
That will probably pacify me until better looking models come out. I
just don't want another used car.

Seems like an overall bad year to buy a car.

 

Maybe there's a silver lining. Looks like the Jettas will have diesel
for 2008:
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp;jsessionid=GCQRGZCPL35ZRLAYII5JXKY?makeid=48&mode=&revid=50179&year=2007&acode=&modelid=447&revlogtype=21&crpPage=summary.jsp&myid=&section=reviews&mode=&aff=national

 

You're probably thinking of just the Scion xB. There is also the Scion xA
which is similar to the Toyota Yaris, as well as the Scion tC coupe.

 

There are lots of ugly cars on the road these days. I always wondered
how that happens.

 

I'm referring to the (almost) perfectly square box...

JT

 

Get a little maturity. Beauty is only sheet metal deep.

 

Agreed. The only part of the car I pay attention to (looks wise) is the
dash board. It's the only part I see when driving. How the outside of my
car looks is not my problem.

 

I wouldn't buy a German car with YOUR money. (Been there, done that.)

And yes, I "get" German cars. German cars are the expensive, pouty, and
high-maintenance mistresses of the road. Damn, they are a fine, fine
ride...

.....but then the maintenance and pouting kicks in.

At some point, without unlimited funds, you are at a decision point:
continue the high-priced, high-maintenance fun, or go back home and
enjoy your reliable Lexus (or Honda) wife of a car, patiently sitting
there waiting for you to get over the midlife crisis.

Oh sure, she's not as sexy as the German car, and she doesn't handle at
the edge like the German car. She's also not as fickle and high
maintenance and pouty, and she agrees with you much more of the time.
She's always there and never complains, and you come to realize there's
more to life than a high-maintenance relationship with a pouty,
high-maintenance woman--no matter how sexy she is or how fun the nights
out with her can be. Because when she lets you down and demands more of
you than you have to give, and treats you like dirt, you're standing
there all alone outside the club, looking and feeling like an idiot.

Your Lexus (or Honda) wife would never, ever do that to you.

And the occasional fun night out isn't worth what you end up paying for
it, both financially and in time wasted while you wait for the German
car mistress to be in the mood to play.

Do this: start paying attention to cars with tail light and headlight
problems. What brands of cars are you seeing? That's right--VW, M-B, and
BMW. And pay attention to how old, or rather how new, those problem cars
are.

The reality of electrical issues with German cars make Lucas electrics
look reliable.

Now *try* to find a Honda or Toyota, either low brand or high brand, no
matter how old, with non-working tail lights. Good luck.

It's a small thing, but it represents the reality of the situation. You
want to buy a German car? Just buy a GM car. At least the money you're
throwing away stays more inside the country--and you get just as
reliable a car.

 

Yes - you're correct on all accounts.

Actually, the Civic Si is a nice looking car:
http://automobiles.honda.com/assets/images/2007/civic_si_sedan/customize/base_car/WH_si_34REAR.jpg
http://automobiles.honda.com/assets/images/2007/civic_si_sedan/customize/base_car/WH_si_34FRONT.jpghttp://automobiles.honda.com/images/banners/2007/civic_si_sedan/exterior_gallery/large4.jpg
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/banners/2007/civic_si_sedan/exterior_gallery/large4.jpg

Trimmings make all of the difference. Is the Si just a sportier EX?

 

No. It has its own engine, transmission, and suspension--as well as
equipment level.

It's been awhile since the Si was "just a sportier EX".

 

I like the outside of the new civic and I like the performance of the
si.But when I drive one.I feel like I am in a mini-van.I don,t like the
windshield and the little windows at the A pillar.

 

Let's say I go with a 2008 Civic EX with Si trimmings (EX b/c I want
auto) and it cost $23,500. I use my '92 Civic EX with 167k miles,
some dings but perfect mechanical condition and kbb of $1800. It also
has alarm and CD/MP3 player but that probably doesn't matter. Credit
and descretionary income are high. I'll put down $10k or perhaps
$15k. What is a ballpark of what I can get the car for using those
two figures? I'd like to keep the monthly note under $600 w/
insurance.

When is a good time to buy a 2008? I'll be a first time buyer as well.

 

I bought my 06 Si with 0 down, no trade. My monthly payment is $400, and
the monthly insurance is about $100.

If you are trading in for $2000, and putting down $10k-$15k, your payment
will be much lower.

 

After you know how much you want to finance, go here:
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/auto-loan-calculator.asp

Plug in the loan amount, term of the loan (months/yrs) and the interest
rate. It'll figure out your monthy payments. Call your insurance agent to
get a quote. Your agent may ask for a vin# to get a more specific quote.
If you go through the dealership finance they can often get your monthly
payment down to almost anything you want - but you'll be EXTENDING your loan
and paying more interest.

And don't forget to have a little fun test driving your options!
-Dave

 

Using the numbers I have above, the monthly will be around $430. I'll
probably lease since I don't want to keep the car very long. I'm
still considering an '08 Jetta TDi. Leasing will be $2900 dn and $199/
mo for 36 months through VW. That's a better deal for me. I imagine
Honda will have a great lease offer as well.