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Help Me Choose!

3273 messages,  Last post on May 17, 2013 at 9:25 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, Mazda MAZDA3, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 293 of 328

#2914 of 3273 Prius C two vs Honda Civic LX by linkin06

Nov 14, 2012 (8:40 am)

i'm shooting for around 16k for a civic lx 2012 and shooting for prius c two for 19k. the difference i feel like would take about 4 years of driving to make up. i liked how the civic handled. the prius handles ok, but obviously the pick up isn't as nice as the civic.
 
i've never bought a car before, but i'm emergently having to because my old 92 camry died on me (it was at 230k+ and strong! for awhile...)
 
anyone able to share more insight?

#2915 of 3273 Re: Prius C two vs Honda Civic LX [linkin06] by graphicguy

Nov 14, 2012 (9:03 am)

Replying to: linkin06 (Nov 14, 2012 8:40 am)
Civic and Prius are sort of different cars, although about the same size.
 
If you prize MPG above everything else, then the Prius is the way to go.
 
If you want more of a traditional driving vehicle, with slightly less fuel efficiency, the Civic will serve you well, and for a very long time.
 
That said, I've only been in a Prius once. Like you, I found it painfully slow, and not very comfortable.

#2916 of 3273 Re: Prius C two vs Honda Civic LX [linkin06] by mr_gone

Nov 14, 2012 (10:02 am)

Replying to: linkin06 (Nov 14, 2012 8:40 am)
New 2013 Civic coming this month that is to address 2012 shortcomings -- announced in past couple of days by Honda. Check web stories. Also check Ford Fiesta or Focus, which are getting good reviews. New 3-cylinder engine gets great mileage with good acceleration.

#2917 of 3273 Re: Prius C two vs Honda Civic LX [linkin06] by sebring95

Nov 14, 2012 (10:11 am)

Replying to: linkin06 (Nov 14, 2012 8:40 am)
Out of those two choices, Civic all day long. 2013 Civic will be much improved though...the '12 is a bit lacking in the Honda scheme of things. But if you can't wait...you can't wait.
 
I'll throw out one more to look at...Hyundai Elantra. Should be priced about the same as Civic, I'd dare to say it's better, and much longer warranty.

#2918 of 3273 Re: Prius C two vs Honda Civic LX [sebring95] by thegraduate

Nov 14, 2012 (1:50 pm)

Replying to: sebring95 (Nov 14, 2012 10:11 am)
I drove an Elantra GLS (2012, with Popular Equipment Package) to NYC from Birmingham, Alabama back in August. Me and three friends road tripped through the App. Mntns to get there. It more than met our needs for space, and we averaged 37 MPG for the entire 2,000 mile trip. One tank topped 41 MPG, but loaded as we were, we were happy with our overall average, especially considering we drove into and out of Manhattan.
 
Yes, the engine dropped to 4th gear up some of the long grades (approx 4,200 RPM at 70MPH) to keep us moving, but it was very relaxed otherwise, running low RPM quietly. The price was similar to the Civic LX, but it had more equipment and interior space.
 
In comparison, the Civic I've driven was much noisier, if similar in the power department.
 
I know you didn't ask about the Elantra, but give it a test drive. It is a substantial feeling car and a good value.

#2920 of 3273 Overwhelmed (and underbudgeted) by songlady

Nov 15, 2012 (3:50 pm)

Stumbled on this forum while researching used vehicles and thought I would give it a try as you all seem so knowledgable.
 
I am needing to replace my commuting vehicle, a 1995 Lexus 300, as it is finally getting to the point where fixing anything wrong on it would be more than the car is worth. I live just off a short rural gravel road, but it is paved highway after about 2 miles - lots of hills that can be a problem in the winter. My Lexus conquered them all like the champ he was. I drive about 50 miles per day round trip to work.
 
I have literally not even looked at cars for about ten years, so all the new bells and whistles are a bit much to take in. I tend to drive cars a VERY long time, so reliability and low maintenance are important. I take reasonable care of my vehicles in terms of routine maintenance, but need a mechanic for heavy duty repairs (56 year-young lady).
 
My budget is unfortunately limiting and I realize that. I have between 8-11K to spend on a good used vehicle. My basic needs are:
 
Must be able to transport 4 people of middle age and above - need 4 doors, with not-too cramped back seat and legroom and not too low to climb out of.
 
Open to wagons, sedans, crossovers or suvs that are not too high to get into (5'2"). (Don't like running boards)
 
I like Toyotas and have had a Tercel, a Corolla, a Camry and my Lexus in the last 35 years, but I will consider most any car as they have all improved over the years in terms of reliability.
 
I prefer leather or leatherette seats over cloth for durability, and I love my sunroof but I would give it up if I had to. I know where I am going at all times, so I don't need navigation, and I have never backed into anything so I don't need cameras. (Although after looking at some of the newer cars where the back windows are rapidly shrinking to the size of portholes, I can see why so many cars have backup cameras!) One cup holder per person is a luxury as far as I am concerned, and there are no children that need to be entertained with DVD's or full scale audio systems.
 
I should add that aesthetically I hate the look of the newer boxy things like Scions and Souls.
 
Am I asking the impossible here for the price? All suggestions are greatly appreciated.
 
Forgot to add - I can drive a manual. Don't particularly want to, as it makes holding a cell phone difficult in city traffic, but it's not a deal breaker.

#2921 of 3273 Re: Overwhelmed (and underbudgeted) [songlady] by sebring95

Nov 15, 2012 (4:00 pm)

Replying to: songlady (Nov 15, 2012 3:50 pm)
I would certainly recommend a Camry given your history and wants/needs. It will do the job without much complaint and there are examples out there that fall into your price range. It will probably be the newer equal to your 18 year old Lexus. There are tons of rental and lease returns out there...which I would avoid. Find a one-owner that's been cared for and drive it ten years. It might be tight on the budget but I'd try to get in a 2008 or newer.

#2922 of 3273 Re: Overwhelmed (and underbudgeted) [songlady] by maxx4me

Nov 16, 2012 (4:14 am)

Replying to: songlady (Nov 15, 2012 3:50 pm)
In that price range for a used vehicle that fits 4 adults, with great leg room and head room in the back, I have two contenders:
 
1. Hyundai Elantra Touring. Finding one between 8-11k may be a bit tricky, but they are out there. If not the ET, then the prior model Elantra GT hatchback would be my next choice.
2. Nissan Versa Hatchback. Much easier to find in this price range.
 
Both cars offer easy entrance/exit for aging adults, great visibility, and a compliant ride. Plus, if you often carry multiple adults as passengers, both offer room in the back to store/haul their items. If you don't need storage room or the versatility of a hatch/wagon, they I agree with the previous poster that an older Camry or Accord would be my third and fourth option for you.

Messages Page 293 of 328

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