25 oct 04
Informal poll: what kind of car should I buy?
Leave comments, please. Thank you!
Chris / 25 oct 2004 / 11:37 p.m.
Is a hybrid an option? They’re hybrid Civics and new hybrid Accords. Maybe you’re looking for a used vehicle though; hybrids are still fairly new. If you’re near a city and do lots of stop-and-go-driving, a hybrid sounds like a good match.
Civics feel really simple, plain even. Dependable, sure. Just plain.
Personally, I would buy a Jetta just for the commercials, but that’s not very intelligent, now is it? Oh, but they’re cool-looking.
Test drive them all. How it feels it so important.
Soichiro / 25 oct 2004 / 11:42 p.m.
Are you buying or leasing? If buying, definitely get the Honda Civic. If leasing, I’d go for either the Accord or Civic Hybrid, assuming a low monthly payment is a priority.
Matthew / 25 oct 2004 / 11:52 p.m.
I personally hate hondas. Something about the windshield/visibility doesn’t work for me. If you testdrive it, and like it, it’s an OK option.
I’m a VW fan, so I say GOoooo Jetta.
Brandon / 25 oct 2004 / 11:59 p.m.
I almost got a Jetta over my Altima. I say Jetta or RAV4. Corolla third - it’s a good looking car for the buck. Honda… ick. Brand change time for you.
Rob / 26 oct 2004 / 12:10 a.m.
jetta’s are so played! go with the civic. they actually make them really nice now, plus they last forever.
emersongeek / 26 oct 2004 / 12:17 a.m.
I’d go with the Corolla. Toyotas seem to be more substantial than Hondas (if that’s what you’re looking for) and would hold up better in an accident—at least in my experience.
Then again, I haven’t driven in four years, so take this with a grain of salt. :)
Elisha / 26 oct 2004 / 12:41 a.m.
Heheh. Civic. I like smaller cars. Of course, Civics are pretty big these days…
debi / 26 oct 2004 / 1:09 a.m.
I was asking this question about a year ago. :) Everyone said go for the Corolla.. but I stuck to my guns and bought the Jetta. Could NOT be happier, I’m so glad I got this one. I love my car to death!
Kat F. / 26 oct 2004 / 1:17 a.m.
hmm… aren’t imports more expensive to fix? otherwise, i’d go with a jetta.
Eric / 26 oct 2004 / 2:29 a.m.
When I was car shopping, I was not impressed at all with the Corollas. I don’t think I ever got to look at a Civic, although I thought about it. I wound up getting a Saturn, but that’s beside the point. I’ve always heard very good things about the Civic — I think they’re rated some of the best used cars around, which is probably a good thing, whether you’re buying new or used.
Jan Dvo?ák / 26 oct 2004 / 4:23 a.m.
I bought my one and only car back in 1987 - an used Toyota Corolla made in 1985. And guess what: I still have it, use it every day - it works just fine (OK, some parts now have visible surface corrosion, but so what). If I was in for a new car, I’d probably get a Toyota Yaris (not sure whether they sell them in the US), or next year (once they come out), the new Toyota Aygo (the smaller - and cheaper - the better for me). And I think I would again buy a relatively “fresh” used car - although from a reliable source (like where they know the previous owner). I think having ONE car for close to 20 years absolutely hassle-free is the best “recommendation” one could hope for…
Erika / 26 oct 2004 / 6:33 a.m.
I must say that I agree with Brandon - Honda…ick. Jettas are awesome.
reality / 26 oct 2004 / 7:41 a.m.
I just bought a civic 5 months ago, it’s great! Better than the evil VW I had - even though it was so cute!
Sprite / 26 oct 2004 / 9:17 a.m.
Anything Volkswagen!!
I got a Beetle a couple years ago and decided that from now on I’m only buying Volkswagen vehicles.
stef / 26 oct 2004 / 10:05 a.m.
Hate Civics (no offense), Accord is good, Rav4 is good, Don’t care for Corrollas, and everyone has a Jetta these days- its a great sorority girl car. Good luck with your decision! :)
Emily / 26 oct 2004 / 11:59 a.m.
I did research on this about a year ago, and here’s what I found out:
Honda Accord: A great buy, no doubt, but you risk feeling “like a mom” putting around in a 4 door sadan. I test drove a 2-door and LOVED IT, but it’s pricy, and I wanted something I could get paid off quickly.
Honda Civic: I bought an ‘04 and although Winn fears for his life when he rides in it, I love it to pieces. It gets about 35 miles to the gallon — the best you’ll find. I can’t speak highly of it enough — even if some people do think they’ll die when riding in one.
Toyota Corolla: Again, a “mom car”. You’re in your early twenties — I’d suggest something more fun, sportier.
Toyota RAV4: I thought they would be wonderful until I drove one. Their specs look good on paper, but I didn’t find it comfortable at all. Although, if you’re looking at small SUVs, I’ve got a Ford Escape as a rent car right now and LOVE it. I think were I to invest in an SUV, that’s what I’d get. Consider it.
Volkswagen Jetta: I wouldn’t buy one if my life depended on it. Have you read consumer reports? They fall apart! Cute, sporty, practical, and they have blue interior lights — they scream “I’m hot! Buy me!” but for as a long-term investment, I’d reconsider. Of course, some people have great luck with them. I just know a fair share of people don’t.
You should impulse buy a Z3 like Winn’s. Totally fun to scoot around in. Plus — when you’re driving at night and it’s cold, you can turn on seat heaters. :P
So that’s my $0.02!!
filmmaker / 26 oct 2004 / 2:21 p.m.
“I wouldn’t buy one if my life depended on it. Have you read consumer reports? They fall apart!”
Are you kidding me?
I slammed into a deer going 65 MPH on the highway Saturday night and there’s hardly a scratch or loose part on my 2002 Jetta. The thing is rock solid. knocks on wood
If fuel enconomy is a concern, get the Accord. Otherwise, a Jetta (without the crappy silver trim) is recommended.
stacey / 26 oct 2004 / 6:01 p.m.
I love my Honda Accord. But I loved my old one better. It seems that the newer the models, the less I’m all about the Accords. Civics are nice (as you know), but they aren’t as cute as some of your other options. My sister had a Toyota Corolla and flipped 4 times in it and walked out without a scratch…so they are super safe. But all in all, I’d have to say Jetta. They totally rock and I would be uber impressed and envious if you got one!
Melissa / 26 oct 2004 / 7:23 p.m.
I’ve driven a Honda Civic for the past 3 1/2 years, and I’ve never had a problem with it. It’s safe, it’s affordable, and it gets GREAT gas mileage. And personally, I think it IS cute! :)
nicole / 26 oct 2004 / 8:25 p.m.
I love my Jetta, so of course I’m going to recommend it. Someone said they are expensive to fix, but I can’t say I agree. And knock on wood, but I haven’t had any major problems and it’s a 2000. Get a silver one so I can live vicariously through you since they weren’t available when I got mine. ;)
Crystal / 26 oct 2004 / 10:34 p.m.
I’m gonna vote Corolla. Anything Toyota as I’ve had two of them (great cars). I personally drive Danny the Rock-N-Rolla Corolla (This is his full name, you see) and I have no complaints.
Hilary / 26 oct 2004 / 11:43 p.m.
Where’s the love for the Focus? Were you lying when you said you liked my car??? I don’t know what to believe anymore!
tamara / 27 oct 2004 / 11:06 a.m.
There are several things that you have to keep in mind: resale value, insurance rate, gas milage and the chance that the car will be stolen. Hondas are the biggest targets for thiefs because their parts are rare and valuable on the market. Toyotas are also targets, but not as bad. And I don’t know much about Volkswagens.
Beyond that, a Honda Accord is the way to go. It has great gas mileage and resale value. Plus, a certified used Accord is almost as good as new.
A choice outside any of the choices you have pick can be a Mazda 3 or a Mazda 6. Mazdas are Japanese-manufactured, but are sold to the U.S. market. So their interiors are made to target Americans (meaning that your typical small sedan is larger inside than the average Toyota, Honda or Nissan) and often have the same features and drive at a lower price. I own a Mazda Protege and I love it. And I test-drove about nine different cars last year before I made my purchase. Good luck.
Dano / 25 oct 2004 / 11:27 p.m.
I’d vouce for a Honda Civic. My mom just got an 04’ its really nice, good gas-mileage and great’bang for your buck’ factor.
Granted I just came back from her place to change a flat on it, haha. Seriously though its a great car.