Honda Civic or Toyota Carolla?

[Racel]

Sorry this is way off topic, but I have a question for you guys. My Altima finally up and died (well, its not dead dead, but I refuse to fix it this time). It had 13 good years and now its being put to pasture. I need to get a new car that is reliable and fuel efficient. I looked at another Altima, but they are mostly V6 now and not gas efficient (the Sentra did not do much for me either). Since I want 4 doors, I am looking at a Carolla or a Civic Sedan. Either one would likely be the highend model but still under $20K. Figured some of you would have an opinion or two in the matter, so I thought I would toss it out. In regard to American cars, I have had many and never had one be as reliable as a Japanese car. Just my experience, so I am trying to stay with what seems to work (if you have an idea for an American car I should look at, please go ahead, always open to new ideas). I wanted to look at the Toyota Prius, but they are nearly impossible to get right now and I need a new vehicle sooner rather than later.

(Also, I could easily spend more than the $20K, but since I really don't see cars as a good investment, I would rather spend less for a reliable and effiecent vehicle. Besides, if I get something too good, my wife will just take it. I know from experience!)

Thanks for the help.

Jeff

[Shinobi]

Morning Jeff,

Both Honda and Toyota have excellent quality and reliability records, with Toyota having the slight edge........... but the Honda has the slight edge in looks! I've also heard that the Toyota has a slightly better fuel consumption than the Honda.

Comfort-wise, I prefer the Honda, especially at higher speeds.

Both are very good cars, I don't think its a case of which one is best, but rather which one you (or the missus) prefers the looks of, and the feel of when driving. Have you taken either for a test-drive?

[Racel]

Both are very good cars, I don't think its a case of which one is best, but rather which one you (or the missus) prefers the looks of, and the feel of when driving. Have you taken either for a test-drive?

Thanks Shinobi. I was told pretty much the same thing at work today. I prefere the look of the Civic to the Carolla. Plan to go do some shopping tomorrow and drive a few to see how they feel. Masako is saying that I get to keep the car this time, so it depends on what I want (I hope!).

Thanks for the info.

Jeff

[Freakbrain]

yeah go with the Civic. It's a really nice car. Once we had one (until my brother met the crash barrier on an icy road). It's fast, good acceleration, and you can nearly replace each part

[Racel]

Thanks for the advice guys. Ended up with the Civic Sedan with most of the bells and wistles. Hard part of this was the lack of Civics available. After Hurricane Katrina hit and gas prices sky rocketed, the demand for smaller cars, especially the Civic, took off. Most dealerships had only one sedan if any. They are selling as fast as they come into the dealership. Hurt me on negotiations, but still happy with the car and final price. Have to finish some paperwork issues, but should have the car in a few days.

Jeff

[punkrabbitt]

Bummer I just now saw this... best deal in the market is lease-return Toyota Camry's, got mine with under 30K miles on it with bumper-to-bumper warranties etc for under $20K. Almost no difference in handling between 60 and 105 mph, gets a little rougher creeping up to 120, bumpy up to 140. Big, roomy, fuel-efficient (31 avg mpg in city traffic.)

I love my car.

[gunslinger]

hmm, i believe both cars are high on the chop shop market too..

[Racel]

Bummer I just now saw this... best deal in the market is lease-return Toyota Camry's, got mine with under 30K miles on it with bumper-to-bumper warranties etc for under $20K. Almost no difference in handling between 60 and 105 mph, gets a little rougher creeping up to 120, bumpy up to 140. Big, roomy, fuel-efficient (31 avg mpg in city traffic.)

I love my car.

Thanks for the suggestion Rabbit, but I was really trying to keep the size smaller than the Camry. I drive quite a few miles every day to and from work in Atlanta and spend easily 2 - 3 hours a day in my car. I really wanted to max the fuel efficiency and the Civic does better than anything but a Hybrid. I even looked at getting the 2006 Civic Hybrid, but there is a very long waiting list, so was not much of an option since I need a car.

In response to Gunslinger, I unfortunately know these are more common to steal, but since mine will spend most of its time in a parking garage where I work (under security), it hopefully won't be too much of an issue.

Thanks guys.

Jeff

[gunslinger]

cool, i think they look great, i just didn't know if you had taken the theft thing into consideration..

[Shinobi]

I drive quite a few miles every day to and from work in Atlanta and spend easily 2 - 3 hours a day in my car.

Is that all??? Can take that long just to get home from work for me!

Hope the car runs well and has no problems