Need some advice on car shopping

[Shawn T.]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

I'm just looking at the map and I gotta say, 200+ mile distance between school and home sounds like a mission, especially during New York's snowy conditions in winter -- which, unfortunately, I can't relate to. But I can understand why the dilemma is present.

Questions I have before I can give you a straight answer are:
- How often will you be driving in college?
- How often will you be going home?
- Is drive comfort an important factor to you?
- Is your theoretical spending limit on a car $30,000?

First and foremost, I will concede that I am no fan of the 8th generation Honda Civic. Last February, between deciding an '06 Civic sedan and an '03 Volkswagen Golf, the former was an awful thing. The interior felt cheap, the dash was enormous (like you can setup a chess board on top and literally play a game or two with your passenger), and it was unbearably noisy at speeds of over 45MPH. Sitting in my former college mate's '09 Civic sedan recently confirmed my notions of it. A previous generation German hatchback had better soundproofing than the latest and greatest, so that was my car of choice.

At the time, I also test drove an '04 Accord and it was a cut above the new Civic too. It's quieter despite the larger (and therefore, thirstier) engine, bigger so that you can carry more of your belongings, and heavier which helps to iron out the bumps on rough roads. In short, Accords make good GT cars. I imagine that the newest Accords with their bulkier sizes now retain much of that philosophy. Yes, it is maybe 5-10 grand more, but you could also argue that it is 5-10 grand more car.

I don't know exactly how you drive (what's important to you in a car) and what your driving situation will be over the next few years, but if $30,000 Accord money is what you and your mother can afford, I say go for it. Especially for the distance I'm seeing on Google Maps (Suffern, NY to SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY). You'll be more comfortable, the power will make the drive seem shorter, and you can bring more textbooks with you.

If, however, you don't like big cars with enormous wheelbases, or if you're going to be doing a lot of city driving with tiny car parks and stop-and-go traffic, or if you're not one to notice or care about cheap plastics and vehicle acoustics, the Civic will feel right at home to you.

Not to sound like a Volkswagen poster boy or anything, but I'd vouch any day for the 2010/2011 Golf -- designed in Germany (which gets hit hard by snow as well) with refined quality and convenience of a hatchback. It's as easy to park as a MINI but more practical; plus with your supposed 30 grand cap, you could even afford the more powerful GTI version.

But of course, since you are hit with snow, 4-wheel drive may be an important factor to you. The 2010 Subaru Impreza starting at mid-range Civic prices may be one for you to consider. And also the MINI snow tires that people here are suggesting while I was typing up this response.

Food for thought.

Thank you for taking the time to post this in-depth response. I found both cars to be quiet if not quieter than my MINI. It is interesting thought that the Accord was as quiet as the Civic even with all that horsepower.

Yeah, it is a 5 hour trip and being as comftorable as possible is definitely a thought.

I think I am going to sleep on this one and see what my mind says in the morning.

[Murr1525]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

Thats ok.... It does just sound like this is a little rushed, and if snow is the main factor, I dont think it was going in the right direction to rush.

[sdprius858]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

Subaru Outback...seats 5, plenty of room, AWD, 4 cylinder engine...its no wonder I see them everywhere in Colorado and Utah

[PursuitSE]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

If you really really want the Accord, why not get a cheaper 4 banger model instead of the top of the line V6 ?

[Tuck91]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

If you really really want the Accord, why not get a cheaper 4 banger model instead of the top of the line V6 ?

A V6 is a better resale value IMO.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

A V6 is a better resale value IMO.

It's the feature that truly sets the Accord apart from the Civic.
I'd personally only consider the V6.

[Erik Mejia]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

This video should make your decision a no-brainer: http://www.youtube.com/daveramsey#p/.../0/iIgLyl66QxQ

Dave Ramsey is the man! His book changed my outlook on finances.


If you're still looking into a new car, why not check out the Civic SI. It's a bit more expensive than the standard models, but it provides good performance for the price.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

This is going to be the car that stays with me for at least the next 5 years so me and my paretns want to get something that is worth the investment.

The dealership is currently trying to find a good price. My sister is buying a CR-V from the same dealership so they are being pressuered by us to give us a good deal or lose 2 sales. If it shows how much they want the sale, they brought the Accord Coupe from $30,400 to $25,000! However, they need abotu another grand on the trade-in value of the MINI. They are stuck on $16,500 but we want $18,000 so if they give us the $17,500 for the MINI the deal looks good!

[sdprius858]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

So what was the final call?

O fyi, drove a CR-Z EX with Nav today, nice car but not for $25,000 loaded.

Those Accord Crosstour's are really sweet too, esp. with the AWD.

[EveryLastDetail2]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

Dave Ramsey is the man! His book changed my outlook on finances.


If you're still looking into a new car, why not check out the Civic SI. It's a bit more expensive than the standard models, but it provides good performance for the price.

Dave Ramsey is an idiot. The first problem with the video is that his $1500 and $6000 cars aren't depreciating in value over 10 months. That doesn't happen. The second problem is that, whether you're setting aside $464 a month or making a car payment with it, it is still a $464 expense. The third problem is that at 2:44 in that video he is sitting on the hood of a car wearing jeans, undoubtedly scratching the paint. The fourth problem is that he's assuming the interest rate on that $26,000 new car is over 5%. By shopping around and taking advantage of manufacturer sales the interest rate on a new car can definitely be had for under 5%. 0 and ).9% financing offers are always available somewhere. The fifth problem is that he says a car loses 70% of its value after 4 years. NOT TRUE AT ALL! For example, a brand new 2006 base model 3.5L V6 Dodge Charger cost real close to 26 grand. Now the private party resale value of it is nearly $12,000 according to kbb. Even the trade in value is almost $10,000. Dave is making up some numbers. I don't like him.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

An Accord coupe for $30k is just insanity.

You could get a 2011 Mustang V6 with 305 horsepower AND 31 miles per gallon highway starting at $24,000!!

You're talking a car that is 10 times the fun, more manly, and just downright cooler. You can also get it with Sync, heated seats and more for less than the Accord

[Tuck91]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

An Accord coupe for $30k is just insanity.

You could get a 2011 Mustang V6 with 305 horsepower AND 31 miles per gallon highway starting at $24,000!!

Or a decent truck such as a GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado.

Gas mileage will be poor but it will do great in the winter.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Need some advice on car shopping

Sorry guys. The final decision was the Black Pearl (I know....black.....) Honda Civic EX.

I have to tell you that I love this car even more so than I did the MINI. The ride is so much smoother, acceleration much smoother, engine much quieter and seats more comftorable. Plus we can't forget the additional room. In short, it's great!!!