Honda Civic, College car?

[moparguy]

Well, the choice of possible cars are as follows: Dodge Stratus, Mazda Protege, Honda Civic, and Pontiac Grand AM.



Not necessarily in that order. Any of the above with low mileage, reasonable price and adult owned original condition will be great according to the Son. Top color choice is white with tan interior and standard trans.



And I agree, give someone a vehicle they don't like and it'll be treated like poop.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

My college car was a 1958 4 door puke green Plymouth 318 2 speed push button automatic.



$250. Saw many a trip between college and home - 108 miles one way.



A sportier model would have been great, by my parents sacrificed a lot to get me in college in 1967.

 

[WMcGuire]

I'm on my second civic, the first one (87) was as good as they come, economical and trouble free, my present car is a 98 model, 68000 miles and no problems, 37 mpg hiway, if your son is going to be where the snow gets deep a civic may not be the best, they are pretty low slung, a lot of people wouldn't have one because of their size, if yo have a head-on with a big car, you will come out the loser, but then if you have a big suv and head-on with a Peterbuilt, you won't win that one either.

bottom line, the Civic is economical and trouble free, it handles well and hugs the road, it goes fast on the straightaway but lacks power on the hills.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Out of this group: "Dodge Stratus, Mazda Protege, Honda Civic, and Pontiac Grand AM"



I'd pick the Honda Civic if I was him... and if I were you paying for it. They're tough little cars and very well made.



Matt

 

[moparguy]

We'll see. Today he said that he'd be fine if we rebuilt the engine in the Lit'l White Truck (87 Ram 50 with 270K). This is one well used truck. His big brother (20 and in the Navy) and I bought it at a junk yard, and swapped engines/transmissions out of a $100 utility truck purchased from a local auction.



We beat out the dents, primed it and had a cut rate shop shoot our white epoxy paint on for $100. His brother passed it along when he left for basic. 2 teenage boys learned to drive a standard in this little truck, but now after 4 years, it's smoking quite a bit on start-up and using a bit of oil.



So, what are you gonna do with a kid like that.



Since he based a lot of his choice on Consumer Guide recommendations, I'll likely pony up for which ever car he chooses.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

IMHO: The little truck is probably going to nickel and dime him to death... even after an engine rebuild.



All of the stuff attached to the engine... and the rest of the driveline/suspension has a lot of miles on it.



I could be wrong, though. A lot of folks put a TON of miles on the little import trucks and drive 'em 'till the wheels fall off.



Matt

 

[Timbeaux38]

I have a 98 Civic with 140k and it runs as well as it did when i met my wife with 25k- she bought it new and besides changing the timing belt at factory intervals, all we have had to do is oil, gas, breaks, and tires, I doubt if we will ever sell this car- It is not my CTD, But it is very relaible and very low cost

 

[CougFan]

I also have a Honda. A 1984 hatchback that I use to comute to work. It has been the best $100 dollars ever spent. My girlfriend bought it for me with 160k on it and I have put about 8-9k on it . I would recomend an older one though for insurance. I have heard it is the most stolen car in the US. It isnt pretty with all its dents and a few rust spots but it saves me money and miles on my real vehicle. I would also recomend it for the front wheel drive it works good in the winter and would probably work even better if I spent more on good tires.

 

[RustyJC]

Not counting motorcycles, I've had 2 Hondas - a 1999 Civic Si and my current 2003 Acura 3. 2TL-S. Neither has ever been in the shop for any problems whatsoever. Just service 'em, keep gas in 'em and go. Of your choices, the Honda would be a "no brainer" for me!



Rusty

 

[ropinfool2]

Honda's are excellent cars, but you will take the risk of them being stolen. I would recommend a NEW Hyundai Accent or Elantra. They are probably about what the USED Honda would cost plus they come with a 5 yr/60k bumper to bumper and 10yr/100000 mile powertrain warranty. We have an 03 Elantra, paid about $12k, fully loaded, put about 37000 miles on it with no major problems. We put wheels and a spoiler on it, looks pretty sporty for a 4 door. The Accents come in two or four doors. I wouldn't recommend buying a used Hyundai though, the warranty doesn't transfer!! Good Luck. John

 

[mazdarotary]

I like the Hyundai Elantra GT. I never thought i would be saying that but they are nice looking cars,and the price is right. I still think the best car we have owned is my wifes Mazda Protege(aside from my never gonna die RX-7).



You gotta love that Hyundai warranty. I don't know how they do it with such a inexpensive car line.



Chris

 

[ropinfool2]

yea my wife wanted the GT but it was a couple grand more and we were taking a beating on her exploder so we went cheaper. Like I said we haven't had any major problems, replaced the front brakes and turned the rotors at 36000, had the driver's seat track replaced (had a wobble), and had a rattle in the roof which they replaced the headliner and sunshade. I'm very happy with the performance, just wish it was bigger. I drove a Dodge Neon the other day, had a ton more room in it than the Hyundai (I'm a big guy and have to squeeze in and out of the Hyndai, the Neon was comfortable). They run around the same price new w/ 7/70 powertrain and you can pick up a low mileage used one under 10K plus the warranty transfers. Good luck to you. John p. s. CougFan-I'm an alum also!! "Go Cougs!!!"

 

[HoleshotHolset]

While we're talking about other cars...



I'd like to get my hands on a Suzuki Verona



Specs can be found here...



"2. 5-liter, in-line 6-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC engine

Horsepower: 155 hp @ 5,800 RPM

Torque: 177 lb. -ft. @ 4,000 RPM"



Thats an engine just BEGGING for a turbo...



Matt

 

[mazdarotary]

That Verona is a good looking car. I read an article about it. They pretty much liked it but said the cars weight slowed it down.



If i remember right the Verona is a rebadged Daewoo. GM bought Daewoo after they struggled selling cars here(big surprise with little or no dealer network) and has used their platforms/existing car as suzuki's and even the new Aveo from Chevy. I may be wrong on all of this but I am sure someone will correct me if I am.





Chris

P. S. the Suzuki Aerio is a cool little car as well with awd as an option,but no sunroof :>{

 

[EBottema]

No flame intended in this text! but... .



Everyone here is obviously educated and was smart enough to make a decision on the best light duty diesel truck on the market today (Dodge/Cummins model) over the others (ford/chevy)... I dont understand why anyone would even use the word hyundai daewoo or suzuki around here. These cars are major pieces of crap. The Aveo is a daewoo made vehicle. I laugh when I see idiots who paid money for these cars. Look at the resale value, dealer warrenty work (Not that D/C is great but its 10 times over of these asian brands), and how many are not on the road ten years later... They just don't last... I wonder why, to keep costs down they use poor quality parts. When that is used, the thing doesnt last. For example, I knew someone who broke a control arm on a kia rio going over a speed bump at 30mph. it was a 1995 and the dealer wanted 550 dollars for a new one and it was special order, one month wait from the factory!!! That price and wait is such a joke! Another friend had a Hyundai Santa Fe and it was in the shop atleast 10 times in the first year. Radio would shut off and lights dim when he slowed down... Never would shift right... Just plain junk! When he went to trade it in as 1. 5 years old, he lost 10 grand on a loaded Santa Fe... . Never again, he bought a 4runner brand new and so far no problems. Costs more but obviously toyota builds quality.....



Thats why all you must have an eye for spotting quality since you own dodge diesels , i just can't imagine anyone would put these low quality junk names in the spotlight...



Thanks for listening



Erik

 

[HoleshotHolset]

The only reason I mentioned the Suzuki Verona is because it has a non-traditional powerplant. AND, I know how well I6's respond to a little boost.



I'd never buy one to drive everyday, but it sure would be fun to pick one up cheap and bolt on a turbo.



My VW TDI has been an awesome car... I'd keep it if I still needed a commuter car. I drive about 500 miles a month now... so that's why the little car is up for sale.



Matt