The next daily driver...
02-15-2014, 07:30 PM
#21
Thread Starter
If you go cheap, the Civic SI would mean you'd need snow tires. You'll soon be too old to change tires. 
Not sure about the Mazdas, I like VW's but the parts aren't cheap. They may factor in the car you are driving when you go to the soup kitchen.
I like the Ford Focus, if I were going cheap, I'd go there.
What about the new Dodge Dart? Or is it too soon to suggest a Chrysler/Fiat product?
Not sure about the Mazdas, I like VW's but the parts aren't cheap. They may factor in the car you are driving when you go to the soup kitchen.I like the Ford Focus, if I were going cheap, I'd go there.
What about the new Dodge Dart? Or is it too soon to suggest a Chrysler/Fiat product?
02-15-2014, 07:33 PM
#22
Thread Starter
My DD is a Jeep Wrangler. I'll be 70 in a week and I love my Jeep. However, it has been lifted and has 33 tires. So getting a leg in is not as easy as it used to be. The new Cherokee, if you like Suv's is sweet. Reasonable pricing, sporty, fairly roomy and good performance numbers. It looks like an SUV is not on your list but just a thought.
02-15-2014, 07:37 PM
#23
Thread Starter
Bill---one "defining" trait for my DD is front or four wheel drive rather than RWD---(they do a great job with snow removal here in Ohio but still there are days where RWD only is not fun. My S2000 is my summer toy--both my wife and I have AWD DD crossovers---a Venza and a Crosstour)
Living in MA, is this a concern for you? If so, it might drop some of the cars off your list (like the Mustang and the 370z--great cars but not the best snow vehicles!)
An interesting one to add to your list to look at is the Nissan Murano CrossCabroleit--it's an AWD crossover with a convertable top---kinda neat concept and not very common on the roads. Its on our short list of vehicles to consider the next time.
Another is the Mazda 6--it's gotten great reviews as the best "drivers car" in the 4door mid priced segment.
And if you like BMWs and have had good luck with them and are OK with the maintainance costs, they're a really nice choice.
Living in MA, is this a concern for you? If so, it might drop some of the cars off your list (like the Mustang and the 370z--great cars but not the best snow vehicles!)
An interesting one to add to your list to look at is the Nissan Murano CrossCabroleit--it's an AWD crossover with a convertable top---kinda neat concept and not very common on the roads. Its on our short list of vehicles to consider the next time.
Another is the Mazda 6--it's gotten great reviews as the best "drivers car" in the 4door mid priced segment.
And if you like BMWs and have had good luck with them and are OK with the maintainance costs, they're a really nice choice.
02-15-2014, 07:38 PM
#24
Thread Starter
I don't know Bill. I think you'll have as hard a time deciding as I did. You've got some really nice cars on your list.
I had a 2006 Civic Si that I absolutely loved. Adam is driving it now and has 105,000 miles on it. He loves it and expects it to go another 100,000 miles. Aside from my S2000 it is the most fun car I've ever owned.
I currently drive a BMW 328i. I'm really enjoying it. It's very different than the Si, but drives beautifully. You should know, you too have a BMW.
One of my colleagues just got a Mercedes CLA. It's not quite as "sporty" as my BMW, but it's quite a nice car. I was never a big Mercedes fan, but I have to admit that they did a nice job with this car. (I don't like the way the sunroof opens, but that's besides the point.)
All of the cars on your list are nice.
I think you need to drive them all, and buy whichever one you keep going back to.
I had a 2006 Civic Si that I absolutely loved. Adam is driving it now and has 105,000 miles on it. He loves it and expects it to go another 100,000 miles. Aside from my S2000 it is the most fun car I've ever owned.
I currently drive a BMW 328i. I'm really enjoying it. It's very different than the Si, but drives beautifully. You should know, you too have a BMW.
One of my colleagues just got a Mercedes CLA. It's not quite as "sporty" as my BMW, but it's quite a nice car. I was never a big Mercedes fan, but I have to admit that they did a nice job with this car. (I don't like the way the sunroof opens, but that's besides the point.)
All of the cars on your list are nice.
I think you need to drive them all, and buy whichever one you keep going back to.
02-16-2014, 02:05 AM
#25
The +1 test drove an Infiniti and Acura before he settled on the Lexus. He thought the BMW was too expensive, although he had owned one previously. He pretty much settled on his choice in one day. I went over to the Lexus dealer to look at his choice once he made up his mind. I thought it was a really nice car. Not sure what he would buy now, but I think another Lexus. He's had this one for almost eight years.
02-16-2014, 04:43 AM
#26
Former Moderator
Originally Posted by S2KRAY' timestamp='1392497036' post='23017362
My DD is a Jeep Wrangler. I'll be 70 in a week and I love my Jeep. However, it has been lifted and has 33 tires. So getting a leg in is not as easy as it used to be. The new Cherokee, if you like Suv's is sweet. Reasonable pricing, sporty, fairly roomy and good performance numbers. It looks like an SUV is not on your list but just a thought.
Crushed them all!
02-16-2014, 04:46 AM
#27
Originally Posted by Legal Bill' timestamp='1392525210' post='23017792
[quote name='S2KRAY' timestamp='1392497036' post='23017362']
My DD is a Jeep Wrangler. I'll be 70 in a week and I love my Jeep. However, it has been lifted and has 33 tires. So getting a leg in is not as easy as it used to be. The new Cherokee, if you like Suv's is sweet. Reasonable pricing, sporty, fairly roomy and good performance numbers. It looks like an SUV is not on your list but just a thought.
My DD is a Jeep Wrangler. I'll be 70 in a week and I love my Jeep. However, it has been lifted and has 33 tires. So getting a leg in is not as easy as it used to be. The new Cherokee, if you like Suv's is sweet. Reasonable pricing, sporty, fairly roomy and good performance numbers. It looks like an SUV is not on your list but just a thought.
Crushed them all![/quote]
They tried, Jim. But it didn't happen. Barbara and I are still SUVing down the road.
02-16-2014, 06:53 AM
#28
Originally Posted by S2KRAY' timestamp='1392497036' post='23017362
My DD is a Jeep Wrangler. I'll be 70 in a week and I love my Jeep. However, it has been lifted and has 33 tires. So getting a leg in is not as easy as it used to be. The new Cherokee, if you like Suv's is sweet. Reasonable pricing, sporty, fairly roomy and good performance numbers. It looks like an SUV is not on your list but just a thought.
02-16-2014, 10:52 AM
#29
Bill, I bought a new Si in November for my DD. I had already test driven one & decided to buy in spring or summer, but my 2000 Tundra became a money pit. Really don't need a truck that much anymore & wanted to save on gas on my 36 mile commute. Although it would have been nice to hang on to it for those times when I need to haul something. I made the transition from 4WD without issues, but I plan to buy rims & winter tires for next winter. Even with this bad winter we're having with snow covered roads almost every day & plenty of steep hills around here, I had no real problems. It has enough torque to start out in 2nd gear & avoid spinning those low profile tires.
So, I can offer you my opinion of the Si so far.
Pros: -Extremely fun to drive (they come standard now with Acura 2.4L i-VTEC & limited slip diffs.).
-Good handling (heavier stabilizers than in the past, stiff with very little sway).
-Easiest, smoothest shifting stick I've ever driven.
-Obviously, gas mileage
-Lots of standard sport & fun equipment.
-For what it's worth, scored well in crash tests.
Cons: -Nice looking interior, but these are small cars and I'm used to a little more elbow room & internal storage space. The trunk is large enough though.
-Mirrors are not heated, PIA when it's -8.
If it's still on your list when decision time comes, check back for an update.
So, I can offer you my opinion of the Si so far.
Pros: -Extremely fun to drive (they come standard now with Acura 2.4L i-VTEC & limited slip diffs.).
-Good handling (heavier stabilizers than in the past, stiff with very little sway).
-Easiest, smoothest shifting stick I've ever driven.
-Obviously, gas mileage
-Lots of standard sport & fun equipment.
-For what it's worth, scored well in crash tests.
Cons: -Nice looking interior, but these are small cars and I'm used to a little more elbow room & internal storage space. The trunk is large enough though.
-Mirrors are not heated, PIA when it's -8.
If it's still on your list when decision time comes, check back for an update.
02-16-2014, 12:11 PM
#30
Thread Starter
Thanks Bob. Did you get a 2013?