The EL is a bullet proof car, but the TL/CL were notorious for transmission problems.
As Sunny mentioned, get a manual transmission and you're good to go.
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New (used) car suggestions?
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As Sunny mentioned, get a manual transmission and you're good to go.
DrGonzo
Active member
Tangent.
Car?? Pick-up truck....yes. SUV in a pinch.
I've driven a lot of cars/trucks/suvs. My fav have been the RX330/Q5/and my dodge ram. No cars make my list.
Your commute and wallet are something you will have to weigh. I would never buy a car again (in case I'm in a wreck, I'd like to win the inertia and point of impact battle).
I'm a fan of Japanese auto makers, and I've heard great things about ford in the last few years.
Matrix? Focus? Both get decent reviews. I'd look for a car that is 2-3 yrs old.
Car?? Pick-up truck....yes. SUV in a pinch.
I've driven a lot of cars/trucks/suvs. My fav have been the RX330/Q5/and my dodge ram. No cars make my list.
Your commute and wallet are something you will have to weigh. I would never buy a car again (in case I'm in a wreck, I'd like to win the inertia and point of impact battle).
I'm a fan of Japanese auto makers, and I've heard great things about ford in the last few years.
Matrix? Focus? Both get decent reviews. I'd look for a car that is 2-3 yrs old.
I like being a passenger in SUVs, but I hate driving them. If I were to get one, it'd be something compact like the GLK. And that's out of the question 'cause I don't care about the premium of the brand enough to pay for more expensive parts
Edit: How about the Scion tc?! That's essentially a Toyota, right?
Edit: How about the Scion tc?! That's essentially a Toyota, right?
It's basically a Corolla with a little more 'go' and a complete make over.
Beautiful car, I had one for the weekend a while back and other than the ticket I got, it was a really fun car to drive.
I wouldn't get a CSX based on the fact it is built on the same assembly line as the civic, which have the same quality standards as a civic.
For what? Different lights, a k series motor (base rsx motor), not worth it IMO
Matrix XRS has a good motor, stiffer springs with a double wishbone set up, and it is a Toyota, so just fluid changes,
TSX is a good choice as well, built in japan, sleek look and honda, so again, just fluid changes.
For what? Different lights, a k series motor (base rsx motor), not worth it IMO
Matrix XRS has a good motor, stiffer springs with a double wishbone set up, and it is a Toyota, so just fluid changes,
TSX is a good choice as well, built in japan, sleek look and honda, so again, just fluid changes.
If the price difference is minimal for the same spec, and I'm pretty sure it is, I see no problem with going for the CSX over a Civic. IMO it is a nicer looking car, though I'm not a big fan of that gen Civic overall. Reminds me of when I was looking to buy a mid nineties Civic Si (won't buy a car without a sunroof, only Civic at that time that came with one) a while ago. Was able to grab a similarly specced Integra (with sunroof of course) for a good bit less than a comparable Civic.
$11k won't go far with that car though, you're going to have a bit of a hard time finding a good condition, low mileage, example at that price. You might want to stay away from the earlier years too as that gen had some teething problems.
Personally, I'm not a fan of how Toyota's drive, not too mention the terrible interiors. Purely subjective of course, give them a test drive and see if it suits you.
My recommendation would by an Acura RSX if you don't mind two doors, do you really use the back seat anyways? Shouldn't be a problem getting a clean '05-07 at ~100k km in your price range. Decently specced, decent performance, and those years are near the end of the product run so all of the little problems are sorted out. TSX's are nice as well, but once again you're going to have a hard time finding a clean, low mileage one at your price range.
$11k won't go far with that car though, you're going to have a bit of a hard time finding a good condition, low mileage, example at that price. You might want to stay away from the earlier years too as that gen had some teething problems.
Personally, I'm not a fan of how Toyota's drive, not too mention the terrible interiors. Purely subjective of course, give them a test drive and see if it suits you.
My recommendation would by an Acura RSX if you don't mind two doors, do you really use the back seat anyways? Shouldn't be a problem getting a clean '05-07 at ~100k km in your price range. Decently specced, decent performance, and those years are near the end of the product run so all of the little problems are sorted out. TSX's are nice as well, but once again you're going to have a hard time finding a clean, low mileage one at your price range.
Acura RSX = Insurance rape. Been there, done that.
I love my subaru but depending on the model you get and your luck you might as you might not get head gasket issues at 150km (i know lots of owners without the issue...i was an unlucky one.) Fun in the summer and winter, and the non-turbo'd model get about 9.5l/100km in spirited driving.
Otherwise my gf is looking to sell her 08 Cobalt LT (sunroof, aux input...) and its an alright car lol
I love my subaru but depending on the model you get and your luck you might as you might not get head gasket issues at 150km (i know lots of owners without the issue...i was an unlucky one.) Fun in the summer and winter, and the non-turbo'd model get about 9.5l/100km in spirited driving.
Otherwise my gf is looking to sell her 08 Cobalt LT (sunroof, aux input...) and its an alright car lol
Should the fact that the csx is made in alliston really be a factor to weigh for me? Are they really that terribly built?
Before I got my si, it was actually between that, the mazda protege, the rsx, and the is300.
I've managed to talk down a bunch of csx's to around 9000. I'm sure I can go lower when the cash is in hand and I'm right there. IMO, on those type of engines, mileage isn't really an issue as long as it's under 200 000. They'll last well over 400 000 with regular maintenance (and 5-600 isn't even unheard of). But what gen would be safe? The earliest I'm willing to buy is 2007.
That's a good point, though - the tC looks fine from outside, but I've never seen the interior of one. But then again, I imagine it can't be too bad, coming from a cloth interior 2000 civic hahaha
I don't mind a coupe (mine's a coupe now...it's only an inconvenience for the people sitting in the back, so idgaf), but insurance is just slightly over unreasonable for me. The car's also lost its appeal to me over the year
EngineerJoe
Well-known member
My Legacy is around 10L/100km with spirited driving and 7L/100 with on-highway long-distance cruising. The only thing I don't like about the Legacy is the Drive-by-Wire system which also causes the car to occasionally stall when I push the clutch in.
Typical Honda quality, oil change and go.
Don't listen to the scare mongers, CSX is a solid car.
I always prefer Japan made vehicles over North American ones which was a major influencing factor when we bought our 06 CR-V awhile back, thats another reason why I'd favor a TSX. IMHO, the japanese built cars are just plain built better.
Having said that, I still have and use my made in usa 1998 model Honda Accord which is still going strong and apart from the usual wear and tear items, is still going strong.
Nope. I'm more concerned with looks & reliability than I am about the actual brand (with the caveat being the civic...haha). I looked it up and it looks too much like the g35/37; I wouldn't be surprised if it was even the same platform.
I'm HONESTLY looking into everyone's suggestions, but it seems like any alternatives all have a bigger engine that I don't need or care for. The TSX isn't bad...but I can't see what makes it a better choice apart from the fact that it's more of a mid-level luxury while the csx is entry-level. I guess I'm just getting a better finishing/furnishing for the same money?
Maybe I should just go balls to wall & get the range rover
Go with the csx. Mini is a horrible horrible car.
This.
If you're really looking for the best bang for your buck, in terms of quality, maintenance/repair costs, you really can't beat the Acura or any Japanese car for that matter.
And this.
If you're really looking for the best bang for your buck, in terms of quality, maintenance/repair costs, you really can't beat the Acura or any Japanese car for that matter.
Do NOT buy a Mini with an automatic transmission. They are not repairable WHEN they fail and replacements are extremely expensive (like $10,000-ish expensive). Can't find 'em used because they blow up.
If the choice is between the Mini and an Acura CSX, go with the Acura.
If the choice is between the Mini and an Acura CSX, go with the Acura.
Interesting that Acura no advertises the CSX. $27,000 (base price) for ILX? IMHO, 2013 Ford Focus ST or Titanium way better value.
