what commuter car should i buy

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Thread jack :p

Any insight into the suzuki SX4? 2008ish+ models go for a really good price. I don't really like the i-awd wannabe awd... it's no quattro, but it might be a decent winter car. Sucks that there are so few options for small awds with manual transmissions.
 
cybernation said:
I'm also not sure if I should pay cash for this commuter vehicle or get a loan. Are the new civics 2012 actually ok for acceleration?
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If you can, cash is best. 0-60 in 6.1 seconds (2012 civic Si, Car and Driver test), is that fast enough for you? and it gets 31mpg Hwy to boot.

I used to trumpet Toyotas as well, but their poor crash test results are downright scary. Prius and Camry are really really bad.

I wouldn't touch a Focus/hyundai/GM so we know where you are coming from. As a wild card, check out the all new Mazda 3. Yeah, its that good.
 
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If the OP is still searching, A regular Camry (non-hybrid) 4 banger will accommodate your frame very well and accommodate others if needed. It can also be well equipped at a reasonable price. A colleague is on his second one, lives in Peterborough and commutes a lot to Toronto. He quite enjoys it.

To me, it's an appliance but, it does ride well. The price point new and used is actually not the bad. A lot are used in company fleets for sales jobs and get turned in after 2 or 3 years with ok mileage and regular maintenance .


I'd check out the stuff from Hyundai as well.
 
cybernation said:
it's not a bad car but I had a 2008 accord v6 ex-l and I found it ate gas, and was pretty pricey in the end.. 32k. the one pictured is about the same price after tax etc.
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My relative, only a few months ago, picked up a brand new 2013 Accord Sport w Automatic and paid in the low 28s fully "out the door" including all fees and taxes once done with haggling and rebates. A 6sp manual version, the way God intended for Hondas to be bought, would be about a grand cheaper.

Not bad for a roomy largish sedan that does 0-60 in mid six seconds, and still returns 34mpg highway. Oh, btw, it ACEs the crash tests. , earning itself a TopSafteyPick+ from IIHS. :)

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ort-sedan-manual-long-term-test-update-review
 
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SunnY S said:
I wouldn't touch a Focus/hyundai/GM so we know where you are coming from. As a wild card, check out the all new Mazda 3. Yeah, its that good.
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Skyactiv engines require synthetic oil changes every 4 months or 8000 km. For most people this will completely wipe out (and probably grossly exceed) any money saved on fuel.

I'm not saying the non-skyactiv isn't worth looking at, but when I test drove a Mazda 3 in the summer, I went in expecting it to be my next car and left with the elantra ahead by miles (even at even money, between the two, the elantra would win for me).
 
SunnY S said:
My relative, only a few months ago, picked up a brand new 2013 Accord Sport w Automatic and paid in the low 28s fully "out the door" including all fees and taxes once done with haggling and rebates. A 6sp manual version, the way God intended for Hondas to be bought, would be about a grand cheaper.

Not bad for a roomy largish sedan that does 0-60 in mid six seconds, and still returns 34mpg highway. Oh, btw, it ACEs the crash tests. , earning itself a TopSafteyPick+ from IIHS. :)

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ort-sedan-manual-long-term-test-update-review
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You have stocks in Honda?
 
daught said:
Thread jack :p

Any insight into the suzuki SX4? 2008ish+ models go for a really good price. I don't really like the i-awd wannabe awd... it's no quattro, but it might be a decent winter car. Sucks that there are so few options for small awds with manual transmissions.
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not based on any "facts" but would believe that SX4 values are down due to Suzuki pulling from the automotive market. There would be 0 support for the vehicles now and likely very little aftermarket
 
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suzuki2000 said:
not based on any "facts" but would believe that SX4 values are down due to Suzuki pulling from the automotive market. There would be 0 support for the vehicles now and likely very little aftermarket
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I thought they just pulled out of the US. They are still alive and kickin in canada.
 
It's true and it's too bad because they were decent vehicles. We have a Suzuki Aerio here but as it gets older it will become increasingly difficult to find parts and service for it.

Suzuki's powersports division didn't leave though. Motorcycles, etc all continue to be sold in North America.
 
That sucks. The only option for an everyday manual AWD is between Audi and and Subaru. Audis are queens now and subbies are not the most reliable and rust resistant cars out there. Guess I am going to continue putting money in my 90.
 
Scuba Steve said:
Nope pulled out of Canada as well shortly after they left the US market.
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The dealers haven't closed yet, but they soon will. Suzuki in Canada is currently a zombie. I do not know how much support will continue to be available for existing owners.
 
Actually, it's possible that they are already done. Newmarket Suzuki is still there, but it's possible that it's only bikes and used cars (and Yamaha).

Few people have paid much attention to Suzuki cars in North America for years. Next up: Mitsubishi.
 
??? Price of synthetic oils have come down a lot, i very much doubt that an oil change every 8K that costs $20 more is gonna break the bank.

GreyGhost said:
Skyactiv engines require synthetic oil changes every 4 months or 8000 km. For most people this will completely wipe out (and probably grossly exceed) any money saved on fuel.

I'm not saying the non-skyactiv isn't worth looking at, but when I test drove a Mazda 3 in the summer, I went in expecting it to be my next car and left with the elantra ahead by miles (even at even money, between the two, the elantra would win for me).
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