Vroom?

[danalwyn]

So, as part of the whole moving thing, I'm looking to try and buy a car. I think I want a new car because a) now should be a good time to buy, and b) the brands I'm looking at don't deprecate in value that fast, so a used car doesn't save me that much.

Right now I'm looking back and forth between two boring cars, the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic, both in pretty basic models. They cost the same for all practical purposes, the Corolla coming with cruise control, and the Civic with power windows and a better dashboard design. They are, performance on paper-wise, practically the same car. Comparing them gets down into nitty gritty, like the fact that the Corolla has four cupholders to the Civic's two (not that this matters. I can't hold four drinks at once anyway).

Anyone have any experience with these cars and something to recommend? I'm interested in opinions, or anything else anyone has to offer.

Comments

[tx-cronopio.livejournal.com]

I'm sure they're both fine, but I have loved my Corolla -- going on six years now and I've never had a problem. And because they rarely change the body style, it doesn't look 6 years old.

[danalwyn.livejournal.com]

I'll tally that as one vote for Toyota's legendary reliability.

[lookingforwater.livejournal.com]

I drive a Corolla that I think is magic. Evidence: once slid out on icy road due to asshole in SUV being too good to switch to the fast lane and nearly rear-ending me. Came to sudden and unexpected halt half a foot away from tree.

Also, blew out tire on I95 after midnight, so was going about ninety. Did not skid or spin. Just felt lump, hit brakes, slowed and limped a hundred yards to the exit. Rim wasn't even dented.

DRIVE COROLLAS. THEY ARE MAGIC.

[danalwyn.livejournal.com]

Yes, Toyotas are very good cars, and they respond very well to accidental mishaps. Unfortunately, so do Hondas.

I will, however, tally this as another vote for the Toyota safety and reliability clause.

[silverjackal.livejournal.com]

Both are nice, but I'd say you may want to consider a third, the Toyota Matrix. In the hatch back version you can fit an absolutely astonishing amount into the vehicle given it's size, which might be useful for transporting household things (such as when moving or buying new furnishings).

[danalwyn.livejournal.com]

I did look at the Matrix, but I'm really not moving that much stuff myself (and the few large pieces won't fit in the Matrix anyway), and I think I'd much rather have a standard sedan for driving around town all the time.

[silverjackal.livejournal.com]

Heh. It all depends on one's needs, and that's why there's such a diversity of models. I own a sedan myself and never had a problem since I have friends with SUVs and trucks, and a work truck to use at need. House ownership did change my perspective, however. Talk about boring vehicles? When the time comes to replace my vehicle I'd like nothing better than a station wagon (though I may end up with one of those crossovers or small SUV's). :)

Have you test driven either vehicle? If you're at an impasse on paper, there's nothing like sitting in a vehicle and putting it through it's paces to decide. Personally I like the ride and the internal space on the Toyota better than on a Honda, but it's a very personal thing.

[aries-ascendant.livejournal.com]

If you're going to be doing long distance driving on the interstate, definitely go for cruise control.

I have never heard anyone speak an ill word (at least dependability wise) about a Toyota or a Civic. I think you're safe with both cars in that regard.

P.S. I want a Scion tC. :D

[danalwyn.livejournal.com]

I don't know how much long-distance I would be doing. I'm sort of guessing here.

I think I'll stick with my choices. They're sort of cheap.

[mergle.livejournal.com]

I don't have opinions on the two vehicles you're considering, since I take the bus mostly and our car is the same one I drove when I was in HS.

But I have a subscription to Consumer Reports, so if you want any of that sort of information, I can look it up for you.

[danalwyn.livejournal.com]

I looked over Consumer Reports already, so I know what they said. Mostly it was: "These are the same car".

Also: HOW DID IT GO?
Inquiring minds want to know.

[mergle.livejournal.com]

See LJ. ^^