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I need to buy a car this week and after some reading and research, I decided to get either a Civic, Civic Hybrid or Corolla. I am planning on getting it used between 2006 to 2009.
Originally, I was only interested in the Civic Hybrid - but I keep reading that people prefer the regular Civic because a lot of people don't think there's a big difference in the MPG of the hybrid vs non-hybrid. And the Corolla...we'll...it's just another good, affordable gas efficient choice I made.
I just want to hear people's input and advice on my 3 choices. My main concern is getting good gas mileage. All 3 cars - are around the same price category - with the hybrid being a bit more expensive, but not my much.
Personal preference, I choose the Corolla. Don't like the styling of the Civic in this generation. The Corolla is not offensive and is easy to live with. I test drove that generation Corolla on our horrible Louisiana roads and it was smooth and comfortable.
I bought a 2006 Civic brand new. In six years of ownership, I have had to replace a motor mount and starter. At 90k miles, I plan to replace the timing belt and water pump. Both of the Civics I have owned haved proven to be very reliable as long as they are properly maintained. I average 29 MPG using premium fuel. I can usually fill up th tank for under $35.00.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I drive a Civic Hybrid at work, and they are awful. You can't reach the door handle to close it once seated, the driver side window fell out one day, and the way the generative brakes work is just unsafe. You cannot inch forward at all as when parking, it lurches like a bad stick shift driver from a stop on a hill, and all the dash battery related instruments are distracting.
I drive a Civic Hybrid at work, and they are awful. You can't reach the door handle to close it once seated, the driver side window fell out one day, and the way the generative brakes work is just unsafe. You cannot inch forward at all as when parking, it lurches like a bad stick shift driver from a stop on a hill, and all the dash battery related instruments are distracting.
If you can afford a Civic Hybrid, I'd get a Prius instead.
I'm a bit partial to the Honda Civic (non-hybrid).. I've owned one for 13 years (and counting) and it's been very cheap to maintain and operate while providing satisfactory comfort and performance for day to day driving. I've heard similar things about the Toyota Corolla but I don't have any first hand experience with it.
Both of the Civics I have owned haved proven to be very reliable as long as they are properly maintained. I average 29 MPG using premium fuel. I can usually fill up th tank for under $35.00.
Why the heck is premium fuel used in a Civic? At roughly 20 cents a gallon more than regular, it is just a waste of money. Every auto expert that has commented on it insists that burning premium in a car designed for regular offers no advantages whatsoever and gains nothing.
Why the heck is premium fuel used in a Civic? At roughly 20 cents a gallon more than regular, it is just a waste of money. Every auto expert that has commented on it insists that burning premium in a car designed for regular offers no advantages whatsoever and gains nothing.
Not to mention premium fuel actually has lower energy content. You'll probably be getting 31 - 34 mpg if using regular instead of 29.
I'd stay away from the Hybrid if your going to keep it a while. Who wants to incure the battery replacement cost?
I would choose either the regular Civic or Corolla from these choices, depending on which one I liked better as far as ride/drive/comfort. I would consider them fairly interchangeable.
If you can afford a Civic Hybrid, I'd get a Prius instead.
I'm a bit partial to the Honda Civic (non-hybrid).. I've owned one for 13 years (and counting) and it's been very cheap to maintain and operate while providing satisfactory comfort and performance for day to day driving. I've heard similar things about the Toyota Corolla but I don't have any first hand experience with it.
+1 about the prius if you can swing it...
3rd gen 2010 and up, 50+MPG if you can drive like an MPG champ during proper circumstances... easy 40+MPG even driving like a jackass.. Im getting 49-51MPG right now driving my much bigger/heavier company prius V thats rated at 44-40- 42 MPG combined.. around town and mixed 55-60 MPH two lanes.. I'm sure it'll go back down to 39-45MPG when I hit the highways again at 70-80MPH..
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