2008 Civic EX-L?

Originally Posted by Sfkn2

Wirelessly posted (P990: Opera/9.50 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/4.0.9751/286; U; en))

There is no "Civic EX-L"..

As far as I know, there is no factory leather option.

Originally Posted by MicroT86

Honda introduced the EX-L model for 2008. It adds leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shifter and a few other additions to the regular EX.

To the OP, the Civic is a good and dependable car for the long run. I don't know if getting the navi is such a good deal considering the $2000 premium, I got a Tomtom for $150 that does the same thing.

Personally, I looked long and hard at the Honda Civic when I was car shopping but I ultimately decided against it because I found it boring to drive and the seats were too wide for me (I'm pretty thin and the lack of bolstering made driving kind of weird). But the Civic is definitely a good choice for its dependability and resale value in the long run.

If it matters any, I ended up getting a 2008 Nissan Sentra SL. After rebates and whatnot, I paid ~$18,600 (before TTL) for a great car with leather, bluetooth, keyless ignition and every option except the sound system. Not as great of a reputation as the Honda nor as good of mileage and resale value but I love my Sentra .

Originally Posted by akazmucha

@MicroT86:


Hmmm I'm looking at the Nissan website and I think I may actually have to go take a look at a Sentra now. haha

I never really looked at Nissan's as a whole. how is your gas mileage? That was one of my biggest concerns....

Do you have a remote starter also?

What about a sunroof?

if you have any pics of your car...can you post some of the interior? thanks for letting me know about these, i'd never even thought about looking. I've always liked altimas but never really knew too much about sentras!

Originally Posted by MicroT86

Most of my driving is in the city with some highway. Combined, I usually get about ~27 mpg with 2,300 miles on the car; I've heard that mileage improves after 3,000 miles so it won't be too long now.

My SL comes standard with most of the goodies like leather, bluetooth and the Intelligent Key but I don't have a remote starter. My Sentra has the all the options except for the sound pkg as I posted before, so whatever options there are, mine came with it.

I don't have any pics of the interior, I'll try to take some. But the interior is pretty much like the one shown on the website, not much "touching up" or anything. Admittedly, the leather is no where near the quality of Honda, I'm not complaining considering the price.

Originally Posted by akazmucha

PS: what color did you go with for your exterior? I am really liking the onyx blue or the silver, but black leather in the summer = hot!

Originally Posted by MicroT86

Mine is magnetic grey with black leather. The dealer searched the entire northeast region but couldn't find the saddle brown leather, which was my first choice.

As for Nissans, the good thing about them is that it's easy to get invoice and the Sentra has a $1,250 cash back rebate now for their 50-year anniversary event to make the deal even sweeter.

Originally Posted by MyPoison

Originally Posted by nepali

Civics are good cars. My parents have a 2004 model with about 110,000 miles and it still runs perfectly. Newer ones are even better. I'd definitely recommend this car. Now, on the Navigation topic, I recommend you to not pay the premium price at all. You can get a really good double-din premium-brand Navi/DVD Player for around $500 to $800 and I guarantee you that they will have much nicer features than your premium factory one.

Originally Posted by B5.5PassatGLX

You could save some cash and go with an aftermarket nav unit, but in my experience, the Honda/Acura navigation systems are very well designed and easy to use. Definitely in the upper echelon. As for the leather, I've always found Honda's to be a step below everyone elses. Toyota uses supple leather while Honda's usually feels almost like vinyl.

Originally Posted by amkls704

How do those work, do you plug them into something, or do they install into your dash somewhere? It always confused me, lol

**EDIT: As far as the navi built-in goes, i really didn't want an external unit, but i'm still debating over what i want to do. i have no idea yet and i really need to decide.

Originally Posted by Petey07

I went thru the same thing as the OP but instead, I was looking for a V6 engine because I do not like the power of I-4 (I need more power haha) But
Comparing the price of Civic EX-L and Accord Ex-L which is only about acouple thousand differnet, I rahter get the accord, becasue it's bigger, powerful and have everything i need. But instead, of these two, I got myself a TL with Navi, and love this car to death! I just added a dvd player to the car navi, so It's pretty cool as well as a backup camera.

But back to the OP, Civic is nice, but I probably would go for an Accord which is only acouple thousand differnet.

Originally Posted by EChid

Not that I'm going to help with this but I've always found that Toyota interiors are really cheap in comparison to Hondas.

Originally Posted by EChid

Yep, I agree, totally a matter of preference. I do agree that the interior is a little wacky, I too am somewhat bothered by the long dash (sometimes it seems wasteful) but I don't think its cheap at all. With the exception of the door handles.

Plus, when I see Honda has better interiors I am referring to past experiance. My friends have a Corolla that has had some questionable interior problems with it (random stuff falling off). Plus, when I drove a Matrix is seemed to have a really cheap interior too. I must say though, I know nothing about Scion's since I live in Canada and they are not sold here, so the situation could be totally different to my experiences. You certainly can't really go wrong with Toyota-inspired reliability.

Btw, I too hate Pontiacs.

Originally Posted by paul34

I disagree about the leather. Honda leather is definitely far above Toyota leather, unless we're talking about Lexus... but that's not a fair comparison.

All of Honda's newer cars have great interiors. They are all solidly and thoughtfully built with handling and general driving feel that is above average for their class.

Toyotas... well, they are pure transportation appliances. Well-engineered devices that sort of disappear into the background of your life and get you where you need to go. That is what they are good at, and obviously what most people want.

Scions are different from your typical Toyota. I drive a tC 5spd.

I work as a valet though so if you have any more questions let me know! If you can think of a car I've probably driven it... some so many times to the point of nausea! lol

Originally Posted by amkls704

The first thing that comes to mind for me with any Volkswagen, is the obscene cost of repairs on them.

Originally Posted by EChid

That is exactly why we are dumping our Jetta.

Originally Posted by EChid

Ours only has 145,000kms on it (keep in mind that is kilometres not miles and we are a Honda family, so that is low for us), and we have had to put $1000 into it in repairs in the last month, and with an exhaust thats falling apart and a possible turbo issue we had enough. VW does small cars well, they are classy and comfortable. But own them above five years...I would not.

Anyway, that only serves as proof that Honda/Toyota are the way to go as per lemonaid, consumer reports etc.

Originally Posted by amkls704

I'm a little confused, so do you like the tCs then? I can't tell whether your vouching for Honda or Toyota lol?

I know Hondas are built well and you can literally run them into the ground. My whole thing is the dash. The 2-tierd thing. I feel like I am making myself like it. And that shouldn't be the case, you know? I like Hondas too, otherwise, they wouldn't have been one of my first choices - and almost what I got, but for a 22,000 car, I should be completely happy with.

I like the tC and the fact that I can add the leather/Navi, etc when I want and that way, when I buy the car, that's not included in the purchase price, therefore I'm not paying interest on the Navi, leather, etc since I'll just get it in about 6 months when I can just pay it out of pocket and have the time to do it. As far as leather quality - I'm not all that into cars, and as an average consumer, I probably wouldn't tell a big difference.

So you own a tC? How is it working out for you?

Originally Posted by paul34

Haha, sorry. YEa I love my tC . Scions in general are kind of different from your typical Toyota so that is why my statement seemed sort of self-defeating.

Yea, I agree with you about the dash thing with Civics. I don't like it either.

Hmm, have you looked at maybe a Mazda 3?

edit: just saw you are going with a tC! good choice don't get any accessories, but if oyu can throw it into financing (or are ok by yourself mechanically especially, since accessories are much cheaper from some places that aren't the dealer you buy from), I recommend the rear swaybar and springs from TRD.

I have the springs on my car, not the TRD sway - I use a stiffer sway that is from Progress - but nonethless, it will sure up the handling of the car significantly without making it harsh for a daily driver.

Originally Posted by EChid

Ours only has 145,000kms on it (keep in mind that is kilometres not miles and we are a Honda family, so that is low for us), and we have had to put $1000 into it in repairs in the last month, and with an exhaust thats falling apart and a possible turbo issue we had enough. VW does small cars well, they are classy and comfortable. But own them above five years...I would not.

Anyway, that only serves as proof that Honda/Toyota are the way to go as per lemonaid, consumer reports etc.

Originally Posted by paul34

Yup! Well, I will go bullet format

* There is a OEM Navi/thing avaiable now on 08 models. It is quite expensive compared to aftermarket, but sometimes it can be financed in with a minimum increase in monthly payment. You could get something like a Pioneer AVIC-D3 and put it in, which would be much cheaper, but obviously nothing will ever look as OEM as the OEM unit . (actually, if we want to get technical, the "OEM" unit is actually manufactured by Alpine for Scion!)

* Leather is actually not a "real" option for the tC - meaning, there is no leather from the factory. Most dealers offer leather in that they will send it to a place that does upholstery and will either take off the fabric and put leather on, or more likely, will install leather seatcovers. Don't let that discourage you, however; good leather seat covers are very high quality and fit just as if they were leather seats. Personally, I like the way the seat fabric goes with the same fabric on the door on and such so I haven't changed it (okay okay - I don't want to spend like $500 on seat covers! right now anyway ). But yea, I like the stock fabric, too. The only thing I've changed is installing a new cover on the armrest thingy in the center with an alcantra one from a company called RedlineGoods. It is very comfortable.

tC is definitely a fun car, but at the very least I strongly recommend the TRD rear swaybar - it'll make the car much more fun in the corners if you like that sort of thing

Originally Posted by B5.5PassatGLX

I stayed as far away from the 1.8t engine as I could. One thing's for sure, you better be in a stable financial situation if you are going to own a vdub. There is something to be said about the way they build and package their cars, though. They set the class standards for fit and finish and safety, among other "little" features (telescoping wheel, key design). The 03-07 Accord was actually designed around the 98-05 Passat. I like my Accord, but it's not built the same way the Passat is, actually, it's not really even close. The dub costs so much more to repair, and it has had more problems, but at the end of the day I always find myself smiling behind the wheel of the Passat. The car has a "soul" and personality that isn't present on any toyota or Honda I've ever driven. Everthing from the beep and snowflake flashing on the MFA when it's cold outside to the the way the weather stripping is molded with precision around the doors and engine bay. Serious thought went into designing every aspect, and it instills a certain pride of ownership. I think there's a reason that vw has the highest resale values in the industry - A loyal following not found with other brands.

Originally Posted by EChid

We have an '03 Honda Accord LX-G with a 5spd. and it definitely has soul. Its a joy to drive and has just as much, if not more, personality than the VDub.

Originally Posted by EChid

We have an '03 Honda Accord LX-G with a 5spd. and it definitely has soul. Its a joy to drive and has just as much, if not more, personality than the VDub.

Originally Posted by vinvam

you can get the pioneer avic-d3 for about $800 installed at circuit city
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Pion...roductDetail.do

much cheaper than the $2010 scion charges

Originally Posted by pudgewack

The one thing that turned me off on the TC is gas millage. EPA estimate are 20/27 (a friend gets around 25 mpg about 50% highway/50% city). I do not think that is too good for a new 4 banger (especailly vs a civic). This, however, is the reason why they are so fun to drive......tourqe eats gas.

Good luck,
Matt

Originally Posted by amkls704

Wow! Really? I am so glad I posted this stuff here. I would have been mad if I got that, haha

Also, they will install it for you?

One more question too, haha - Does that one require a monthly subscription fee?

Originally Posted by vinvam

the normal price of the headunit is $1000
it's on sale right now at circuit city for $800
circuit city can install it for an extra $100

circuit city installations are pretty expensive
maybe you can just buy the unit and then get it installed by a local car audio shop or a friend who knows this kinda stuff

and i'm pretty sure there's no monthly fee
unless if you want satellite radio or something

EDIT:
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=165675
this guy has a pretty seamless install
he even got the steering wheel controls working

Originally Posted by vinvam

you can save even more money on your tc if you buy it used (under 10000 miles)
very lightly used, but great savings!

there's an 07 tc with just under 2000 miles for $13.5k!

Originally Posted by vinvam

here's the one that was 13k
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...leadExists=true

here's another with 2600 miles for only 13k
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...leadExists=true

here's a blue one with 1500 miles for 15k
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...leadExists=true


cars.com is your friend!

Originally Posted by suthurnlatino

I was in the market for a Civic in 2005 when they first got the redesign and now 3 years later I'm buying a 2008. The 2009 Corolla didn't impress me and the rest of the competition is still the same. The interiors on the Toyota's felt/looked really cheap. Not saying the Civic interior is fancy but the materials just sucked in the Toyota. If I was driving a vehicle into the ground (keeping for 5+ years) I probably would consider a Hyundai Elantra.

The MPG on these cars is awesome! I only wish Honda offered stability control and bluetooth. I guess I can always put a Motorola unit in the sun visor.

I am going for a plain EX though as gadgets like Navi and leather seats don't really have value in a Civic. Map updates are easier/cheaper on your phone or a stand-alone GPS device. I already paid like $360 for my LS's map updates!

I'm looking to pay 19k OTD btw in South FL. The end of the month is the best time to buy.

Originally Posted by amkls704

Really?! I'm seeing EPA of 21/29 on Edmunds.com.

I know 2 people that have them and they both said they get good gas mileage with theirs. Hmmm....guess it depends on how you drive too. I don't drive like a bat out of hell, haha

And for me, I have a jeep liberty now, so any 4-cyl is easier on gas than my jeep.

Originally Posted by amkls704

Yeah - I don't ever trust private sellers typically. Yeah, you can get a carfax report but nothing everything is always on there. Places aren't required to report an accident. Sometimes they don't. I just really want to buy a brand new car this time around. I have the money to do it, and I've been waiting for over a year to where I got a ton of equity out of my Jeep just for that purpose, so that's what I'm gonna do.

Originally Posted by amkls704

Yeah - I don't ever trust private sellers typically. Yeah, you can get a carfax report but nothing everything is always on there. Places aren't required to report an accident. Sometimes they don't. I just really want to buy a brand new car this time around. I have the money to do it, and I've been waiting for over a year to where I got a ton of equity out of my Jeep just for that purpose, so that's what I'm gonna do.

Originally Posted by IsLand_BoY

I average 18.5 MPG with 100% city driving in my Camry, with the same I4 in the tC. And I'm talking harsh city driving which consists of plenty of cold starts and short trips. That kills fuel economy for any car. I've gotten as high as 25-26 MPG with mostly highway. All highway would probably be close to 30 MPG. I track my mileage in Excel .

The one thing with the tC that's a shame is that it's a 4 speed auto (if you're going that route). Even the Civic has got a 5 speed auto!

Originally Posted by R3ADi7

ouch. i get the same mpg as you in my v8 'bird and trust me, i don't drive like a grandma.

Originally Posted by IsLand_BoY

And do you get 30 MPG highway too?

I get my fix elsewhere. Like in the Avalon. 280 HP + unmatched reliability + comfort =

Originally Posted by B5.5PassatGLX

While it's okay to want a new car, your reasoning as far as used cars go is very extreme.

I don't know why you're not looking at a Mazda 3. It's a much superior car than everything your looking at, including the grandma Scion.

Originally Posted by B5.5PassatGLX

lol come on man, that is a totally different car. Throw that boat into a turn and see how comfortable you feel

Originally Posted by EChid

He's talking about the aforementioned Avalon and its soft suspension. It would be interesting in hard cornering to say the least.

Originally Posted by B5.5PassatGLX

lol come on man, that is a totally different car. Throw that boat into a turn and see how comfortable you feel

Originally Posted by amkls704

The Avalon reminds me of something my mom would drive, not so much me.

Originally Posted by IsLand_BoY

I like the new Avalon a lot, and I drive it often. It's just a bit impractical because it's so big. The Camry is a nice compromise

Originally Posted by EChid

Even the Camry is big IMO

Originally Posted by IsLand_BoY

But the Corolla/Civic, and even tC is too small. Something along the lines of the Corolla and Civic would be more practical but I don't want to drive an econobox. I guess if it's all you know, or if a car is just a car, it doesn't matter. I'm just used to something with more comfort than a Corolla - which by the way, is not bad at all but it doesn't compare to the Camry.

I really hope Toyota doesn't make the next Camry obese like Honda did with the Accord. The Accord is now as large as the Avalon! And the Avalon has a 112in wheelbase and is something like 200in long.

Originally Posted by paul34

The new Camry is the size of the old Avalon. It is just an endless cycle.

And the tC is deceptive in rear legroom. I find it is more comfortable than most four door cars like the Corolla. And I am 5' 10" with long legs.

Originally Posted by B5.5PassatGLX

How bout a 4 door gti (sorry, I did't get a shamless plug in yet)

Originally Posted by xxjdmsexSi

OP,

if you want more information on the Civic-EX, post on 8thcivic.com. They could answer any questions you have. I'm actually looking to buy a Civic-EX for myself as well. If you're looking to save gas, a hybrid would be the best bet, but prices... My boyfriend currently has a '07 Toyota Yaris, it's not a hybrid, but it saves so much gas!