2nd Vehicle. Civic vs. Mini vs. Rabbit

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Charley

I understand that you asked the question and limited the choices. However, I'd like to suggest that you look at the "full sized" models. The Camry, Accord, Altima, Malibu, Taurus sized vehicles are about the same price with only a couple of thousand more, have much more space and room, and the gas mileage is very little different. If you only use it for 15,000 miles or less a year, the fuel cost differential is not noticeable. If you are financing it, the payments are increased by $20 to $30 a month. When you want to go somewhere with another couple there is comfortable room for everyone. Because of the larger wheelbase, the ride will be a good deal more comfortable. I saw a red Accord the other day that was a darned good looking car.

I know what you mean but this is a second car to a big one. I was thinking the same thing

But I have been looking at the Nissan Sentra SE-R spec v. Cant find much info on them though.

 

[pabloj]

Originally Posted by culverwood

The 500 and immensely superior car to the Mini; Radicaldog are you having a laugh? It is a rebodied Punto.
Wrong, I'm sorry but it's a rebodied Panda (with work on the suspension and steering too ...) as much as the MiTO is a rebodied and reworked Grande Punto

I have tried both and the 500 is fine as a city car but over here considered even more girly than a Mini.

I agree (not on the "girly"), having tried both too, one thing should be noticed through, the 500 starts smaller, I mean that the lower end has very small engines and it's not apple to apple with the basic Mini One 1.6 or even (as some did in other sites) the Cooper S, as you said it's more of a city car. On the other end there is the Abarth / Abarth SS versions which are another animal and can be compared to the Cooper / Cooper S

 

[Arethusa]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

I know what you mean but this is a second car to a big one. I was thinking the same thing But I have been looking at the Nissan Sentra SE-R spec v. Cant find much info on them though.
They're not bad. Similar to the Civic Si. More torque, but about as fast. Front seats are more comfortable, rear seats don't fold down so it's a bit less useful. Handling isn't quite as good as the Si, and I think it's a little ugly. Nissan reliability isn't Honda reliability, but if you're just planning on leasing it for a while and don't intend to own it for the next ten years, probably isn't a huge difference.

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Arethusa

They're not bad. Similar to the Civic Si. More torque, but about as fast. Front seats are more comfortable, rear seats don't fold down so it's a bit less useful. Handling isn't quite as good as the Si, and I think it's a little ugly. Nissan reliability isn't Honda reliability, but if you're just planning on leasing it for a while and don't intend to own it for the next ten years, probably isn't a huge difference.

On the plus side, its MUCH cheaper. and I will not be keeping it past the 4 yr lease. No matter what I get I will not be keeping it. Unless the car is ridiculously good and I absolutely love it. But I doubt it. In 4 yrs or so, I will be upgrading to a nicer car. Its just a daily commuter beater that I want now....

 

[Arethusa]

In that case, either car is fine. Your prices must be pretty different from ours. The SER Spec-V isn't even a thousand less than the Si here. I would not want to own a VW for even four years, though, and I wouldn't really call a Mini reliable or cheap to maintain, even if it's not a VW.

 

[breakz]

Originally Posted by mc25

Dont get the Rabbit. It lacks power, and doesnt get great milage. And since its european parts are more expensive.
Hu-wha?? 170 HP/177 ft-lbs is lacking?

Originally Posted by Flambeur

You do realize that the Rabbit has more power than civic, mini, and even cooper S, right? it's not 2003 anymore. If you wanted bang for the buck performance, rabbit IS it.
This is more like it. I can't say Rabbit since you have a car already, but the Rabbit is a great, great primary car for under 18k USD. Bought a 07 a few years back (before the engine bumped to 170/177) and it was a bargain then. The car feels sturdy, has great acceleration, and handles very well. OP, my vote is a Mini. I'd love to have one as a daily driver, I hear they're a blast.

 

[culverwood]

Originally Posted by pabloj

Wrong, I'm sorry but it's a rebodied Panda (with work on the suspension and steering too ...)

You are right of course, my slip up.

 

[CityConnection]

Conclusion:

I ended up getting the 2009 Civic Si Coupe. I pick it up tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your opinions!

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

Conclusion:

I ended up getting the 2009 Civic Si Coupe. I pick it up tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your opinions!
Nice choice. Be sure to post pics.

 

[Mauby]

Smart choice...you & the Mrs. should be happy with it. BTW, auto or manual?

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Mauby

Smart choice...you & the Mrs. should be happy with it. BTW, auto or manual?

Manual.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

Manual.

 

[Mauby]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

Manual.

Awesome. Used to have an 02 EX with manual...it was fun.

 

[Rambo]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

Conclusion: I ended up getting the 2009 Civic Si Coupe. I pick it up tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your opinions!
Good call. It's a fun little car. Let us know when you get your first speeding ticket.

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Rambo

Good call. It's a fun little car. Let us know when you get your first speeding ticket.

I drove it last night. Im not very good at driving manual yet, but it is peppy. I like it. I'll get some pics up here once I snap a few...