Topic: New car thoughts.....for a girl :D

[22angel]

Ok, say you were buying a new OR used car for your daughter/sister/girlfriend/mother/wife etc....any female in your family.

There aren't a lot of requirements:

1.  Automatic
2.  Air conditioning
3.  Cruise control
4.  4 door
5.  Mostly used for medium distances (say around 30 miles or so), so it has to have good gas mileage


What car would you suggest?  Why?  What are the pros and cons of it??

**This is not specifically for me yet, as I still have a year left to pay on my stupid car (see this post http://www.cartalkcanada.com/forum/index.php/topic,44328.0.html ), but I'm curious for my next car.  Need some opinions...what do you think is the best option?

[articsteve]

Your car still chugging?  Take another peek at your "winter problem" thread.

For a young lady who needs reliability, safety, value and a car that will sell the minute it hits the paper if you need to sell it quick;

06 Honda Civic DXG coupe or sedan.

How much left on the Cavilier do you have owing?  I only ask because if the wholesale value equals the loan then trade it in now and get rid of it before something really goes wrong.

Start again fresh.  The 06 Civic will get twice the mileage that your chugging pile of junk gets now.  Factor that in to the monthlies.

EDIT:  Opps.  Just to torture ppl and push them up into a more expensive model the Civic DXG does not have cruise.   DXG auto 4 door lists for $20,000.  Now or soon anyone can get $500 off but Freight and PDI is another $1400.

[goldstone]

[RANT]

Why oh why do you require cruise control if you plan to use the car mostly for medium distances?

And then people complain that car prices are out of control.

[/RANT]

[auto_enthusiast]

It also depends how much you want to spend...that's a important one

[22angel]

ArticSteve:
I haven't driven my car since tuesday night (I think that was when I first posted here).  Scares me too much    Anyhow, I'm going to give my "list of problem solvers" from all of you helpful bunch to my mechanic, and see what he can do with it. 

I have a little more than $4200 left on my car.  I will be finished paying for it next March (2007).  I don't really want a new car right now, b/c I am going back to school in the fall, (financial stuff going through, it will happen!), but I may want to sell this car and get rid of it.

GoldStone:
When I say "medium distances", it's 20 miles each way (currently) and I tend to have a heavy foot....Don't really want a speeding ticket, and demerits on my license!  Set it at 105-110 km/hr, and I'm good to go.  I don't know if that's "medium" to anyone else, but it is to me.  Sorry if I was unclear.  I don't really care how much cruise control is, I would just prefer to have it.  I don't have a problem paying for it when I want it, it's when I have to pay for all the other stuff that I don't want.

Auto_enthusiast:
As I'm considering this a possiblity for a few years down the road, I'm not sure exactly how much I want to spend on it.  My current car, a 2000 Cavalier, was $12,000 in 2003.  If I was to buy another one right now, I wouldn't want to go too much more expensive than that.  BUT, if I had to, and I *knew* it wasn't going to give me grief, then I would go more, if I had to.

Thanks for your responses....

 

[articsteve]

I fully understand money issues.  I was just responding to the "new" part of your request.

Even used, Honda is the way to go or Toyota Corolla.

Unfortunately cruise is not a stand alone option.  Usually it forces ppl to go up a level.

[22angel]

What do you mean "up a level"?  Sorry...

[articsteve]

OK, take the new 06 Civic.  In Canada they offer 4 models plus a sports version.

1.  DX - no AC
2.  DXG - AC and most goodies but no cruise
3.  LX- what DXG has but cuise and nice wheels
4.  EX -what LX is but much more.

LX is almost 2 grand more than DXG 

[22angel]

Ooooooyyyyy....that's crazy!!!  Oh well.  It won't be for awhile yet...maybe I'll have enough money then!  lol (In about 5 years or so...) 
and there is always old fashioned air conditioning!!
Thanks Steve!

[articsteve]

 

[Giant Dwarf]

For someone looking at a car as more of an appliance, I'd suggest a new Toyota Corolla is the better choice than a new Civic right now.  The Civic is too popular (and surely a more enjoyable car to drive), and as such, has higher rates right now. 

The Corolla (nearing the end of its lifecycle) will give you plenty of room, quiet, comfortable, reliable and very efficient operation for years to come if it's properly maintained.  As exciting as plain toast, but a near-perfect conveyance appliance.

[safristi]

Why assume all "GIRLS'LADIES/SLAGS!!! " wanna drive basic auto's with easy to drive appliances added......YUP FEMALES make 60% of the household buying decisions on CAR PURCAHSES...SO U single GUYS watch who YA DATE!!!!! ....I believe there about 6 FEMALE driving extroverts still available........   Danica CALL ME!!!!?..when I'm done wif DAGMAR!!!!

[articsteve]

Why assume all "GIRLS'LADIES/SLAGS!!! " wanna drive basic auto's with easy to drive appliances added......YUP FEMALES make 60% of the household buying decisions on CAR PURCAHSES...SO U single GUYS watch who YA DATE!!!!! ....I believe there about 6 FEMALE driving extroverts still available........   Danica CALL ME!!!!?..when I'm done wif DAGMAR!!!!

Why assume    

Let's review; My current car, a 2000 Cavalier, was $12,000 in 2003.   As per her other thread this Cavalier, being exactly what it is; a bag of GM , was trouble for her right from the start (what a surprise?).  So Saffy, I think she was had enough of being an EXTROVERT and now is looking for a PEACEFUL relationship with a car.  

[safristi]

Oh Artic ya have WON ME OVR!!!! are ya FREE TANITE.....

[Giant Dwarf]

Why assume all "GIRLS'LADIES/SLAGS!!! " wanna drive basic auto's with easy to drive appliances added......YUP FEMALES make 60% of the household buying decisions on CAR PURCAHSES...SO U single GUYS watch who YA DATE!!!!! ....I believe there about 6 FEMALE driving extroverts still available........   Danica CALL ME!!!!?..when I'm done wif DAGMAR!!!!

When all yer lookin' for is Automatic, A/C, Cruise Control and 4 doors, it's a pretty safe assumption here I'd think.

Hey, I was the first to encourage Brigitte to go for a new GTI. 

[22angel]

Yup, I'm a plain Jane, boring and simple!  The simpler the better!  Anyhow, I'm  not really into the cars for the "looks", or the accessories.  It's more for just getting to work, and back, and the odd trip to the city (about once a month or so)....Also, I'm thinking about the future (in the next 5 or so years, not any time soon, as far as I know!

Why assume    

Let's review; My current car, a 2000 Cavalier, was $12,000 in 2003.   As per her other thread this Cavalier, being exactly what it is; a bag of GM , was trouble for her right from the start (what a surprise?).  So Saffy, I think she was had enough of being an EXTROVERT and now is looking for a PEACEFUL relationship with a car.  

EXACTLY Steve!  Thanks!   

[froggy]

Get an Accent, Japanese quality at Korean price! 
+ 5 years warranty, a no brainer IMO.

[Shnak]

How about the new Honda Fit LX? With auto transmission, it'll be about $18,400 and comes with everything you want... auto, A/C, cruise, excellent fuel economy... and versatility of the hatch which can always be useful.