Just bought a new car...

[mdsisquo]

My 1991 Explorer pretty much died on me, but I've been expecting this for a while. I decided I need a car that is

1) Fairly Cheap

2) Gets at least 25 MPG on the HWY

3) Will be reliable for at least 5 years

4) Retains value well, just incase I need to sell it

5) Is fun to drive




So I decided on the 2003 Honda Civic Si. It's quick as hell and handles very well and Pretty quick off the line. Gets 31 MPG on the HWY, Honda reliability, retains value extremely well, and It's a blast to drive. Comes standard with ABS/AC/Power locks and windows/ 15" rims and a sunroof. Also got them to throw in fog lights (would have been 700 extra bucks) wheel locks and floor mats. Car started at $19,000 and stole it from them at $16,500. I'm happy with the car. Nice to not have to worry If my car will make it wherever I want to go and back. BTW, just so you all know, it's not like a normal Civic, it's a hatchback and the "sports model". If I can figure out how to attach an image I will. Got it at 1.9% over 60 months. 2 grand down, monthly payments of 277.01. Insurance is KILLING me though. I won't even tell any of you how much cause you won't believe me. But thats what happens when your 19 and get a new car that the insurance people call a "race car" or whatever they said. It's not THAT fast, lol. Just thought I'd share this with you all. The best part is that I finally used the Cardinal Bumper sticker I bought in AZ. I would have put it on my old car but I knew it would be gone soon. Now, the sticker is being put to good use! Say it LOUD, "I'm a Cardinal fan and I'm PROUD!" Can't wait to hear all the **** the skins fans will give me, living in the DC area for those who don't know where I'm from.

 

[SECTION 11]

Used to have a 98 Civic. I liked it. I could fit two mountain bikes and a set of golf clubs in the back with the seats down.

 

[AZCB34]

Some friends of ours just bought the Honda gas/electric hybrid car and they love it. Over 40MPG. Great in these high gas prices-times we have.

Congrats on the wheels.

 

[CardinalChris]

Civics are great. I have a 99 GMC v-8 that Ihave to take a loan out to fill up!! Those Hondas are about as reliable as they come.

Hey, quick question..... I am thinking of moving to Arizona (The ultimate in being a fan.... move for the proximity of the team) after I graduate in a couple of years. Anybody have any cities they prefer?

 

[CatBoxBackFan]

Nice Car,tell me how it goes,Im looking for a new car in a year

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by AZCB34
Some friends of ours just bought the Honda gas/electric hybrid car and they love it. Over 40MPG. Great in these high gas prices-times we have.

Congrats on the wheels.

The Insight? I've been considering it the thing gets 68 MPG they claim but I was concerned about lack of get up and go and safety?

Also, if I have to fork over 20K to save money on gas is that a good thing? I'd rather get an Avalanche (-:

 

[AZCB34]

Originally posted by Russ Smith
The Insight? I've been considering it the thing gets 68 MPG they claim but I was concerned about lack of get up and go and safety?

Also, if I have to fork over 20K to save money on gas is that a good thing? I'd rather get an Avalanche (-:

Insight is the name? Don't recall that. They have said they were shocked by the getup but they doubt it will be at all effective in the mountains. It is a around town kind of car but they love it.

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by AZCB34
Insight is the name? Don't recall that. They have said they were shocked by the getup but they doubt it will be at all effective in the mountains. It is a around town kind of car but they love it.

My girlfriend and I were eating Brunch outdoors over the weekend and a girl pulled up in one and people were asking her about it. She loved it. I wanted to ask some questions but she was cute and I figured my girlfriend had a knife and fork handy so anything that could possibly construed as flirting was probably a bad idea!

I love the hybrid concept I think that the electric cars and hydrogen fuel cells cars a complete waste of time and money that's being forced down our throats by lobby groups.

Hell 18 months ago the state of California was doing random blackouts daily due to an electrical shortage, if even 10% of the state had been driving electric cars at the time can you imagine the impact on the electrical reserves?

Hydrogen cars sound brilliant, the only thing they put out is water, the problem is a very basic one, where is the available supply of hydrogen? The way they get it now is so ridiculously expensive that even heavily subsidized models would cost 60K and the true cost of one of those things is astronomical.

I think Hybrid cars are absolutely the future. The Insight to me looks very fragile I'd be really concerned it can withstand impacts like a typical car accident but I assume it had to pass safety tests.

 

[Cardinal Bob]

I had a '95 Honda Civic...for four days. Yep, four days. Fourth day I had it, it got stolen in NYC.

Take it form me, mdsisquo, enjoy the car, but don't drive your Civic to NYC!

 

[Lex]

The Toyota Prius is another electric hybrid car, like the Insight. People seem to really enjoy these vehicles, but they are VERY limited in production, and I am not convinced that the batteries will last more than 2-3 years. You can buy a lot of gas for what it'll cost to replace those batteries.

I'm driving a Toyota Tacoma Prerunner, because I need the high ground clearance, and hauling capacity, for my golf clubs, and for when the gas grill propane tank goes empty.

 

[SECTION 11]

Originally posted by Lex
I'm driving a Toyota Tacoma Prerunner, because I need the high ground clearance, and hauling capacity, for my golf clubs, and for when the gas grill propane tank goes empty.

And certainly don't forget about those five grocery bags!
Those'll just crush a regular car.

 

[AZCB34]

Originally posted by Russ Smith
My girlfriend and I were eating Brunch outdoors over the weekend and a girl pulled up in one and people were asking her about it. She loved it. I wanted to ask some questions but she was cute and I figured my girlfriend had a knife and fork handy so anything that could possibly construed as flirting was probably a bad idea!

I love the hybrid concept I think that the electric cars and hydrogen fuel cells cars a complete waste of time and money that's being forced down our throats by lobby groups.

Hell 18 months ago the state of California was doing random blackouts daily due to an electrical shortage, if even 10% of the state had been driving electric cars at the time can you imagine the impact on the electrical reserves?

Hydrogen cars sound brilliant, the only thing they put out is water, the problem is a very basic one, where is the available supply of hydrogen? The way they get it now is so ridiculously expensive that even heavily subsidized models would cost 60K and the true cost of one of those things is astronomical.

I think Hybrid cars are absolutely the future. The Insight to me looks very fragile I'd be really concerned it can withstand impacts like a typical car accident but I assume it had to pass safety tests.

According to their research, the crash test came out very favorable. They said they feel safe in it as well.

The one drawback is there is only one interior color and something like 3 exterior colors.

They also said it takes getting used to stopping at a light and having the engine shut off...then start right back up when they drive away.

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by Lex
The Toyota Prius is another electric hybrid car, like the Insight. People seem to really enjoy these vehicles, but they are VERY limited in production, and I am not convinced that the batteries will last more than 2-3 years. You can buy a lot of gas for what it'll cost to replace those batteries.

I'm driving a Toyota Tacoma Prerunner, because I need the high ground clearance, and hauling capacity, for my golf clubs, and for when the gas grill propane tank goes empty.

Agreed and the concept of how to dispose of all those batteries is another one not well determined yet. The Prius gets less gas mileage than the Insight, I think it's a bit heavier and a bit bigger engine.

The basic problem is they're so expensive even heavily subsidized, that nobody will mass produce them until there's a clear sign we're all tired of lower MPG cars.

I have a jeep cherokee Sport which is fine for towing my boat but I'd sure like a bigger engine like the Avalanche for hills, without giving up space. I'll probably end up buying a pickup with a shell for my next car. My jeep is a '97 people told me I'd be lucky to get 75K miles on it but I'm at 110K with no major problems. I figure when I get to 150 it'll be time for something new, hopefully by then they'll have a Hybrid SUV that can tow a 16 foot boat!

 

[Lex]

No, no Section 11, I never take the Prerunner to the grocery store, it takes too long to re-bag the stuff when it's rolled all over the bed. Plus, the ice cream would melt.

We only take the SUV to the grocery store. It's got a cargo net!

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Lucky you

You are lucky if you buy into a hybrid vehicle right now. Seems that the state might pass a law stating any hybrid vehicle can use the HOV lane on Phoenix freeways at any time.

No traffic??? Now that's conservation incentive!

 

[Lars the Red]

Originally posted by mdsisquo
Insurance is KILLING me though. I won't even tell any of you how much cause you won't believe me. But thats what happens when your 19 and get a new car that the insurance people call a "race car" or whatever they said.

Some industry advice for you if want.

-Keep a 'B' average and utilize a good student discount.
-Tickets are a major kick in the 'nads, so be smart.
-Accidents are the kiss of death. You will hate yourself for 3 years if you have a bad day.
-Jump on an additional policy (renter's, Homeowner's), the discounts make it worth it.
-Talk nice to your agent and try to get rated as friendly as possible. Every little bit helps.
-Get married, or at least engaged. It saves money.

There, I've given all the fatherly advice I can stand for one day.

 

[Fiasco]

Originally posted by mdsisquo
So I decided on the 2003 Honda Civic Si. It's quick as hell and handles very well and Pretty quick off the line.

Quick as hell? I guess my car has skewed my perspective of what quick is

You can always add a three foot tall aluminum wing, fart pipe, clear taillights, NOS sticker and a dvd player so you can rewatch "The Fast and the Furious" again and again!

<img src='http://scores.warbirdsiii.com/offsite/stealth/stealth3.jpg' width=200>

 

[Fiasco]

handling tickets

Tickets are a major kick in the 'nads, so be smart.

Most tickets are just an additional means for government to assess arbitrary taxes.

If you do get a ticket, call the district attorneys office in the county in which you got the ticket (if you don't know the number, contact that counties circuit clerk office, their number may be on the ticket). Offer to plead out your ticket in exchange for 90 days court supervision. This can be done over the phone. If, after 90 days, you get no additional tickets, the ticket will be removed from your driving record. They are willing to do this even if you are not a resident of the state the ticket was issued in.

I was just issued a ticket for 80 in a 65. I contacted the DA's office and pleaded my ticket out for 90 days supervision.

They like to do this because it affords them another opportunity to assess more arbitrary taxes! Instead of paying the $75 ticket, I had to pay the $75 ticket and $125 in additional court costs.

This strategy has allowed me to keep my driving record clear of all tickets for the last 10 years.

 

[Stronso]

Re: handling tickets

Originally posted by Fiasco
Most tickets are just an additional means for government to assess arbitrary taxes.

If you do get a ticket, call the district attorneys office in the county in which you got the ticket (if you don't know the number, contact that counties circuit clerk office, their number may be on the ticket). Offer to plead out your ticket in exchange for 90 days court supervision. This can be done over the phone. If, after 90 days, you get no additional tickets, the ticket will be removed from your driving record. They are willing to do this even if you are not a resident of the state the ticket was issued in.

I was just issued a ticket for 80 in a 65. I contacted the DA's office and pleaded my ticket out for 90 days supervision.

They like to do this because it affords them another opportunity to assess more arbitrary taxes! Instead of paying the $75 ticket, I had to pay the $75 ticket and $125 in additional court costs.

I wish I had that info before I got my ticket in Wilton/Welton, AZ. I got stopped going a 126 in a 75 zone on our way to Mission Beach. The cop who pulled us over said he had to go 140mph to catch me - boy was he pissed!! Problem was I had no idea I was going that fast b/c my girlfriend and I were talking and having a good time. I do admit to having a lead foot but tis tops em all.

The cop wanted to arrest me but said I was lucky b/c that day everybody in the town was at some funeral. He let me off with a ticket: criminal speeding, etc. I think the fine was somewhere about $1500 but I might be wrong on that.

Went off to Cali - got back - got an attorney in Yuma County and got it knocked down to 85mph, points and a $500 fine. Not the greatest but better than jail. Most likely in my case they DA would not have given me the 90 supervision.

 

[Fiasco]

Re: Re: handling tickets

Originally posted by Stronso
I wish I had that info before I got my ticket in Wilton/Welton, AZ. I got stopped going a 126 in a 75 zone on our way to Mission Beach. The cop who pulled us over said he had to go 140mph to catch me - boy was he pissed!! Problem was I had no idea I was going that fast b/c my girlfriend and I were talking and having a good time. I do admit to having a lead foot but tis tops em all.

The cop wanted to arrest me but said I was lucky b/c that day everybody in the town was at some funeral. He let me off with a ticket: criminal speeding, etc. I think the fine was somewhere about $1500 but I might be wrong on that.

Went off to Cali - got back - got an attorney in Yuma County and got it knocked down to 85mph, points and a $500 fine. Not the greatest but better than jail. Most likely in my case they DA would not have given me the 90 supervision.

I got a ticket for 143 in a 55 back in the early 90's in my '73 455 Trans Am. That was an instant 6 month suspension in Illinois.

I don't know how much success you would have had trying to plead that ticket out over the phone. A 25mph over ticket I got six years ago or so was the 'worst' ticket I have successfully pleaded for supervision (120 days supervision).

I'll bet you could have done equally as well without hiring that attorney.

 

[CardinalChris]

No ifs ands or buts in Ca. Reckless endangerment, felony and no car for a LONG time. I think it is anything 25 MPH over the limit

 

[BW52]

Remind the rest of us to stay off the highways when you guys are around.

 

[Stronso]

Originally posted by BW52
Remind the rest of us to stay off the highways when you guys are around.

There's no way I would drive that fast in a urban area. This strip of highway was straight and clear for miles with no traffic at all. Plus as anyone knows the drive between Phoenix and SD is BORING...I just wanted to get my feet in the water ASAP

 

[Lars the Red]

Re: handling tickets

Originally posted by Fiasco
This strategy has allowed me to keep my driving record clear of all tickets for the last 10 years.

Traffic school is supposed to do the same thing, but you are relying on the wonderful folks at DMV to do things the right way. I pull MVR's daily and far too often, tickets that are supposed to not exsist, stare me right in the face.

I don't agree that they are some governmental tax that is imposed on us. I lived in LA and here in Phoenix. I've seen more nice folks turned in to greasy spots on the pavement than I care to remember, and the majority of the time, it's excessive speed that caused it.

I always felt that if one of my loved ones was killed by someone that grossly overestimated his ability to handle speed, I'd have to take a life as well. It's kind of a sick mentality, but if it scared someone else out of making the same mistake, it might be worth it. Judge, jury and executioner, right there on the highway.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

I have no tickets

Thankfully,

Almost got one driving to Disneyland on Christmas day. I was doing 100 mph through Blythe in my Mustang Convertable.

The cop let me off cause it was Christmas...thank god.