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Old 03-21-2008, 11:23 AM   #1
MJK
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I currently own a '97 Honda Civic and it is time for an upgrade. The question is, what the heck do I get? I want to buy used and can spend maybe $6500 + whatever I can get for my civic.

I want something that is good on fuel and has some nice options, like maybe a sunroof. I like driving and will be putting a ton of KM's on my car this summer. I might just upgrade my current civic with another one but I am open to ideas.

I am thinking about just buying a newer Civic but what else should be thinking of? I guess my options are kinda limited for the amount I want to spend but any suggestions would be great.

Thanks!

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Old 03-21-2008, 11:25 AM   #2
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Get a 4x4 and go off-roading. Best.activity.ever.
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Old 03-21-2008, 11:33 AM   #3
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I want something that is good on fuel
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Get a 4x4 and go off-roading. Best.activity.ever.
hmmm....................
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Old 03-21-2008, 12:50 PM   #4
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Based on what you have said you are looking for, I would strongly suggest looking at a Mazda 3.

While I will admit the fuel mileage in the city isn't as good as I was hoping (I seem to get around 450 in the city) it is fantastic on the hi-way. On top of that, I have been impressed with the amount of car you get for the price you pay. I bought an 05 GT (Manual Tranny) for about 16k and have really enjoyed it so far.

Solid vehicle, amazing amount of head room, nice nice ride, solid amount of options, just well thought out really.

My only gripe with it is it seems the paint is a tad thin.
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Old 03-21-2008, 01:31 PM   #5
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Yeah, go for one of the compact Asian models, like a Mazda 3, Honda Fit, or Toyota Matrix.

If you can get a decent used Matrix for around 15k, I would totally recommend going for it. I love my Matrix.
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Old 03-21-2008, 01:35 PM   #6
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Pinto. Great older car.
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Old 03-21-2008, 01:48 PM   #7
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Pinto. Great older car.
Only come with a slight chance of explosion.
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:05 PM   #8
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Only come with a slight chance of explosion.
Useless trivia for the day: the reason Pintos were prone to 'exploding' was because their gas tanks were at the back of the vehicle and the bumper bolts were directly behind them. In a rear end collision, the bumper bolts would puncture the gas tanks and, depending on the amount of fuel in the tank, cause an explosion because of the sparkage caused by metal puncturing metal.
Ideally, to blow up a Pinto, you'd want the tank to be about 25% full. That is the best ratio of fuel to fumes for a nice Pinto BBQ.
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:08 PM   #9
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Useless trivia for the day: the reason Pintos were prone to 'exploding' was because their gas tanks were at the back of the vehicle and the bumper bolts were directly behind them. In a rear end collision, the bumper bolts would puncture the gas tanks and, depending on the amount of fuel in the tank, cause an explosion because of the sparkage caused by metal puncturing metal.
Ideally, to blow up a Pinto, you'd want the tank to be about 25% full. That is the best ratio of fuel to fumes for a nice Pinto BBQ.
This is true, and it was also determined that a small rubber gasket costing about $7 could resolve the whole incendiary situation but it was deemed as too expensive over the production run of the cars.

A little OT.

As for your car, I've always been a fan of some of the newer Mazdas. They handle well, are reliable, good on gas and relatively inexpensive.

Nissan Altimas are pretty nice too. Not my style, but what the hell right?
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:13 PM   #10
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Mazda 3's are great. My cousin just happens to have his for sale, if you're interested.

'04 GT, Auto, and moonroof is what I can remember so far. PM me for exact details.
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:14 PM   #11
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I'm thinking of getting a Mazda3 so I'm glad to see some good reviews on here. I've also heard lots of good things about it, too.
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:15 PM   #12
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I thought I heard something about a flaw in the door handle that made MAzda 3s easy to steal... Is this true?
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:21 PM   #13
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I thought I heard something about a flaw in the door handle that made MAzda 3s easy to steal... Is this true?
I think if you smack above the lock on the rear hatch door, the door will pop open. I think Mazda fixes it for free or the newer models don't contain the defect.
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:21 PM   #14
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I thought I heard something about a flaw in the door handle that made MAzda 3s easy to steal... Is this true?
That is true, but there is a recall, so it can be fixed for free by the dealership.
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:25 PM   #15
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Mazda 3's are great. My cousin just happens to have his for sale, if you're interested.

'04 GT, Auto, and moonroof is what I can remember so far. PM me for exact details.
Probably out of my pricerange but PM sent!

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Old 03-21-2008, 02:26 PM   #16
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Probably out of my pricerange but PM sent!

What... You don't dig the 4x4 idea?
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:32 PM   #17
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I thought I heard something about a flaw in the door handle that made MAzda 3s easy to steal... Is this true?
Lets be honest here, if you really wanna steal a car pretty much all cars are easy to steal.
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:34 PM   #18
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What... You don't dig the 4x4 idea?
My dad has a F-150 I can use whenever I want but I am looking for something that will get a lot of highway miles!

Lots of Mazda fans it seems...

What can I expect to get in my price range though...$6500 + the cost of my '97 civic.
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:37 PM   #19
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My dad has a F-150 I can use whenever I want but I am looking for something that will get a lot of highway miles!

Lots of Mazda fans it seems...

What can I expect to get in my price range though...$6500 + the cost of my '97 civic.
What's the cost of your Civic going to be?
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Old 03-21-2008, 02:40 PM   #20
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I had the door thing fixed on my 07 Mazda 3 Sport.

My alarm goes off at least twice a day just from traffic passing by. I really need to take it in to get fixed.

Also - I'm not terribly impressed with the gas mileage I get.
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