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Hi Everyone

My daughter just totaled her '02 Ranger and is looking at a new vehicle in the $20,000 range. Of course, I want her to get a hybrid but the HCH and Prius look a little out of her price range. My broker is recomending a Honda Accord 4 cylinder and she likes the Jetta. The TDI is hard to find and they seem to want top dollar also. She can get a great interest rate with great terms though our credit union.

Safety and good MPG is top on our list, but resale is making me look at the Accord automatic. The Edge Ranger has saved her life twice now, and a friend this time with air bags and seat belts. Kristin is 23 now and has totaled two cars of hers and two others she hit. I don't think a manual trans will help her driving abilities either. This accident was not her fault, but the cop would not give the guy she T-boned a ticket for running the light. Thank God a witness stopped and gave a statement that she had a green light.

I can't think of a better group than those here on CMPG to give her some recomendations and debate the Pros and Cons for her to get the best bang for her buck. How about some help folks.

GaryG

what about a used hybrid?

I would MAKE SURE she is willing to check out the lead foot before getting her any kind of hybrid. At least on 5-speed Honda hybrids, a lead foot can run up a higher repair bill than any gas saved...

Hi Gary:

___I would recommend the Accord LX w/ Auto but I am a bit biased … It can be taken to FE heights you wouldn’t believe but I am not suggesting your daughter take manual control of Honda’s wonderful Automatic ;) There are many reasons why I chose the Accord w/ Auto including its TCO (True Cost to Own of $0.47/mile) being one of its highlights for a relatively large, safe, midsized 4-door sedan. All Accord’s now come std. with front, side, and side curtains, have impeccable crash test ratings (IIHS: all G’s and 5/5/4/4/4 from the NHTSA), receives decent FE even from those that are not so FE conscious, handles very well for a std. 4-door sedan, and can be picked up for ~ $19.5K (LX w/ Auto).

___Even though I love my Accord, for a younger driver/daughter, I think I would place her in something a little less expensive. The Corolla LE comes to mind because you can get those optioned up nicely for < $16.5K. I own an 03 LE as well ;) It has one of the lowest TCO’s ($0.44/mile as described), great safety ratings when equipped with the Side and Side curtains which can be optioned with the Auto (IIHS: all G’s and 5/5/4/4/4 from the NHTSA), and receives even better FE for the average driver.

___I would hope you would also consider the new Civic LX if you can find one for a decent price? Low TCO ($0.44/mile) if not the lowest of the compacts, probably the best safety ratings of any compact (IIHS: all G’s and 5/5/4/5/4 from the NHTSA), and it handles like its on rails. Finding a Civic LX for < $17K is where you might run into some snags?

___With that, Honda is always running some kind of special super secret internal incentive program you may never find out about. This is where the Accord’s and Civic’s at this time of year may come into your possession for $500 - $1,000 or more under invoice. Don’t ask me how, when, why, or who, they just do for some reason? Watch the Edmunds - Prices paid forums for the Accord and Civic in particular and you will see real world out the door pricing from around the country. IIRC, I picked up my Accord for $1,500 under invoice (an 05 in May of 05) and of course there were no incentives listed by anybody anywhere … They just are is all :D For Toyota’s, I think you are stuck with that whole SE district thing given your locale and that adds a whole layer of confusion as to what Toyota gets a way with down there.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi Gary:

___As you probably noticed I did not include any of the new B-Class sized sub’s. It sounded like you were looking for a larger vehicle to begin with, the Civic/Corolla are just as inexpensive when similarly equipped, have higher crash test ratings, receive better FE, and are more powerful … Other then possibly the Versa and its FE stinks!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Wayne sum'ed it up.

Accords can be got heap cheap new. Dont pay over published invoice. I wouldnt go lower than Accord LXse sedan. Most of the EX features. Has the rear disc brakes and the same stero. No sun roof and abit plainer trim inside. I belive it to be the very best value in the Honda line up.

The new Civics are good cars. Ive had some teething problems with mine. Im sure most if not all of what problems Ive had will be solved in 07 cars. My concern with a civic and your daughter is its a very quick steering car and the steering wheel is small. Has a very fast ratio. So at HWY speeds it can get darty on you if you start sawing away on the wheel. :)

Both of the above mentioned cars will flat out run away from a Ranger. They both are a bunch faster and quicker than a Ranger. So if the daughter has a lead foot like my three girls do, Hondas may not be a good choice.

I wont ride with any of my girls. How they get low ins. rates is crazy!

Dont over look the Colbalts, Neons, Mazda 3's and others out there.

Safty is important. Thats why I wont ride with my daughters.

I like and would recommend a Honda Fit in addition to Xcel's recommendations if you want to save some money. FE is nearly the same as the Civic. The base model is very well equipped for less than $15k has great safety features and very versatile interior packaging.

If a comfy sedan fits the bill, I would go directly for the Accord. I love mine, and the current model appears to be well ahead of it in several ways. I'll also mention that my parents are looking for a car with some cargo hauling capacity, so I just suggested that they look at the Element. (They need to replace a dying minivan with something that will work for a 6'5" college student...good luck to them.) According to Consumer Reports they have absolutely bullet proof reliability, much like the Accord. But the Element has a reasonably large, square interior with robust materials designed to swallow large, dirty objects. I've ridden in them and, though far from a luxury car, it is well suited to the young and active. You won't set any FE records in it, but I'm pretty sure it uses the same K-series 4-cyl as the Accord. $21,000-$23,000 new, so it ought to be well under $20,000 with very low miles.

Thanks Very Much Guys

Got my daughter thinking Honda from your post. We are going to test drive the Honda's this weekend, but I need to know how the A/C drops in both the Civic and Accord in MPG. In my experience, the bigger engine takes less of a hit in the Ford's. I'm all ears to this thread at this point.

The cop came to his senses and wrote a ticket to the guy that ran the light thank God. The Ford dealership we use says the vehicle is totaled like we thought also.

My wife is pushing the Escape for protection (bigger vehicle), but the FE is just not there for cost. Don't get me wrong, I can pull great mpg with A/C today, but I don't think she can post that kind of mileage out of a FEH.

It all seems to come down the Civic or the Accord, what a shame to Ford and chevy! Topyota seems to be out of the loop due to demand and cost.

WE are ready to buy!

GaryG

My Civic takes a much worse hit on the A/C than the Accord.

But the Civic will come closer to epa with a heavy foot than a Accord. By that I mean redline stuff. You rump hard on the Accord and you can watch the gas gauge fall. A/C or not.

My Civic takes a much worse hit on the A/C than the Accord.

But the Civic will come closer to epa with a heavy foot than a Accord. By that I mean redline stuff. You rump hard on the Accord and you can watch the gas gauge fall. A/C or not.

I'm putting in a vote for the Elantra.

For $15,000 you can get an automatic equiped with option package 02/ab that includes anti-lock. That price includes $600 destination and a $1000 rebate. The Elantra is a nice car with a great warranty. You get 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper, 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain, and 5 years of free roadside assistance. The automatic EPAs at 24/32. Standard features include:

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/hyundai/elantra/100666327/standard.html

and the option packages adds:

Accessory Group 02/AB
Includes power tilt and slide glass sunroof, sliding sunshade, and anti-locking braking system with traction control system.

According to the ScanGauge, I take a 15% hit on FE when I turn the A/C on in my Accord. That's driving the way I drive, so I don't know if that percentage increases or stays the same when you throw a lead foot into the mix. It certainly sets the bar lower, anyway.

Take a look at the 7th Gen forum on driveaccord.net, and look for the fuel economy thread. Most of them report mid-high 20s, and I don't think they baby those cars.

Hi All Again

Looks like my daughter's choice will be a white/tan interior EX Civic, but if she gets enough money from the Ins. company, they have a gray and blue HCH that their holding out for MSRP ($22,780). Out the door is around $25,000 for the HCH. The out the door EX Civic is around $20,480, which was what I was looking at for the 06 Accord LX. She liked the options the EX Civic came with over the Accord LX, and I liked the 30/40 EPA rating. My thinking was the Civic would get near the Accord mileage with the A/C running. These prices were through Edmunds web site for dealer bids. I also am getting two other internet bids from other dealers and my broker at the credit union needs to give me his bid.

Any Thoughts?

GaryG

PS, My wife also loved the Civic, so a HCH may be in my driveway soon! Look out Terror On Wheels!

Gary if your willing to travel call or e-mail the folks at this addy. http://www.markroberts.com/

I got my Civic EX Sedan 5MT w/Navi for $19,128.00 OTD.

Your contact would be Adrian. Tell him Jeff Townsley sent you. And that you request the best deal in the USA on the Honda of your choice. NOW!!!! LMAO.

They are a straight dealer. They have folks come in from all over the USA to purchase cars. Many of which are repeat cust. They beat TOV, Cardirect and other sources everytime.

WoW! Thanks Jeff, their on my list before we buy. Do they drop ship or do I have to pick it up. What about HCH? Now that we know what we want, I could fly there and pick it up if I can save that kind of money.

GaryG

WoW! Thanks Jeff, their on my list before we buy. Do they drop ship or do I have to pick it up. What about HCH? Now that we know what we want, I could fly there and pick it up if I can save that kind of money.

GaryG

Shiping Im sure could be arranged. But why? LOL

They had the best prices in the country on HCH when I bought my EX. But they may have got on the MSRP kick. If so I'll be very very dispointed in them.

there prices are on the website. The price includes dest. fee. But not doc. fee. Doc fee is $59.00 or something like that.

20K will get you a new LX or MAYBE EX Civic, definitely a FIT, Kia Spectra (or Spectra 5 -- awesome FE for an ICE), Camry, Accord, Corolla, Scion Tc, Xa, or Acura RSX before they're gone forever.

I rent, on the average, 2 cars per week and have a lot of ScanGuage data collected from each rental. PM me if you need some raw data and I might have it. Mostly compares actual driving to EPA estimates.

RH77
"Senior Vehicle Analyist" (at another site).

Jeff, Adrian will not be at the dealership till Monday, but the prices on their website are about what I can get here. If he changes the rules on those prices like you got, I'll fly to buy.

GaryG

Hi Gary:

___Just a touch of encouragement :D

Fed, State, and Corporate hybrid purchase incentives. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1924)

___If you are thinking about an EX, why not an HCH-II? I see Mark Roberts has 3 NAVI’s on the lot (I wouldn’t spend the $’s for your daughter to get a NAVI equipped HCH-II) but they will get more non-NAVI’s soon … With a NAVI equipped HCH-II, you would find out how Ford should have built the FEH’s NAVI :( 3 NAVI’s on the lot in the middle of OK? I can bet you will be able to bargain on those 3?

___I would wait for the 07’s if you can hold off another 6 to 8 weeks? The Fed incentive will still be the same but a year newer model can pay back in spades 3 to 5 years from now? That and having your daughter in a 0 - 60 in 11.0 second car vs. a 9 + second car can make a difference between Hypermiler and boy racer if you catch my drift? Check your insurance costs with both because I thought Psy mentioned something about his insurance being somewhat steep on his Civic and it is best you find that out up front?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Jeff, Adrian will not be at the dealership till Monday, but the prices on their website are about what I can get here. If he changes the rules on those prices like you got, I'll fly to buy.

GaryG

I paided the price on the website. Well would have been website. My EX was just off the truck. Remember those prices include dest. So they are knocking a pence off the HCHII. The EX/LX prices are in the ball park of what I paided concerning discount. I think dest. and MSRP have went up on the cars a hair since my purchase.

Basicly,, we paided $400 over invice for the Civic and $300 under for the Accord.

Gary,

I purchased my HCH II from:

Gary Force Honda in Bowling green, Ky. I bet if they have one in stock you could get a Great price on it. I did but I am in the Business so I really can't say what they would sell you one for but it might be worth the phone call. Why not call and ask.

Call Gary Parker @ 1-800-533-6723
Tell Gary I told you to call him for a price quote: Terry Honaker, Walker Chevrolet, Franklin,TN. 1-615-351-9024 Cell: E-Mail; tigerhonaker@cleanmpg.com

Gary, let me know how it goes if you do decide to check them out. Gary Parker is a very nice person to talk with. His age is like in the 60's. he was their GM at one time. Semi-Retired now.

Good-Luck :D

Thanks Guys

Wayne, unfortunately, she can't wait 6-8 weeks. So far, the HCH 11 is $4,500 more OTD than the EX, so that is a big factor until she knows what the Ins. payoff is for her Ranger. Thanks for bringing up the Ins. issue! That must be considered before buying anything. Her policy renews the 28th of this month and a new car will give Allstate a chance to nail her for this accident even though she was not at fault. This is the time to get a few VIN's and go shopping with other Ins. companies. The Accord, HCH, Prius and FWD FEH may need to be looked at again considering the year, Ins cost, MPG and resale.

Terry, thanks for the info on Gary Parker, I give him a call after I check out the Ins. issues.

This is starting to become alot of work, but my Daughter (best friend) is worth every bit of it.

Regarding the Ins. claim, I've learned you don't have to except their offer if not all the losses are addressed. The taxes and fees for the amount of the vehicle's value must be added for replacement of the vehicle. Loss of work, vehicle and other reasonable expences are all part of the claim. Since her PIP only pays a percentage of some of their injuries and loss of work, Allstate is paying 100% because they are also responsible for the other guy that was at fault. He was driving a 6,000 pound SUV, and she T boned him at 45mph DWB! The FD had to mop up the Ranger's coolant, engine oil, power steering and transmission fluid with absorbents and throw them in the bed of her Ranger. I'll post a few pics of the Ranger in my photos here. So far, Allstate is being very good to my Daughter.

Perhapes others reading this thread can use this experience to purchase a new or used car also. Any and all help is welcome and I'll continue to post the progress as it developes.

GaryG

Gary we were with Allstate for years untill we purchased Hondas. Boy did they want to screw us at that point. With perfect driving records, no accidents. Sure we had afew comp. claims. But nothing to warrent the price increase they wanted to saddle us with. I went all the way to corprate with my complaint of the raise in cost. Went straight to one of the numbers men that gabbered like a politican. Couldnt get a straight answer from anybody. and didnt have a care in the world if I fired them. Not a care! showed me how much they cared.

So frustrating and begining to think insane thoughts of hurting a person at Allstate corprate. I contacted my agent, a great gal I mite add. She suggested we go with Safeco. She stated everybody in the office use's them. I demanded proof that all these folks in the ins. office used them. By gooly they started coughing up there current ins. cards. That impressed me! so we ended up saving $800 a year over what Allstate was going to bend us over for.

Im getting stuff lined up to purchase a new Harley Davidson Street Bob motorcycle. It will be several months before I pull the trigger. The only thing I dont look forward to concerning the purchase, or the ownership of said bike is the ins. This last round with Allstate and the resulting several weeks of anger/depression have soured me to the point that Major Ins. Co. employee's will be in danger if saw in a bar or other social gathering in public or private.

Just beware of Hondas and insurance.

Gary

I just spoke with Adrian. Hes looking forward to you contacting him. :)

Hi Jeff

We are still waiting on Allstate to give us the figures on the Ranger. They towed it to an Allstate facility for some reason and messed up on some inhouse comunication (dropped the ball).

My Daughter seen her agent for a quote on insurance for the EX Civic, LX Accord and the HCH. They want $273 more for the EX Civic every six months than what she is paying on the Ranger, $305 more for the HCH and $173 more for the Accord. Our Attorney told us not to consider changing insurance companies till the claim is completely settled. This is a big hit for a girl going to college full time. Very glad Wayne brought that subject up and now we know what those options are.

Looks like the Prius is about a 45-60 day wait around here from today, and the tax credit will be cut in half at the end of this month.

Our plan first is to settle the Ranger loss to find out her budget. We thought Allstate would have done this by now, but their dragging there feet. After this happens, she will most likely go with the EX Civic or HCH non Navi for the best deal. We went over price and color options today with local dealers with my Broker and now have all the in stock and soon to be delivered vehicle on paper. When I make a call to Gary Parker and Adrian, we will be ready to make a purchase that day based on our options. Anyone who trys to low ball me will not be considered for closing any deal. My Broker worked for this Honda dealer that gave me a good quote, he and three other dealer fleet salemen said I was being low balled. My Broker said he could get any EX Civic $500 over invoice, but I had to pay MSRP on the HCH through all of his dealerships. That's the deal I'm looking at from him. He said he had one dealership he could beat him down for another $300 if I liked what he had on the lot or coming in soon. Is this to much to pay here, or a good deal considering?

GaryG



Meantime, the price of gas is falling and the demand to unload the gas hog may slow the market demand a little on the higher FE vehicles.

Gary

My dealer has the prices posted on the website for there cars. All prices include the dest. charge. I got my Civic for $400 over invoice the thursday before christmas. When i spoke with Adrain I mentioned you might be intrested in a HCHII. He confirmed that there could be some wiggle room. So knowning what a HCHII's price is on the website with dest included means there knocking $600 off right there. If I remember the prices right I saw the other day. If you can get a car local.... fantastic!!! I would sure do it. I mentioned my dealer as more of a resource for pricing than for a purchase. A aid if you will. Dealing with allstate or any Ins. company is never in your best intrest. If anybody is setting up for a low ball Im sure its Allstate. i wish you good luck in your search.

Jeff

Update on getting a new Honda Civic.

AllState has still not settled my Daughter's claim for her '02 Ranger, but they agreed on $9,200 as the value. It pays to have an attorney on your side that you know and trust.

Even though the other guy ended up getting a ticket, AllState is doing a big investigation to determine liability. My guess is AllState doesn't like the way the Cop changed his story and final report after his investigation.


The good news is the '07 Civic XE's are hitting the dealerships here now, but none we've looked at have the '07 HCH. Anyone have any new info on the '07 HCH cost or changes from the '06? The '07 XE's have come down in price from the '06's, and this may be why Honda is not releasing the '07 HCH. One dealer here still has 4 without navi and one with of the HCH '06's. I would really like to see my Daughter get an '07 HCH.

TIA, GaryG

Update on getting a new Honda Civic.

AllState has still not settled my Daughter's claim for her '02 Ranger, but they agreed on $9,200 as the value. It pays to have an attorney on your side that you know and trust.

Even though the other guy ended up getting a ticket, AllState is doing a big investigation to determine liability. My guess is AllState doesn't like the way the Cop changed his story and final report after his investigation.


The good news is the '07 Civic XE's are hitting the dealerships here now, but none we've looked at have the '07 HCH. Anyone have any new info on the '07 HCH cost or changes from the '06? The '07 XE's have come down in price from the '06's, and this may be why Honda is not releasing the '07 HCH. One dealer here still has 4 without navi and one with of the HCH '06's. I would really like to see my Daughter get an '07 HCH.

TIA, GaryG

Hi Gary,

:Banane37: This is all I see so FAR:


http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Honda/20101154-T.jpg
2007 Honda Civic Styles
MSRP Price Range: $14,810 - $21,260
2006 Model (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/honda/civic/index.html)



Select a style below to get Pricing and Options.
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Not much Help but I did take the time to LOOK: :(

I see now that this Copy & Paste didn't go-well: See Link Below: :)

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/honda/civic/index.html



Terry (tiger)

Hi Gary:

___Had to bump this one as I am interested in what you ended up with or are still researching. For 07, I believe I read that XM comes std. with the NAVI equipped HCH-II’s and Civic EX’s like the Accord’s but I am not sure of anything else … Except more then likely a higher price :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi Wayne

AllState paid off her balance on her Ranger and is still making her wait till they get the title from the credit union to settle. She still gets a rental for about another week.

Of course, I'm pushing her for the HCH11, but only the '07 EX is available and they are moving fast. Timing is going to be a factor with the purchase based on what's available. We are checking inventory on the different dealer lots every other day now. The only way I think she would get the navi W/XM is on the EX, and that would an inventory issue.

GaryG

Gary,

When you finally get this settled let us know what the end result is. Good-Luck on this New vehicle purchase. I use to really like trading vehicles but it has just to me become way to much work.

Terry (tiger)

Terry

I'm the middle man in the deal, but me and my daughter have a great relationship. She knows you guys are involved also. It would be my wish she would buy a HCH11 and join CMPG with her driving improvements, but that is a personal decision for her.

She knows dear old dad will try his best to advise, and that's why I came to this forum. The credit union broker I use knows the facts and the bottom line.

GaryG

Hi All

Looks like the deal will be for a '07 Civic Sedan EX Auto, white w/Ivory int.. The hard decison between '06 HCH at MSRP + $499 dealer fee in a color she didn't care for, was a factor. She fell in love with a white '06 EX W/Ivory we test drove after the accident and her mine was set then pretty much. She couldn't wait around for the '07 HCH, and the extra cost.

Here are the details on the EX if every thing goes as plan tomarrow.

MSRP $20,105 Reduced to $19,052 + $499 dealer fee/My broker fee. Broker cuts the deal, handle financing (all we do is sign) and deliver it to her door or our credit union here from Miami.

Tax, tag and all fees brought it up to 20,905.95 vs $24.900 for the '06 HCH no navi.

She is putting down $3,000 with a balance of 17,905.95.

Financing is at 5.75% for 72 months with a payment of $295.00 per month through my broker and credit union he works at also.

The deal is through the broker who does all the work, and handles any problems. After all the comments and Terry reminding me of the work, I took the easy way out.

Please feel free to express positive or negative feedback on this deal. Everyone's opinion is valuable to the next buyer. The reason I gave detailed info of the deal was to compare apples to apples in our local areas.

GaryG

Hi Gary:

___It took a while to even find the non-hybrid Civic’s invoice! Honda likes to play games wrt their automobiles invoice pricing.

Make and Model/options|Invoice|MSRP
Honda Civic EX|$17,127|$18,710
Auto Transmission|$730|$800
Destination|$595|$595
Total|$18,452|$20,105

___With invoice at $18,452 not including TTL, it appears as if you paid $19,551. If it were me, I would have made my own deal as ~ $1,099 over invoice after giving $499 to a broker seems a bit steep? I do not know exactly how much demand there is in your area for an 06 Civic EX w/ Auto nowadays however?

___Strange but I just checked my local Honda dealers online inventory and I only saw 1 Civic sedan and it was an LX w/ Auto? Something is badly screwed up here. They cannot touch an HCH-II even though Honda is running ~ 40% behind their original sales projections and now I see no Civic’s? Maybe I will take a ride by there tomorrow as there lot is stuffed with Accord’s and they had quite a few Civic’s about a month ago.

___Either way, I had the chance to drive Psy’s EX a stick and NAVI (SG-II equipped as well) and it sure could purr with the best of them when and if you really pushed her. I just wish I had a lot more time to see how she did in traffic and out on the highway.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi Gary;

I hope this correct in saying to you, CONGRATS: :woot:

If Daughter Loves the EX Civic then I feel sure Dad will be Happy as well. ;)

So tell your Daughter we said Hello and enjoy Her New EX Civic as I am enjoying my HCH II.

Regards,

Terry (Tiger)

I paided 19,128 for my EX Sedan 5mt, navi. plus tt&l.

Even tho msrp has went up on the Civics a bit. I would think one could find a good deal on a 07. After all I got mine when they where hot as heck in late dec.05.

Thanks Wayne, Terry and PSY

Wayne, it was a steep price over invoice I agree. I do not like the dealer fee add on ever, but if you eliminate haggling and negotiating at every dealer that tries to nail you with it at the last moment, the honesty up front is worth it.

My Broker told me the facts up front and eliminated games and surprises. Since I was not the one buying the car, it makes it hard to show a poker face with a daughter that can't wait to drive away with the vehicle at a dealership.

I've been watching inventory, and the Civic's don't stay on the lots long. The Accords offer a big supply, and I know it's a great car for the money, but the MPG is not like the Civic.

The deal was closed today with a free $50 dollar gas card and Gap Ins for $100 that my daughter felt was a good deal from the Credit Union.

If Honda had the '07 HCH on the lots, she would have went that route, but I could not advise my daughter to buy the '06 at top dollar with a payment that would be too steep for her. She is going to double her mileage over the Ranger, and the EX has much more bells and whistles.

With all the negative emotions with the accident, it's nice to see her with a smile with excitement about the delivery tomarrow. Terry, your right, I'm happy that she is happy. I'll post a pic of her and her Civic EX ASAP. Her birthday is the 25th of this month and I'll see if a Scangauge 11 will be something she would use for dear old dad. I'm getting a good rating from her, thanks to my friends at CMPG. She loves the deal and the car, so I'm happy also.

GaryG

Well, she brought the '07 Civic EX over for a test drive and it's a nice car. It does have the XM radio like the navi. There was no markings of the EX on the body like other models I've seen. First thing I told her was get those tires up to at least max sidewall.

Any other things you guys can advise on the Civic EX auto to get off to the right start for FE?

GaryG

I think psyshack owns a an ex. Maybe he has some good advice.

Ya, he has a manual, but one thing I would like to know about is it safe for "N" coasting ICE-ON. I can see right now a SG would help her figure out what works. Now that she stands to learn about FE for the first time in her life, I gotta get moving.

GaryG

Just posted some pic's of the exterior and interior of her new Civic in the Gallery here.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/1851/limit/recent/date/15%20October%202006%2015:59:47

GaryG

That car looks sharp in white. I'm not sure I've seen an 8thgen in white.

The new civics look very good in white, silver and other light colors. It helps hide Hondas awful ubber cheap paint jobs. :)

As for the tranny question. I coast our Accord in "N" ice on and off. Change the tranny oil and filter every third oil change. Well i did..

Not going to work on the wifes Accord anymore and prob. wont drive it.

Thanks guys

She really perferred the ivory (looks tan to me) interior over the gray. The crome work and the white gives it a classy look which we all liked.

Psy, I took a look in the owners manual and it said you could tow in neutral only if the engine is running when you shift from "D" to "N". So if the car would not start, you could not tow with the wheels on the ground and must lift the front end to tow. It appears the Civic auto can be shifted from "D" to "N" ICE ON and then OFF with no problems. However, they said towing was limited to 35mph up to 50 miles in this manner.

In my FEH eCVT, there is a great deal of drag in "D" coasting because of regen. When I shift to "N", the axles disconnect from the output shaft and there is no regen or friction from the eCVT or engine braking. Not sure how much of a gain she will have from "D" to "N" in the Civic without regen braking anyway.

What do you think?

GaryG

Gary

Given that info. I most surly would have already blown out afew Civic AT's. :)

I throw the Accords AT into N at 60, 65, 70 on up. and key off. Let it coast for a mile or better. Key start and throw into drive. The computer knows right where the tranny needs to be and its silky smooth. Ive never looked at the Accords Manual. I didnt want to see it say not to do that. (grining)

Im sure some where in there it also says something to the effect about my old lady backing into landscape boulders. but Im sure she wouldnt want to see that either. Or understand it.

Seeing this is a new AT in the Civic and its been known to have some low speed shuddering and noise problems in the 06's. I would be just driving it and getting it broke in. Also I would be doing a tranny fluid change on it when the first oil change is done. Change the filter also. I dont know if it has a side stream filter like the Accord or not. I really hope it does. And do a tranny fluid and filter change every third oil change. Hondas service interval is stupid.

On the Accord a tranny fluid and filter change is 15 min. job. It will only drain 3 qt's. of the total volume. Repalce the crush washer. Put the plug in. Get on the top side. Pull 2ea 10mm capscrews, 2ea. hose claps and the filter is changed. I pour the fresh fluid back into the tranny thru the dip stick tube and move on. Cant see the Civic being much diff. than that. Other than maybe volume of fluid and filter or no filter. God i hope they put a user servicable tranny filter on it and just not a screen buried deep in the tranny.

Hi Gary:

___That white Civic of your daughter’s sure does look sharp! Psy’s does too in fact! If only the 8th gen Civic would have been available when I purchased the Accord :( Having driven Psy’s to some really stupid slow and mid-speed numbers in OK. last month, I have to confess that I have a bit more then a little 8th gen Civic Envy! Now if only Honda would gear the 5-speed stick a tad taller and drop a 1.3 or 1.5L atkinsonized ICE in the thing ;)

___Tell your daughter congrat’s as she is going to love her new Civic EX! I love that EX in white!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi Gary:

___That white Civic of your daughter’s sure does look sharp! Psy’s does too in fact! If only the 8th gen Civic would have been available when I purchased the Accord :( Having driven Psy’s to some really stupid slow and mid-speed numbers in OK. last month, I have to confess that I have a bit more then a little 8th gen Civic Envy! Now if only Honda would gear the 5-speed stick a tad taller and drop a 1.3 or 1.5L atkinsonized ICE in the thing ;)

___Tell your daughter congrat’s as she is going to love her new Civic EX! I love that EX in white!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Wayne...

I would settle for a lean burn 1.8L, with vtec like a Si. :D

Then Honda could do away with Si and Hybrid. :rolleyes: