I am dead split 50/50 on which of these cars to get. I've never had my own car, and am really excited to finally drive something enjoyable. I've done extensive research on both of these, and it's basically only made my decision harder. I'd appreciate any opinions on which of these you recommend- it could definitely make the difference for me, lol.

I posted the link which directly compares both cars, hopefully it works.

http://automobiles.honda.com/tools/c...o=&Change=

The first choice is the 2008 Honda Civic Si Coupe, and the second is the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe. I like the look of the Altima better and it gets better gas mileage (slightly). However, the Civic is faster and more powerful, unless I upgrade the Altima to the 3.5s trim, which is another $5k or so, yikes. Also, the Civic looks to have a really sick audio system already installed.

Pretty sure I'll be financing either one over 60 months (buying) instead of leasing. Any advice/opinions are much appreciated!

EDIT: decided to go with the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX with manual transmission, now just need to decide on blue, silver, or black. Looks to be a sick car :)

i'd recommend a truck...

Ugh, I agree it is so so pretty- the main problem I have though is that if I get it I really SHOULD upgrade to the V6, but that makes it like $25-28k, which is significantly above my initial $18-22k budget. sadjlf;lgkjgl;fkdsjfas;lfkadjsg;ldsgkjdsf. Also cannot figure out now whether or not I should lease or buy.

Yeah, I've been told you lose so much value leasing because you're giving up all your equity in the investment etc. (you lose money in the longrun), but also for that money lost there are other benefits, such as a) always in warranty, b) smaller monthly payments, c) no hassle at the end of term, etc.

For those reasons, and the fact that I know I'll want something new after three years, I feel like lease is a viable option for me. I don't know though, you're probably right

is it for you or your roomate?

<H4 class=P5_PostHeader> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=center><TD vAlign=top align=left rowSpan=2> </TD><TD align=left colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Re:Which car should I choose? </TD><TD vAlign=center align=right>In reply to </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>By Willywoo on 05-04-2008 12:13 AM </TD><TD align=right>Reply Favorites </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></H4> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD class=P5_PostContent><TABLE height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=ForumPostContentText>If you bought used, you could get one of each.
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Smart Advice The man knows his stuff

only girls drive civics

get the altima

or you could get a mazdaspeed3, but it might be too much fun for you

Prior to my search I would have agreed Civics aren't cool, but the Si is extremely cool, and not a normal Civic by any means. Also, the mazdaspeed3 is a hatchback-type thing, which I'm not into

Get the Honda IMO. They are amazingly reliable, powerful, and all around really fun cars. You are dead right about the sound system, Honda is fantastic with these. I used to have a 04 Accord Coupe V6 and the audio system that came standard is among the best i've ever seen.

here's what i think about civics (and this is just some random lurker's opinion):

if you want to buy a reliable, long lasting car for about 16k (and you're a girl), get a civic. if you are willing to spend 22-25k, please [for the love of god and all that is holy] do not get a civic. yes, you can get a top of the line, "performance" civic si for that price. but seriously, get a real car.

cars to get other than a civic- i haven't checked on prices:

altima/sentra se-r, scion tc, jetta/rabbit/passat, camry (yes, a camry-no worse looking than a civic), impreza (wrx or legacy is pretty expensive), mazda3, some kind of accord

ftr, i'm not someone who thinks that what you drive means everything. i drive a 20 year old rx7 that looks like shit but is a lot of fun.

and although this doesn't apply to most of those cars listed above, rear wheel (or all wheel) drive owns.

 

Originally Posted by tsxxx04

if your planning on leasing, then it doesn't necessarily matter how much the sticker price of the car is to determine how much your lease price will be..i priced out to lease an 08 hyundai santa fe which was 22k and they wanted 600 a month to lease, but when i priced out an 08 acura TL which was like 35k, they wanted 400 a month beacause the car residualizes so much better when just matters how well the car residualizes and what kind of leasing programs they are offering...if you only want the car for a few yrs, i'd recommend leasing because your going to have much higher monthly payments if you finance....

if you have great credit and want to keep the car for a long time, then financing might work out better for you in the long run

Sounds like you were getting fucked over a little bit with that payment...600/month for a lease on a 22k car is absurdly high, regardless of the residual. I love when I got into a dealer and they offer me some retardedly high lease payment until I tell them to cut the shit. Car dealers suck (except for Utterczar)

Everyone is always so quick to say leasing is dumb. It really just depends on what you want out of your vehicle, how often you want a new one, and what you can afford. I have accepted that I will always have a car payment since I like driving new cars, so for me, leasing is the way to go.

good choice sir...that car is sickkk

Well I continued doing research and read comparison reviews etc., and the Accord just owned both of them in almost every respect. Oops.