Regular Honda civic or hybrid civic ?

Question

I will be a fourth year college student this year and am ready to buy my new car. I have $25000 for it. I am still debating between A regular civic or a hybrid. I like to drive fast but not race. I am not considering the si version at all, plus the gas milage on the si's really suck. I currently drive a 99 corrolla but want a new car design. If i get a regular civic I want it with sunroof, the gps system and a rear spoiler. Which regular civic model do you think is better ? The EX with all that i want will run around $22,300 while the hybrid would go for a little under $25000 plus it gets a tax reduction. When will the 2008 honda civics come out ?

Recently I have also be seen the 07 nissan altimas. They are still in my price range and a little more luxurious than a civic. What r your opinions on this car ? Do you know when the 08 altima comes out ?

btw I am looking for a 4 door car and not a 2door one

Answer 1

I would go for the regular civic since the technology for the hybrids are still in its infancy stage

so just to be on the safe side in case anything goes wrong, you wouldn't want to be bled dry when it comes to maintenance

although if you're looking for a sedan, I would just get an 08 accord

Answer 2

I think your choice between the hybrid or regular civic is a social choice. yes your gas mileage will be better, but the EPA is about to release new testing that shows the difference in mileage for the hybrids is not nearly as big a difference as previously reported. Also, to realize the cost savings in gas with a hybrid vs regular civic you must drive it for nearly 8 years before the payoff comes. I am not sure how much the tax break might set off part of that.

Most '08 models are just around the corner and some are already on the road. another model to consider if you like the Altima and Civic is a Subaru Impreza. It has a wide price range from the upper teens all the way through the 20's and even with the normally aspirated model you have lots of room to improve its performance, not that its needed, but oyu could have some future fun with it as you start earning some more cash after school. Also for a little more than the Altima, you might consider the Maxima.

All these are good choices and it sounds like you have gotten off to t agood start with your research. I'm just not a big fan of the hybrids is all.

Good luck and good driving!
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Answer 3

If you were buying the Hybrid over an entry level Civic then it would take you ten years to "get back" the money you invested over a basic Civic. In other words basic transportation to and from home and work would justify the base Civic since the miles driven per day/week/month/year would be small.

If this is a go everywhere and do everything need and your miles per year driven are 12K plus and you have to have all of those extra widgets, then you could justify the Hybrid over the Civic with the same widgets minus the Hybrid battery technology.

I'd buy an entry level Civic and rent the Hybrid for long trips. You can buy a hand held GPS for little money and you can add a whale tail (spoiler) for very little as well at a custom shop or do it yourself.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Hybrids are not doing the landfills any favors when the batterys are shot. Plus You can buy alot of gas for that extra few thousand dollars. Not to mention The regular civic will need much less maintance down the road than the hybrid. Hybrids will eventually need those expensive batteries replaced, but you can drive a civic for 200000 miles without any major problems. So basically a hybrid is a feel good thing. A regular car makes your bank account feel a little better.

Answer 5

The hybrid is worth the extra money if you have it. You will almost never notice a performance difference.

I'm not sure about the Civics, but I know that the 2008 Accords are a new and even better design. They will be the best Accord since the 2003 (what I have now). Bigger, bigger engine, better stereo, etc., all for no price increase.

I got this info from a group of Honda R&D people I met in Japan. When they found out I had a 2003, they said not to get a new one until the 2008.

Answer 6

I would vote for the HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. It is an amazing car with all kinds of new features. I understand the car is selling so well there may be a waiting list to get one. Remember too, that the HYBRIDs need a new expensive battery every 3-4 years. You will be pleased with the 60 miles per gallon of gas, especially if the price of gasoline continues to climb. CA has discontinued the single person per car allowance in Freeway Diamond Lanes for HYBRID Hondas. Too many commuters driving HYBRID cars.

Answer 7

well you cant have your cake and eat it at the same time. you say you want to go fast, si is where its at. but then your looking into gas and mileage well then an ex model will do fine. sohc are very good on fuel. but you lack in power and respond. altimas are nice more space then a civic or accord. (my opinion) you have figured out what you want to narrow down the choices. try looking at the sentra se-R spec-V. 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
200 hp @ 6,600 rpm
180 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
24/31 city/highway.

my opinion. honda all the way!

good luck!

Answer 8

I think you should go for the civic ex! Im planning on getting my car soon and i was debating between the civic ex and the hybrid as well but im gonna go for the ex. i think its better, plus it has the sunroof and i really want that. i plan on getting my car in august cuz i heard thats when the price will go down! you should check out edmunds.com for more info on cars!

Answer 9

Get a regular Honda civic because you still get great gas mileage.

The hybrid technology is still not right yet

I know this because I own a black 2006 Honda civic sedan

Answer 10

Do the environment a favor and buy a hybrid.