| NELSON |
The wife is in the market for a new vehicle. Being a kind husband, I offer her the MO. hehe. She was in the market for a mid-priced sedan along the lines of the TL, G35, etc.
I figure why not save some money and "downgrade" to a 20 grand car instead. She gets what she wants: leather, luxury feel, "reliability," power, AWD, etc. - the things that go with the 35,000 price tag.
I don't mind sacrificing luxury and gaining the "fun factor" of driving. I know it's the teeny bopper and racer type of car, but I'll leave it the way it is.
I was just seeking some input from members on this forum who have the 2006/2007 Civic Si Sedan in their family and can provide some feedback.
I've been browsing a Civic Si forum and, as expected, it's mostly a bunch 18 year olds "hooking" it up. I'd like a more grown up opinion of it. |
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| Corin |
Yeah, good luck finding a Civic forum that is actually HELPFUL like this one. I had a Del Sol for several years and tried over and over to find a good forum. Not going to happen.
I've always been a fan of the Civic line. Had a '87 CRX, then a '94 Civic EX Hatchback, then a '93 Del Sol. All are just a Civic with a different body.
While a big fan of them, I certainly wouldn't compare them to the $35k vehicles you mentioned. You're going to have a lot harsher ride, more road noise, and a more simplistic interior feel. I haven't played with the new SI, so I may be off base a bit, but the Civic in general is designed to be relatively simple "point A to point B" car. The SI, of course, is the sportier version, but I would think it wouldn't be as refined and luxurious as, say, the G35.
Better deal for the money? Possibly, depending on what you really want. If you're just looking for a practical car that is fun to drive, then sure. If you're looking for a luxury feel, then no. |
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| NELSON |
Yea, Corin, I agree with you.
My wife drives a '99 Civic EX which led her to want something more luxurious as stated.
That Civic was actually my daily ride up until '04 so I know all about the harsh ride and cheap interior.
I always regretted not getting the Si version that came out in '99. I guess I'm trying to make up for it now. I also just sold my beloved sportbike making the 6 speed Si even more attractive.
So yea, I guess my decision was already made. We still have the roomy MO when the whole family goes out and, soon, the Si for my commute or just me and my daughter. :D |
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| GripperDon |
| Some shopping might find a nice used one. I loved my G35 I bought mine the day they were introduced and never had a new car problem that amounted to anything at all. They changed the clock for one with larger hands to be seen easier !!!!!!!!!! :eek: |
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| Kris |
If it was me I would rather go for used G35 than the Civic.
Civic has high rev engine that develops only 177 HP. G35 - we all know the VQ! 280+ HP! And it is RWD. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by GripperDon
:2:
I know Don, we both have same taste........
A good one! :D |
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| NELSON |
The Honda site says the Si has 197 horses and, yes, with a high rev limit of 8000.
The thought of "used" never crossed my mind. Maybe if I see one with a great warranty.
I'm not too comfortable with rear wheel drive up here in the NE. How far back did they make the G35 with AWD? I know of the X version from 06.
But, yea, maybe I will start looking at some higher end, used sport sedans. Still leaning towards a new Civic as of now. |
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| Kris |
The AWD in G is great. I know I have same in the FX. Tried it once in snow (yes, we did have 1 or 2 inches of snow here once!) and it performed absolutely awesome.
I am not sure when the first AWD G appeared but I think it was 05 or 06.
As to the used cars – most of my cars were new. But I would not have anything against 2 years old, 30k miles G. Based on the FX (3years, 45k miles) I would say it is just broken in…
But you want Honda. I can feel it......;) |
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| Kris |
OK,
let's see what the new G35 can do:
Model Year: 2007
Make: Infiniti
Model: G35
Style: Sport
Base Price: $33,500 (est.)
Price as Tested: $38,850 (est.)
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic with downshift rev-matching
Displacement (liters): 3.5
Engine Type: V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 306 @ 6800
Torque (ft-lbs @ rpm): 268 @ 5200
Braking System: 4-wheel vented disc with ABS, EBD and BA
Steering System: Power-assisted speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion
Suspension Type (front): Independent double wishbone with stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Multilink independent with stabilizer bar
Tire Size (front): 225/50R18 95W
Tire Size (rear): 245/45R18 96W
Tire Brand: Bridgestone
Tire Model: Potenza RE 050A
Curb Weight (lbs): 3630 (as tested)
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal): 20.0
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): 19 City 26 Highway
Edmunds Observed (mpg): 21
Conditions for Testing Top
Temperature (Fahrenheit): 84
Humidity: 44.6%
Elevation (ft): 421
Wind: 1 mph
Performance Top
0 - 30 (sec): 2.2
0 - 45 (sec): 3.7
0 - 60 (sec): 5.6
0 - 75 (sec): 8.0
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 13.9 @ 102.1
30 - 0 (ft): 28
60 - 0 (ft): 112
Braking Rating (Excellent, Good, Average, Poor or Very Poor): Excellent
Slalom (mph): 67.10
Skid Pad (g-force): .85
Handling Rating (Excellent, Good, Average, Poor or Very Poor): Excellent
Db @ Idle: 42.7
Db @ Full Throttle: 80.9
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 63.4 |
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| Beng |
| Instead of the Civic, have you considered the Accord. I had an 03 Accord and it was a great car! There is also a very good forum www.driveaccord.net which is top notch and filled with lots of good people and information. One of them is a Honda Technician's wife and so all the TSB's are online ;). Personally, looking at the American Honda prices, I'd look at the new CRV EX 4wd vs te Civic Si. |
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| NELSON |
Hey Beng,
I want something sporty, a stick shift, a fun commuter - a 4 door is a must as I have a baby. Low 20 grand.
The Accord sedan is bland to me, like a Camry IMO. I like the 2 door accord though.
I might take Kris' and GripperDon's advice and look into USED - like the G35 if they have AWD a couple model years back or the Acura TL (not sure if that comes in manual).
Having a MO AND a CRV is definitely a NO GO. I do like the new design - although I know there are threads here that dislike it. |
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| Beng |
Nelson,
I like the 2dr Accord too, but like you I had a need to carry the family, so I needed 4drs and wanted something a bit bigger than the Civic. The Accord is quite a different car than the Camry though. Toyotas tend to be more tuned for the smooth cushion-y ride while Hondas are more sports tuned. Check out this video of some Saudi drifting his Accord!
http://videos.streetfire.net/search...188c0fdac03.htm
The video starts off slow so be patient.
Also, the Accord is available in a 5 speed transmission. Combined with the 4 banger (166HP), I was getting 29-35mpg on average. |
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| Kris |
Nothing against Honda. I love their cars.
But...........one cannot compare Civic even Si with G35. These cars are so different....
You want fun? Go RWD. A used (pre-owned if you do not like the term "used" ;) ) can be had at a reasonable price. And they will last you forever.
I am seriously looking at M and G series as my next car in 10 months time......I have the FX so the "practical" part will be still there....I need something that can go around the corners well....
Anyway, good luck with what ever you choose.... |
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| NELSON |
Well, buying USED is a little too stressful for me.
I'm now undecided between the Si and the Altima 3.5 SE manual.
If i didn't have bad experiences at the Nissan dealer with my MO, the Altima would be at the top of my list, hands down.
It has the VQ engine: MORE horses, more torque, V6, etc... for maybe 2 grand more. Intelligent key and Push Start are worth it to me. Cost of ownership will likely be higher also.
I've had 2 hondas previously, with no dealer issues.. which makes me still lean towards the Si. (and lower cost of ownership) |
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| Corin |
quote:
Originally posted by NELSON
If i didn't have bad experiences at the Nissan dealer with my MO, the Altima would be at the top of my list, hands down.
You know, this would be REALLY good information to pass onto your dealer AND Nissan North America.
I know it will certainly affect my next auto purchase. The MO is the first Nissan I have owned, but I have several friends who have Nissans as well. Amazing vehicles, really high quality, but being scared of taking my car into the dealership for warranty or recall repairs is ridiculous. |
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| NELSON |
Yes, they already know my displeasure via my last 2 surveys I filled out regarding the Service Dept.
I also voiced (via survey) my displeasure with a horrible buying experience at Lynnes Nissan in NJ. (Obviously, I ended up not buying there.) |
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| Kris |
The quality of service department would not influence my decision.
I would go with a car I want! |
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| tmnjmurano |
Nelson- If the FUN factor is your top priority I doubt you can beat the SI at that price. I don't think the Altima is in the same class, even with the manual trans its more comparable to the Accord, Camry. Also I don't think Nissans 6 speed can compare to Hondas- especially when mated to that 8000k redline engine. Take a long test drive in both, I'll bet you find the SI to be more hardcore fun.
Better include the wife in that test drive- the SI might be more fun than she's looking for. Let us know what you think. |
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| NELSON |
tmnjmurano,
I appreciate the good advice, ESPECIALLY from an Altima owner. Yesterday, I remembered the whole point of this was to save money. :D
I'll test drive the Altima for fun, but I'll probably get the Si for under 21 in about a month.. or splurge a lil for the "better than nissan" Navi. (That's what they say over there on the Civic forum. heheh) |
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| Eric L. |
I agree with tmnjmurano - its tough to beat (at the price point) a Civic Si for a fun car. While the Altima might be faster, you'll have to eat the lower fuel economy and clunky Nissan shifter - Honda's 6-spd is one of the slickest out there.
In the end, its tough to compare an Altima (family car) with a Civic Si (kind of a hot hatch/sedan) - if you already have a Murano, get something different like the Civic instead of an Altima.
Perhaps in the same general price range you can consider a VW GTI or Subaru WRX. |
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| Kris |
You are right guys, my problem is all these cars are FWD!
But if you want a new car in this price range.....hm....guess FWD it has to be... |
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| dborla01 |
Our 03 Si was a great car for $17500. Put on an AEM cold-air intake. 17 hp gain? and a 24 mm rear anti-sway bar., previously owned, cheap including install. Car runs like a 160 hp car should now. Gas mileage is at 30+ unless cruising the super-slab at 80-90mph, then it drops to 28mpg. Feels good at 80+. Hauls lots of stuff due to hatchback and cockpit is large for us 6ft 3 folks. Down side is noise on rough roads.
Just put on Michelin Exalto A/S's one size larger than the low profile ones we had on before. Much quieter. Bottom line for our 03 Si is that we love it even tho it has limitations.
We drove an 06 Si but the difference in price is not worth the cost. Would you consider a WRX wagon? Lots of rip-snort! and reliable and build quality is much better than previous Suby's. Darrell |
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| NELSON |
Darrell,
I kinda liked that hatchback model even tho it didn't really catch on. The stick on the dash area must've taken some getting used to.
After all this, it looks like I'm gonna go a totally different route. The Ricer route!! (I should be taking offense to that label considering that I'm Asian. hehhehe)
I just really had the desire for a manual car since I sold my sportbike. My wife and I decided not to take on another bill at this time.
Looking at about 5 grand to do an engine/transmission swap to turn my 99 Civic EX coupe into a stick shift. 127 to 185 horses. I think this should quench my thirst for now.
Thanks for all the feedback. |
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| dborla01 |
Hi, again Nelson. The stick on dash is actually where it should go, according to racers, I guess. Works nicely. Leaves room for more center lower-console area.
As far as 5 grand for engine, tranny swap, which engine are you considering? I have heard theat the fast boys don't care for the K20 engine in 02-05', since it was tuned for mid-range, not high end power and they feel, however, that alot of power can be unlocked in that engine with mods.
The engines in your 1999 era production run apparently are preferred due to their ability to rev with power rite from stock and may respond better for less money.
As an anectdote, there is a guy in our town with a similar si to ours who bought his already modified with about 5K worth of speed stuff. He claims that it will eat the 06's for lunch with those mods! :D Darrell.
PS I haven't found a decent web site for mature discussions of Si mods, etc, yet. Anybody know of a decent one?:eek: |
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| NELSON |
Umm I'm just a newbie at this type of thing.
My brother-in-law is into this, so he's taking care of it. He said something about a B16 engine from japan. Supposedly there's a warehouse one town over with all these different engines imported from Japan.
I have no idea what fits. He brought up Type R's, GSR's, etc.
I already have the basic mods on the Civic: intake, headers, and cat back exhaust. I'm hoping the engine he finds will be compatible with what I have already.
Damn ricers!! hehe. I know this ain't most MO owners cup of tea. Neither is it mine, but the idea of a project car is kinda fun. |
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| NELSON |
OK, this doesn't seem like a sensible route. Someone told be they would change my civic to manual for about 1200. But I'll pass.
I'm just gonna sell the civic privately and go from there. |
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| enamurao |
| what I cant believe about civics that the cheapest version a/c is an option,when I was looking to get rid off the MO went to several different dealers,when to honda seller told me the cheapest civic is somewhere in the $16k manual and no a/c,I was like hello so how you expect to sell'em here in florida to the budget minded customers or pretty much anywhere in the country where is burning hot summers. |
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| NELSON |
| No. MSRP for the coupe starts at 14,800 w/ no AC. 16,700 gets you the model with AC. (200 more for the sedan.) |
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| NELSON |
Pulled the trigger on a red 07 Si sedan.
I love it! The seats are a killer on me though.
The Murano now has a good new home with my sister, who obviously got a great deal on it from me. Gave it to her for what I was going to trade it in for. 26k. Sticker was over 36k.
I'll miss the luxury feel/look and roominess. Maybe the redesigned MO next year as we'll be in the market for an SUV again. |
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| Cutter |
i bought a 1999 Honda SIR when they first come out. The car was a lot of fun and the engine sound was just beligerent after 6000 on the tach. Never had a problem with it at all. As a matter of fact I sold it when my son turned 16. I was afraid he would get hurt in it,it was that fast. four doors, good sized trunk and Honda reliability is hard to beat.
Seeing as how you were looking for an older opinion, i was 39 when i bought it.
i say go for it ,,, you won't be sorry... the car was a blast. |
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| mkaresh |
She's definitely not going to be into the Civic based on the first choices you mention.
Best advice I can give you is this: let her pick the car. Otherwise you'll never hear the end of it. I've come across many cases where a nearly new car is traded because the husband picked a car for his wife. And if you're concerned about the money, there's no better way to lose it than to trade a nearly new car.
Have her drive everything she might consider within the budget, then let her pick. Even if she does what mine did and picks a PT Cruiser. Yes, that's how much I'm willing to walk this talk. |
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| tmnjmurano |
Mkaresh-
Too late for that advice- he already bought it - in red. |
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| Cutter |
I thought I was talking to Nelson not his wife. Just because the car revs to 8 or 9000 doens't mean you have to do it everytime or ever if thats the case. Just thought Nelson might like to know.
Mine was Red too. Enjoy, the car really is fun |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by Cutter
I thought I was talking to Nelson not his wife...
I am confused too...:confused:
I thought NELSON's wife was in the market for a car. So it ended up with NELSON and his sister getting new cars and the wife still driving the old? :eek:
Or did she get the new SI, and did her sister get the MO? If so what is NELSON driving then? The old civic? :confused: :confused: :confused: |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by zebelkhan
I am confused too...:confused:
I thought NELSON's wife was in the market for a car. So it ended up with NELSON and his sister getting new cars and the wife still driving the old? :eek:
Or did she get the new SI, and did her sister get the MO? If so what is NELSON driving then? The old civic? :confused: :confused: :confused:
Wow, that post itself was pretty confusing. :D |
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| NELSON |
Sorry, I didn't post the the in-between-details. I just wanted to close this post by indicating that I did get the Si.
I sold the old civic to a "guy on the street" via autotrader.com. My sister has the MO.
Wife and I decided to both get civics. She's got an EX 4 door and I got myself an Si 4 door.
MPG is a big issue with us at this present time.
Also, I was paying 600+ for the Murano monthly (only put 3 down). Now we have 2 new, good cars for the price of one. No complaints. |
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| rayleiwu |
| My recommendation is to go German. My VW Passat 06 is much fun to drive and also have a great community (http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=728). I have installed several add-ons on both cars which were involved in de-assembling many things such as doors and stuff under the hood and was very impressed by the German on its rigidity, design, quality and heavy material they used . The price? I bought the 0-package 2.0T at $22.8k. |
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| mkaresh |
quote:
Originally posted by tmnjmurano
Mkaresh-
Too late for that advice- he already bought it - in red.
Oh, well, maybe it will serve someone else well down the road.
Looks like the advice was followed to some extent before I gave it, since she didn't also end up with an Si. It was kind of obvious which of them really wanted a new Si--the person who ended up with one.
On the other hand, if she isn't really into the Honda, it'll probably get traded in just a year or two. If you're going to do that, though, a Civic is about as painless as it gets.
Is the Si the medium metallic habanero red? That's my favorite color on the Si. |
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| NELSON |
quote:
Originally posted by mkaresh
Is the Si the medium metallic habanero red? That's my favorite color on the Si.
not that red, the other red.
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| sobamanismo |
I say this having owned and loved no less than 4 civics myself in the distant past......
This is the most baffling thread I've seen on this Murano Board since I joined it. We have seen the purchase of one of our beloved near-luxury coaches, talk of a hybrid swap, downgrading (sorry but is what it is) to a pimped economy car, sale of the luxury car at a devastating loss for another economy car. And finally I hear the trumpets sounding the end of the world after seeing a movie star's attempt at looking green (obviously they didn't drive it, just needed to have it) :D
Wow!
......please read this in jest as it was intended, not a shot at anyone about the Civics......I have thought once in a while about downgrading to more practical, cheaper transportation but when it comes down to it can never do it. |
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| NELSON |
quote:
Originally posted by sobamanismo
I have thought once in a while about downgrading to more practical, cheaper transportation but when it comes down to it can never do it.
I was able to, with really no hesitation.
It's been tons of fun thus far... at nearly half the price to fill up the tank and getting a bit more miles from a full tank.
But I'm not comparing a civic to a MO. There obviously is no comparison. Even though I lost money now, in the long run I'm saving.
We're all in different situations.
I loved the MO and am glad my sister has it so I can check up on her every now and then. HEHE. She has a lighter foot than me and is also planning on using Regular... but that's another issue. |
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| sobamanismo |
| Yeah, I can certainly agree that I miss those extra 10± mpg. My last one was heavily modded and still got close to 30mpg. |
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| nissanlove |
after having a truck for the past 3 days while the other car was in the body shop and the gas jumping 15 cents in that time, we've reinstated the reasoning behind why we traded our truck in for a 4 cyl economical car. 50 bucks every 2.5 weeks is alot better than 130 dollars every 1.5 weeks...
BTW NELSON- i'm thinking about eventually getting into a 2 door si. how do you find the get up and go for a car of that size. and how is the manual transmission?? |
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| NELSON |
quote:
Originally posted by nissanlove
BTW NELSON- i'm thinking about eventually getting into a 2 door si. how do you find the get up and go for a car of that size. and how is the manual transmission??
Some have issues with the drive-by-wire. I know the clutch is electronic rather than a cable, and possibly the gas is too.
Some find it a little more difficult to shift smoothly with the DBW and they say acceleration is affected by DBW. (..from reading civic forums)
As for me, this is my first manual so I can't compare it to anything. I'm really just learning on it. I'm still tryin to perfect the 1st to 2nd shift on the car.
The high revving engine has a nice purr to it...stock. Pick-up is great. I haven't even hit Vtec yet. Still breaking it in. I've tried to keep the RPM's below 4000. Vtec kicks in at 6000, redline is 8000.
You won't regret it. Maybe, you'll regret getting the coupe though. hehe. Nah, but the coupe is sexy and the sedan is practical. You may not need practicality in the near future. |
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| dborla01 |
We drove an 06 when it came out, on our favorite snaky back road. Nice car and quick. Only down side of it is it's looks. Is a modern version of that "generic oriental look".
Our 03 Si by contrast is quite distinctive in appearance, not withstanding the view of auto editors who thought the front end had the graceful looks of a rubber door-stop!. Ours' has almost 80K on it and goes quite quickly with an AEM intake and handling enhanced by a Japanese spec 24mm rear anti-sway bar. Wish I could have had a full on extra 03 in addition to our mild one.
The new Si sure gets rave reviews by the motoring press, and is an excellent bang for the buck! :) Darrell. |
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| nissanlove |
| the new civic si is the first honda i've liked since you could get the element with painted side panels(thus, eliminating my nickname for it "the tuppware box") and belive me when i say, I HATE CIVICS. but this one i like for some odd reason. NELSON, the 4 door is not offered in canada but instead with have the acura csx type s to fill that gap. thanks for the input. i've never heard of a clutch by wire... |
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