Help me decide on my second commute car
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Help me decide on my second commute car
Folks,
I have just changed my job and won't be able to commute with my wifey since my working hours are now different. I am looking for a second commute car but I am currently undecided on which car I want to get. We still love out TL-S won't get rid of it anytime soon.
Here are my top 3 choices:
1) 2002 Mini Cooper S (with low mileage)
2) 2003-2006 Honda Civic SI
3) 2003-2005 WRX Wagon.
Our budget is around $17,000.
We really like Mini Cooper S. They are small, "cute" and fun to drive.
Challenge: The price for used ones are outragous. The only way we could settle with a Cooper S within our budget is year 2002 with less options.
The previous model of Honda Civic SI is my second choice since the car is small and look better as well. I don't really like the new Civic since in my opinion, they are UGLY !!!
Challenge: Finding a used one with bone stock configuration is really hard.
I also like WRX Wagon since they are AWD and Turbo.
Challenge: I have not done a lot of research but based on what I have found, there are a lot of rattling issues. Finding a used one with bone stock would be a challenge as well. Also, the mpg is not really good compare of the top two cars.
What should I do?
I would really appreciate it if you could throw in some thoughts and comments. :gheywave:
Thanks in advance.
I have just changed my job and won't be able to commute with my wifey since my working hours are now different. I am looking for a second commute car but I am currently undecided on which car I want to get. We still love out TL-S won't get rid of it anytime soon.
Here are my top 3 choices:
1) 2002 Mini Cooper S (with low mileage)
2) 2003-2006 Honda Civic SI
3) 2003-2005 WRX Wagon.
Our budget is around $17,000.
We really like Mini Cooper S. They are small, "cute" and fun to drive.
Challenge: The price for used ones are outragous. The only way we could settle with a Cooper S within our budget is year 2002 with less options.
The previous model of Honda Civic SI is my second choice since the car is small and look better as well. I don't really like the new Civic since in my opinion, they are UGLY !!!
Challenge: Finding a used one with bone stock configuration is really hard.
I also like WRX Wagon since they are AWD and Turbo.
Challenge: I have not done a lot of research but based on what I have found, there are a lot of rattling issues. Finding a used one with bone stock would be a challenge as well. Also, the mpg is not really good compare of the top two cars.
What should I do?
I would really appreciate it if you could throw in some thoughts and comments. :gheywave:
Thanks in advance.
#2
Senior Moderator
From what I've seen, Minis aren't that reliable....IMO unreliable isn't a good commuter car. Plus an '02 is already 5 years old.
What about a regular Civic, not Si?
What about a regular Civic, not Si?
#3
givin the business
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why not a corolla?? fits well inside your budget:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...QQcmdZViewItem
#4
call me zimma!
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all three have their ups and downs IMO
-the mini S is very fun to drive, quick, and can easily move through traffic... But its TINY, i'm 6'2" and there is only so much leg room a car like that can produce.
-the civic SI is also small and sporty but with a TLs sitting in the driveway I think you'll only be dissapointed...
-never driven it as a waggon, but the WRX is a nice car, would give you alot more room, and its a AWD turbo, but like you said, the gas isn't the greatest.
I don't think I just said anything that you didnt already know, but if i had to choose i'd go for the WRX. Mostly because I wouldnt be caught dead owning a mini, and those SI's just don't do it for me anymore. Plus being all wheel drive waggon its more useful in a number of situations.
-the mini S is very fun to drive, quick, and can easily move through traffic... But its TINY, i'm 6'2" and there is only so much leg room a car like that can produce.
-the civic SI is also small and sporty but with a TLs sitting in the driveway I think you'll only be dissapointed...
-never driven it as a waggon, but the WRX is a nice car, would give you alot more room, and its a AWD turbo, but like you said, the gas isn't the greatest.
I don't think I just said anything that you didnt already know, but if i had to choose i'd go for the WRX. Mostly because I wouldnt be caught dead owning a mini, and those SI's just don't do it for me anymore. Plus being all wheel drive waggon its more useful in a number of situations.
#7
Cruising in ATL!!
What year is your TL-S? 02-03 or 07? If it's 02-03 whynot just get another one? With your price range you should be able to find one with decent mileage on it.
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#8
Cruising in ATL!!
If it's 07... then I would certainly recommend latest Accord. Given you are pleased with Acura, sticking with same manufacturer doesn't seem to be a bad option.
#9
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I'd stay away from the Mini. Although they are getting more reliable now, 2002 was a terrible year. My step-dad had one and it spent half of its life in the shop.
Out of your choices I'd take the WRX, though its not the best on gas and probably not the most comfortable commuter car ever.
Out of your choices I'd take the WRX, though its not the best on gas and probably not the most comfortable commuter car ever.
#10
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What sort of commute will you have-- lengthy, high speed or low speed, lots of traffic???
The Mini is probably the noisiest of your choices at constant freeway speeds. Civic will get decent gas mileage and will likely be the least troublesome of the three, while the WRX will have more room. Go for the Civic-- likely the best compromise.
The Mini is probably the noisiest of your choices at constant freeway speeds. Civic will get decent gas mileage and will likely be the least troublesome of the three, while the WRX will have more room. Go for the Civic-- likely the best compromise.
#11
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Thanks all the the insights. Really appreciate that.
I have a 2002 TL-S, not the fancy 2007 TL-S . We currently have a TL-S and a Nissan Armada (for weekend and vacation) and since my wife and I can longer commute together, she is driving the big SUV until we found another commute car.
I still love my TL-S even though it has gone throgh 3 trannies. The drive is still solid and the power is still enough for me. Eventhough we love Acura, we don't want another TL in our garage. TSX is a little to pricey as well for us.
I also have a second though about the Mini Cooper. I can't seem to justify for paying so much for a 5-year car and use it for commuting. Also, not sure about the maintainence on the car. If the Mini costs as much as BMW to maintain, I think I need to take it out from my book.
My wife is looking at Matrix XRS (6 speed). It appears that Toyato is discontinuing Matrix and this year is last year. I am not sure if this is a good choice to go for it.
WRX wagon seems to be a good choice even though it does not give great milleage. It has plenty of room and I like the Turbo and AWD configuration.
Argh !!!! Decision decision decision !!!
I have a 2002 TL-S, not the fancy 2007 TL-S . We currently have a TL-S and a Nissan Armada (for weekend and vacation) and since my wife and I can longer commute together, she is driving the big SUV until we found another commute car.
I still love my TL-S even though it has gone throgh 3 trannies. The drive is still solid and the power is still enough for me. Eventhough we love Acura, we don't want another TL in our garage. TSX is a little to pricey as well for us.
I also have a second though about the Mini Cooper. I can't seem to justify for paying so much for a 5-year car and use it for commuting. Also, not sure about the maintainence on the car. If the Mini costs as much as BMW to maintain, I think I need to take it out from my book.
My wife is looking at Matrix XRS (6 speed). It appears that Toyato is discontinuing Matrix and this year is last year. I am not sure if this is a good choice to go for it.
WRX wagon seems to be a good choice even though it does not give great milleage. It has plenty of room and I like the Turbo and AWD configuration.
Argh !!!! Decision decision decision !!!
#12
Senior Moderator
You can get a used TSX around 20k, maybe cheaper if you really look hard and possibly go private party. That would be comfy and it's pretty decent on gas, too. I have an '04 that's been trouble-free so far. I bought it used with 16k on it in May 2005 for $23.5k (CPO).
#13
Cruising in ATL!!
Originally Posted by drcookie
I have a 2002 TL-S, not the fancy 2007 TL-S . We currently have a TL-S and a Nissan Armada (for weekend and vacation) and since my wife and I can longer commute together, she is driving the big SUV until we found another commute car.
I still love my TL-S even though it has gone throgh 3 trannies. The drive is still solid and the power is still enough for me. Eventhough we love Acura, we don't want another TL in our garage. TSX is a little to pricey as well for us.
I still love my TL-S even though it has gone throgh 3 trannies. The drive is still solid and the power is still enough for me. Eventhough we love Acura, we don't want another TL in our garage. TSX is a little to pricey as well for us.
#15
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by jz-97-c7
why not a corolla?? fits well inside your budget:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...QQcmdZViewItem
#16
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by F23A4
....or if possible, locate the rare XRS model.
Last edited by drcookie; 03-06-2007 at 01:57 PM.
#20
Yes, he did that
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I say go with the Si for a few reasons:
1.) The reliability beats the other two cars hands down
2.) You don't need AWD since you are living in the Bay Area (strike against WRX)
3.) You do need excellent gas mileage
If you can't find a bone stock Si, just buy a nicely equipped EX. You can find many used ones out there. It's a commuter car, so Si designation should not be a major factor. A Civic is a Civic
1.) The reliability beats the other two cars hands down
2.) You don't need AWD since you are living in the Bay Area (strike against WRX)
3.) You do need excellent gas mileage
If you can't find a bone stock Si, just buy a nicely equipped EX. You can find many used ones out there. It's a commuter car, so Si designation should not be a major factor. A Civic is a Civic
#22
True Aural Bliss=Gallardo
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Get a 04 Accord V6.
Excellent ride+decent gas mileage AND impressive stock performance. It's roomey too and you can't never go wrong with a EXV6 Accord!!
Excellent ride+decent gas mileage AND impressive stock performance. It's roomey too and you can't never go wrong with a EXV6 Accord!!
#23
let me guess
cooper = what the wifey wants
wrx = what you want
civic = both of you would consider
how about a GTI or something? Just for kicks because there are so many legacy fanboys....
How about a used Subaru Legacy???
cooper = what the wifey wants
wrx = what you want
civic = both of you would consider
how about a GTI or something? Just for kicks because there are so many legacy fanboys....
How about a used Subaru Legacy???
#25
Registered Abuser of VTEC
My mom has a Mini Cooper S. It's a reliability nightmare. Also rough suspension. Bad choice for a commuter car.
The Honda Civic SI is high-strung. Fun to drive, but not in traffic. Also a poor choice for a commuter car.
I would go for a 2004ish 4-cyl Accord EX-L, or that same year of Camry 4cyl XLE if you can find one for that price.
The Honda Civic SI is high-strung. Fun to drive, but not in traffic. Also a poor choice for a commuter car.
I would go for a 2004ish 4-cyl Accord EX-L, or that same year of Camry 4cyl XLE if you can find one for that price.
#27
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Edr0e
let me guess
cooper = what the wifey wants
wrx = what you want
civic = both of you would consider
how about a GTI or something? Just for kicks because there are so many legacy fanboys....
How about a used Subaru Legacy???
cooper = what the wifey wants
wrx = what you want
civic = both of you would consider
how about a GTI or something? Just for kicks because there are so many legacy fanboys....
How about a used Subaru Legacy???
Good job! You guess it right !!!
Wifey loves Yellow Cooper S but too pricey.
Me love wrx but not practical for commuting.
Civic SI. Stick shift with 2.0 in it. Fun fun fun
Matrix XRS. Wifey loves it too but too girly (no offense to anyone).
My cousin used to own a Jetta and I got to drive the car when he was on business trip. I don't really like the VW design (no power seat) and did not like the way the car drives. Just my opinion.
#28
Another vote for a 4-cylinder Accord.
If its main purpose is to be a commute car, it shouldn't be stick.
And it also shouldn't be any of your 3 choices. My opinion is highly subjective but I think most will agree.... a commuter car should be:
Automatic
Comfortable
Fuel efficient
Uses 87 octane
Reliable
I don't see how you're going to have much fun if you're on the highway or stuck in <5 MPH traffic. If anything the TL-S is a more reasonable choice for a commuter car than the choices you listed.... the Mini has a very good resale value, the WRX is totally unnecessary, and why a Civic Si? The EX is fine.
If its main purpose is to be a commute car, it shouldn't be stick.
And it also shouldn't be any of your 3 choices. My opinion is highly subjective but I think most will agree.... a commuter car should be:
Automatic
Comfortable
Fuel efficient
Uses 87 octane
Reliable
I don't see how you're going to have much fun if you're on the highway or stuck in <5 MPH traffic. If anything the TL-S is a more reasonable choice for a commuter car than the choices you listed.... the Mini has a very good resale value, the WRX is totally unnecessary, and why a Civic Si? The EX is fine.
#30
Senior Moderator
I've never really thought about it, but the 4-cly Accord would make for a nice commuter car...
Great on gas, roomier then a civic, and a bit more solid too...
Great on gas, roomier then a civic, and a bit more solid too...
#32
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Originally Posted by av6erbzz
how about a use audi a4 1.8t
#34
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
I've never really thought about it, but the 4-cly Accord would make for a nice commuter car...
Great on gas, roomier then a civic, and a bit more solid too...
Great on gas, roomier then a civic, and a bit more solid too...
Ironically, we are currently using my mother inlaws 99 Accord LX 4dr (my old car) as a daily driver while she is away. Despite being a little lite in hp/tq, it is really is a perfect commuter car: great fuel economy, quiet motor, good 'ride vs handling' balance and terrific ergonomics. (On the backend, it has some decent mod potential.)
I think I actually like driving it more than my 07 EX-L V6.
#35
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
I've never really thought about it, but the 4-cly Accord would make for a nice commuter car...
Great on gas, roomier then a civic, and a bit more solid too...
Great on gas, roomier then a civic, and a bit more solid too...
#36
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by MikeCLS6
electric problems, takes premium fuel, maintence costs and probally not the best on gas milegae would be my take on the car for a commuter
Yeah ! Thought about it and from my research, the car has history of electrical issues. Not all Audis have that but majority of them.
#37
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by greybeard
My wife drives an 04 4-cylinder Accord, and she loves it. When we were test driving it, I wasn't as impressed by the power, but it has enough get-up-and-go for highway traffic, and the gas milage for city driving is pretty nice.
Alright folks ! Let me start reseaching on Accord. The car initially was not under my radar screen since I thought it was too big for one person to drive everyday for commuting and Civic appeared to be more practical. I am not if insurance would be higher for Accord since it was a most popular car for thieves.
What are the best years for Accord? The new body style of the old body style?
#38
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by drcookie
Alright folks ! Let me start reseaching on Accord. The car initially was not under my radar screen since I thought it was too big for one person to drive everyday for commuting and Civic appeared to be more practical. I am not if insurance would be higher for Accord since it was a most popular car for thieves.
What are the best years for Accord? The new body style of the old body style?
What are the best years for Accord? The new body style of the old body style?
As far as theft goes, I believe the 4G (90-93) and 5G (94-97) Accords are bigger theft items than the 6G and 7G. (With the Civics, I believe the pre-01 models were big theft items.)
#39
Instructor
Although I am always for new car purchases, does anyone not see the benefit of purchasing another commuter car? You already have a TLs. I'm not positive about the mini, but the Si and the WRX will barely get better gas mileage and still require premium fuel. You may be getting a couple more miles per gallon in receipt of an additional car payment and/or depreciating asset. Many have lobbied for a 03+ accord v6 because of its use of regular fuel. How many miles are you driving annually? At $.20 less per gallon you may save $500 annually, which is hardly the cost of an additional vehicle. Just my If you're convinced you need it, my vote is obviously for the Si - see avatar.
#40
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Originally Posted by MikeCLS6
electric problems, takes premium fuel, maintence costs and probally not the best on gas milegae would be my take on the car for a commuter