wrathskellar666
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2018
- Threads
- 0
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 3
- Location
- NorCal
- Vehicle(s)
- 2018 Civic Si coupe
So anywho ... a couple months ago as my 2006 Mazda 3 approached 235,000 miles I started researching cars. I was almost certain I wanted another hatch for the space and convenience, and I wanted something quick and agile like the Mazda. Reliability, cost of maintenance, and price were also factors. I started looking at the VW Golf, Hyundai Elantra GT Sport, Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX, and a few others. Nothing ticked *every* box for me, and I eliminated the European cars (including the VW) right away based on price and maintenance costs. The Hyundai has a great warranty and tons of features with a great price, but had their reliability reputation going against them. Also, the nearest dealership to me is over 60 miles away.
By this time I'd discovered the Civic Si. Tasty. But since I have an irrational hatred for sedans, the coupe made my list.
A little more research left me with two choices: the Focus ST and Civic Si coupe. But after driving both I had to go with the Civic. The interior of the Ford is ... cheap? And not very well-designed/appointed. The thing makes great power, but when you get on it, the front end gets light and sketchy. Not confidence-inspiring at all. The ride overall is uncomfortably harsh and stiff. I quickly learned to hate the Recarro seats.
I had to test drive the Si coupe twice to make sure it was right. There are compromises here for me, but they were overcome by the long list of positives: plenty of power and opportunities to tweak it for more if I want; comfy and well-appointed interior; smooth ride with plenty of firm sportiness but never harsh; and it's a Honda and there's a dealership here in town. Also, it just looks cool as sh*t.
The main compromise was interior space. I rarely carry more than one passenger, but I do pack fishing rods, and guitars and amplifiers. A hatch is great for that kind of thing, but I pulled my fully loaded Mazda up next to the Civic and popped the trunk on both. Just eyeballing it I was pretty sure that with the Civic's rear seats down I could make it work. Two weeks in now and so far so good. Good thing I sold my refrigerator-size 4x12 bass amp before I bought the car
By this time I'd discovered the Civic Si. Tasty. But since I have an irrational hatred for sedans, the coupe made my list.
A little more research left me with two choices: the Focus ST and Civic Si coupe. But after driving both I had to go with the Civic. The interior of the Ford is ... cheap? And not very well-designed/appointed. The thing makes great power, but when you get on it, the front end gets light and sketchy. Not confidence-inspiring at all. The ride overall is uncomfortably harsh and stiff. I quickly learned to hate the Recarro seats.
I had to test drive the Si coupe twice to make sure it was right. There are compromises here for me, but they were overcome by the long list of positives: plenty of power and opportunities to tweak it for more if I want; comfy and well-appointed interior; smooth ride with plenty of firm sportiness but never harsh; and it's a Honda and there's a dealership here in town. Also, it just looks cool as sh*t.
The main compromise was interior space. I rarely carry more than one passenger, but I do pack fishing rods, and guitars and amplifiers. A hatch is great for that kind of thing, but I pulled my fully loaded Mazda up next to the Civic and popped the trunk on both. Just eyeballing it I was pretty sure that with the Civic's rear seats down I could make it work. Two weeks in now and so far so good. Good thing I sold my refrigerator-size 4x12 bass amp before I bought the car
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