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Last Post - I'm going Civic

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Tomel, Dec 21, 2005.

  1. Tomel

    Tomel New Member

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    Well, guys, it's been fun. I'll be signing off this forum after checking any responses to this thread.

    I had '06 Pri, Package 6 on order for delivery after 12/31. Dealer told me it would be in within next several weeks. Canceled it today and purchased an '06 Civic (not hybrid). Although I really liked the Pri's mileage, low pollution, storage space, and technology (I've always been a tech freak - my first computer was an Osborne 1 for those who remember), I was finally swayed to the Civic. For those of you who are interested, here were the various factors that changed my mind:

    o Honda's proven ICE technology, along with low polution and decent mileage (EPA 30/40).
    o Various problems that people have had with the Pri (although no single problem was a deal-breaker, they added up). Among the most noteworthy were . . .
    - Gassing up/bladder problems
    - Traction control sensitivity
    - Visibility issues - Rear and front left
    - Handling when windy
    o My wife found the Civic seats a little more comfortable (again, not a deal-breaker since very close in comfort)
    o Toyota's decision to drop the Road Assistance
    o Finally, the kicker was an extra $340 that was added to the price by the dealer at the last minute with the comment that these extras (floormats, etc) were added by "Toyota" to all their deliveries and there was nothing he could do. Note that I already had to accept a Package 6 instead of my desired Package 4, since Packages 4 and 5 were not available in the Central Atlantic region. Total price difference was $6,614.07 between Civic and Pri (and that includes taxes, fees, and the $3,150 tax credit).

    I'll miss this community and I really would have liked the Pri, but at some point the pendulum shifts and for me the final straw was the dealer's last minute "tack on."
     
  2. Drifter

    Drifter Member

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    Good luck to you. The civic is a good car. Maybe when you look for your next car you will reconsider a prius- they may have addressed some of your concerns by then.
     
  3. IMHYBRID

    IMHYBRID New Member

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    I don't blame you, the stealer is at fault and if my stealer makes the same move as your stealer he may hear the same, "goodbye!!!" Good luck the hondas are nice Im sure you will be satisfied Jim
     
  4. LaughingMan

    LaughingMan Active Member

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    You gotta do what you gotta do. If the price differential was easily so much, I could see why. You probably made the right decision if you couldn't get the package of Prius you wanted in your region.

    Good luck. THe Civic is a fine car too.
     
  5. bookrats

    bookrats New Member

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    Main thing is, congratulations and good luck. Hope you enjoy the Civic -- I like the restyled "cockpit" with the '06.

    I would add that of the various things you list as drawbacks of the Prius, I've only encountered the limited rear visibility -- and that's in comparison to an '87 model car. One data point, anyway.
     
  6. geologyrox

    geologyrox New Member

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    i'm sorry you won't be switching to the hybrid civic as part of the switch, but i have no doubt you'll enjoy the civic - it's a good car. Thanks for being with us this far!

    And shame on the dealer who refused to order in another package, and THEN had the gall to charge you for those extras! He should have taken them out of the aditional cut he'd get over your upgrade from 4 to 6, if nothing else. ::sigh::

    Enjoy your new car! Wish you could get the sexy one they've got in Europe... =)
     
  7. onerpm

    onerpm New Member

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    can't go wrong with a Honda. Enjoy!
     
  8. cdavid

    cdavid Member

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    Ah yes, the Osborne 1. Mine had the upgraded 180K floppy drives. 64K of ram, now that was smokin!

    Most people don't know what we're talking about.

    If I'd invested that $2100 computer in the stock market (1982) I might have enough to buy the Prius outright.
     
  9. dbunn92614

    dbunn92614 New Member

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  10. jeneric

    jeneric New Member

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    Seems like there's better ways to consume fuel. Ha ha. Just kidding.
     
  11. dbunn92614

    dbunn92614 New Member

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    That is an embarassing error, I meant to say "when I drive I try to conserve fuel", not "I drive to consume fuel". Thanks for your polite way of telling me about my stupid comment. :D
     
  12. djasonw

    djasonw Active Member

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    Good luck with your Honda. Great choice! Only reason I wouldn't get one is because it doesn't have stability control. I am not even sure if it has traction control. VSC REALLY makes driving in snow and rain less stressful. I love the look of the new Civic. I'd also miss smart key/HIDs/Bluetooth/Nav hatch etc.

    Drop back in and tell us how you're enjoying your car!! Happy Holidays!
     
  13. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    There are many good features that a '06 Civic has that a Prius doesn't.
    - Active head restraint system
    - Rear Double-wishbone suspension (much better than the McPherson/Chapman)
    - DRL (daytime running light) (whether you like it or not)
    - side curtain airbag - standard on all trim levels (unlike Prius)

    VSC(Traction included) is only available on Honda Accord V6, and models that are more expensive than it.
     
  14. Potential Buyer

    Potential Buyer New Member

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    I drive a 2006 Civic Hybrid, but the regular Civics are excellent cars as well. I hear alot of people get 37-38 mpg at 80 mph, though city mileage is typically around 25 mpg. But it's like 5 seconds quicker to 60 mph than the hybrid... anyway all 2006 Civics are alot more comfortable than the Prius, with better steering and ride comfort, and a much better interior and exterior.
     
  15. Tomel

    Tomel New Member

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    Thanks for the replies guys . . . who knows, maybe I'll check back every now and then.

    Note to cdavid - Glad there's at least one other person that remembers the Osborne 1. I was the only one at work with a personal computer at the time and was the envy of everyone.

    Note to dbunn92614 - We're going from an Odyssey to the Civic as well.
     
  16. cdavid

    cdavid Member

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    I really miss that 5 inch monochrome CRT, and the 30 lb sewing machine travel case design.

    I think its up in the attic somewhere, I'm gonna look for it.
     
  17. jamarimutt

    jamarimutt New Member

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    I've had many cars over the years, but after 31,000 miles with the Prius I don't see myself driving another car whose engine stays on going while going downhill and at stop lights. Neither do I want to use a key again to start a car, it doesn't make sense any more. Also, who cares about feeling the transmission when it shifts, or the air conditioner compressor and its fan when both start?

    The Civic, like my wife's Scion xB, is a nice car, bit it's very old technology--not acceptable for a technology enthusiast.
     
  18. Cosmo

    Cosmo New Member

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    I considered the 2006 Civic as well, it seems like a good car, but I really needed the utility of a hatchback. Check out this article here comparing the HCH to the Prius, it's an interesting read, even though you bought the non-hybrid version.

    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=108445

    I just bought a Prius, but I seriously considered holding back on the purchase for a few more years. There will be a plethora (if you consider a dozen a plethora) of new hybrid vehicles on the road on the next five years. Case in point, the new Hyundai Accent Hybrid looks like it truly may be the poor mans hybrid I've been touting in a few of my prior posts.

    One more note: You could have bought a package #4 from a North Carolina dealership. You said you are in Richmond? Heck, that's not much of a ride to Roanoke Rapids. I live in suburband DC, and I bought a package #4 in Raleigh NC. Saved me 2k relative to the package #6 in MD.

    Anywho, good luck Tomel, hope you enjoy your new car.

    Peace,
    Cosmo
     
  19. A2Prius

    A2Prius New Member

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    No harm, no foul. My family's owned six Hondas since 1988 (3 each, Accords and Civics), and you can't go wrong with 'em. As a matter of fact, I just sold my '00 Civic to help finance the purchase of my '06 Prius. I hope you enjoy your new Civic. The restyling is very nice, and it should be utterly dependable!
     
  20. Astrotoy7

    Astrotoy7 New Member

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    Until last month I was a staunch Honda person :)

    The new civics are indeed pretty.... still, the prii are prettier IMO..which is one of the reasons I got one :)

    Too bad you didnt go with the hybrid version :(