2005 Corolla B-Pack sounds like the best deal, but does not come with a sunroof.
Another good choice is the 2000 EL which can be had with a sunroof and the 127
HP engine.

Pars
98 Civic Hatch

griffin wrote:

> I'm looking to purchase a new(er) car at the end of summer for around
> $16-22,000 CDN ($12-16,500 US) and have been looking at these four options:
>
> 1. 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS or XR B-pack
> 2. 2004/2005 Toyota Corollla B-Pack
> 3. 1998-2002 Honda Civic SI
> 4. 2001-2003 Honda Civic DX-G
>
> I previously owned a 1993 Saturn SL1 and liked the luxury-type features
> (A/C, pdl, pw, pm, comfy seats, cruise, tilt, etc) and a Jeep YJ
> (convertible - openness). I currently drive a 1997 Toyota Corolla SD, the
> plain-jane no frill model. It doesn't even have A/C. I have a 15 month old
> child and A/C is kinda needed. My Corolla is also very uncomfy and not
> suitable for long drives.
>
> In my new car, I want some frills, like keyless entry, pw, sunroof would be
> AWESOME!, cruise control, etc. Price is also a factor - I'm a full-time dad
> raising my child and the more money saved the better. I want reliability,
> practicality, comfort, gas mileage, etc. It's going to be for daily driving
> mostly in the city. I live in the cold climate of Canada which ranges from
> +30C to -30C (-22F to 86F) so heat and coolness are big factors as well as
> handling in ice/snow/rain.
>
> I'm looking for honest and unbiased opinions. I'm posting this in Honda &
> Toyota newsgroups and I know people in their respective ones no-doubt prefer
> the company they are driving, but please be as impartial as possible. I only
> plan to buy one new car in the next 10-15 years and this will be it. Tell me
> your gripes and your praises for any of the models you own(ed) above or have
> heard about. All comments appreciated!!
>
> My current views are:
> 1. The Matrix seems very practical for everything. Reliability is hard to
> tell because they are relatively new but they seem OK? They may be a bit big
> tho and I wonder about fuel consumption? Pricy, too, for the higher models.
>
> 2. I love Corollas for their reliability and price. I tried an '04 out in
> the winter and it handled VERY well. It was also very warm and somewhat
> comfy. I've heard the '05's will be very comfy. It also seemed to have alot
> of power. I guess my only gripe with them is their simplicity. Simple can be
> good, but they aren't great looking cars and they lack the sunroof which I'd
> really like if possible. Still tho, for the price it's a pretty good choice.
>
> 3. I'd love to own an SI but I wonder about 2-door for a child? Many say
> it's hard to get them in and out and it's not so great. I've also heard
> mixed opinions on the higher output VTec engines - some people say they wear
> out a little faster? The price is also alot higher unless I go '99ish with a
> bit higher K's. However, they have all the bells and whistles and are fun to
> drive - as well as a good resale value. (PS: I know the '04's have 4-door,
> but they are a bit outta my price range for now ...but if you have some
> feedback on them, feel free to reply!) Is it worth the SI or is the DX-G
> just as good?
>
> 4. The DX-G seems like the Corolla's comparison but with a few more frills.
> I know very little about them tho except that they are a few $1000 more.
> Feedback needed!
>
> I thank all of you for your help!! Sorry for the crossposting and the long
> post!
>
> griffin