I don't really need anything too big or powerful. I admit, I miss my Jeep
alot just because of the freedom but now I need something compact and
efficient. I'd love to get one of the new Accords but I can't really afford
anything newer than '97-'98 with lower kilometers. I've also heard alot of
complaints about Camry's as not being as cheap (repair-wise) or as reliable
as the Corolla. The safety issue was kinda one reason I started looking at
the Matrix line - they appear a bit bigger. I will definitely test-drive a
Matrix for awhile tho before really considering it because comfortable seats
are something I REALLY miss. The Saturn seats were sooo comfy
believe-it-or-not. My Corolla seats are like wooden chairs ...;p
Thanks for the input!
"Keith J" <_keith_757@comcast.net> wrote in message
news
vudnditucctASPdRVn-jw@comcast.com...
> I test drove the '04 Matrix and the only thing I didn't like was that
there
> was no lumbar support in the seat. It really needed it.
>
> With that price range, have you considered the bigger brothers, Camry and
> Accord? You may sacrifice a little at the gas pumps, but you are adding a
> lot of size, and with children, a little more metal around you sounds like
a
> better deal if something should hit you.
>
> If size is a major deal, look at the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV and
Honda
> Element. They should also be in that price range.
>
> Let us know what you decided to get
>
> Keith
> ' 99 Accord EX-L V6
>
>
>
>
>
> "griffin" <gryffy@DELTHISshaw.ca> wrote in message
> news:9kvvc.654034$Ig.8615@pd7tw2no...
> > 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
> >
> >
>
>