I will look into that. I'm not too impressed with the Integra lineup so I
kinda just skipped over the Acura's altogether but I have noticed that the
1.7 EL's are in my price range. I also was not aware they had optional
sunrooves (sp?). I will go look into those. Thanks!


"Pars" <"sdaro(remove)"@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:40BE9B92.F0076AA0@hotmail.com...
> 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
>