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Honda Civic Si / SiR 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    The 5 door hatch is only superior to the Si if you need the extra 2 doors.
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    The Mazda 3s has a engine that is a little bit different in feel than the SI. Has a lighter feel to the throttle and spins a little quicker. The first time I tired the 3 it felt like a sportbike engine. Very quick Revs.

    Its a hard choice between the SI and 3.
  • taykinitezytaykinitezy Member Posts: 56
    I looked at both, to me the 4 doors make it look like a family station wagon.
  • mautomauto Member Posts: 75
    "Its a hard choice between the SI and 3."

    17" wheels vs. 16"

    More torque (w/no mpg penalty) vs. less

    50k b to b warranty vs. 36k

    Curtain air bag vs. none

    Selling like hotcakes vs. giving them away

    Sounds like an easy decision to me.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    2 door sporty hatch vs. 5 door sporty wagon....

    Again there's no comparison between the two cars. Might as well compare them to a minitruck.
  • billmchalebillmchale Member Posts: 107
    Worse crash test scores versus better (just because a car has side curtain airbags, it doesn't automatically mean you are safer in it than a car without them)

    According to edmunds; slower 0-60 time vs. faster.

    An excellent manual transmission vs a good one.

    Excellent rep for reliability vs. an ok rep.
    (might be why the latter needs a longer warrenty)

    I could of course go on. Ultimately I am not trying to dis the Mazda in favor of the Civic, they are both very good cars. For some, indeed for perhaps the majority the Mazda will be a better choice (anyone who needs an automatic, or wants certain luxury features like leather seats, etc). On the flip side though there is alot to recommend the Civic; its a solid little run about with good performance, good utility and its a bit different than most things you will see on the road. Its relatively weak sales also means that it will be easier to negotiate a price than on a car that is selling like hot cakes.

    So mauto, while the decision might be easier for you, for some it might be a bit more difficult.
  • billmchalebillmchale Member Posts: 107
    I wouldn't say there is no comparison between them. In fact other than the extra doors, or lack there of, I would say the two are very comperable vehicles. Both are sporty hatchbacks targeted at the younger crowd with excellent cargo utility.

    Indeed unless your requirements include 4 doors or an automatic transmission (and some people's of course do) then I think it would be natural to cross shop these vehicles; heck last year when I thought I needed to replace my VW I certainly did.

    --
    Bill
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    All cars are comparable in one way or another. I could have bought anything from an Civic EX to a EVO. But if you don't care for the Mazda3 because it has a plastic core support, find the steering position canted toward the center of the car, and the faric on the seats feels like cheap stretched nylon over foam, you don't want a 3. I like my steering wheel, solid feeling construction, and suede bolsters on my current(third EP) SI.
  • billmchalebillmchale Member Posts: 107
    Right but my point is that the two cars in question are not exactly apples and oranges. They are in the same class (compact hatchbacks, with a bit of a sport image), same general ball park on price. Really if Honda had brought over their 5 door Civic (which is much like the 3 door) and gave it the Si treatment then they would be direct competitors, as it is they are nearly so.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    It's an individual thing - to me they are apples and oranges. i don't want a "sport wagon" I want a hatchback. If I was in the market for a hatchback right now, I would be looking for 3 doors.

    Bottom line is, the Mazda 3 does not share a bodystyle with the Si.
  • billmchalebillmchale Member Posts: 107
    I grant that there are differences between the cars, just like there are differences between every car. I was specifically trying to counter gee35coupe's contention that seemed to indicate that the two cars are so different as to make it silly to compare the two.

    I can certainly understand that everyone has individual preferences that would rule one or both of the cars out for them, but I think the cars are close enough in their functionality and their prospective audiences that it makes sense to compare them here.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Disappeared in this country. If the cars were that close, there would be many more of them. But it looks like there is a stong enough "preference" where automakers feel most people would buy a five door but not a three. I, as in me, as in this consumer, loves my SI evev though I had the choice to get any of the five doors out there.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    I don't think that it would have hurt Honda to offer a 5 door hatch in this country. The car is in existence in UK. They would just have to bump up the production and put the current Si's engine in it, instead of UK's 1.3 or 1.7 engines. Then they can go ahead and put the current RSX-S engine in the 3 door hatch, to make it more sporty than the 5 door. And maybe offer the 5 door with a diesel. I would be the first one to dump my Si for a diesel Civic 5 door, if the prices are reasonable, of course.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    I don't know whether a 5-door Civic Diesel would sell or not, but I would definitely like a k20a2 powered Civic Si.
  • john500john500 Member Posts: 409
    Let's say I have two cars. One is a stock 2003 Honda Civic SI (horsepower 160, torque = 132 ftlb). The second vehicle is a hypothetical 2003 Civic SI with a V6 engine that has the same horsepower but higher torque ( for example, horsepower = 160, torque = 160 ftlb). If all other parameters were identical (vehicle weight, driver weight, gear ratios, driver shifting experience, etc.), would the V6 make it down a quarter mile track quicker (because of a longer length of time at a higher horsepower while shifting through the gears) or would the cars reach the quarter mile marker at about the same time?
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    The diesel Jetta's are quicker than the base model gas for that reason. The diesel puts out less hp but more torque so it's quicker up to a certain speed.
  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    It's hard to say. The V6 would be faster in each gear (more area under the torque curve = more speed) but it'd have to shift sooner. The I4 might catch up while in first gear once the V6 has shifted. You can probably calculate the problem pretty exactly if you actually have the curve showing torque to revs. I have a feeling the V6's flatter torque curve would overcome the gearing issue.

     

    Around a track, the I4 would be able to take some of the corners in a lower gear and would be my favorite.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Let's say I have two cars. One is a stock 2003 Honda Civic SI (horsepower 160, torque = 132 ftlb). The second vehicle is a hypothetical 2003 Civic SI with a V6 engine that has the same horsepower but higher torque ( for example, horsepower = 160, torque = 160 ftlb). If all other parameters were identical (vehicle weight, driver weight, gear ratios, driver shifting experience, etc.), would the V6 make it down a quarter mile track quicker (because of a longer length of time at a higher horsepower while shifting through the gears) or would the cars reach the quarter mile marker at about the same time?

     

    No need to ponder, no need for a V6. A Civic Si with a K24 transplant is faster. Whether the transplant is from Accord (160 hp, 160 lbs.ft.) or TSX (200 hp, 170 lbs.ft??). There is an Si out there with a "Frankenstein" engine, it has a K24 block, and K20A2 head (from RSX-S). It was featured in SCC a couple of summers ago. It was faster than CTR on the track. The fatter torque curve made it a really nice car to drive in traffic or on the track.
  • taykinitezytaykinitezy Member Posts: 56
    just for conversation sake, had our first 8 inches of snow in the driveway today, Si did well...I hate to shovel if I don't have to....
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    just for conversation sake, had our first 8 inches of snow in the driveway today, Si did well...I hate to shovel if I don't have to....

     

    The stock Michelins are very good in the snow. I had no problem driving in the 4 blizzards we got last year. I had a 60 mile (one way) commute. I did have to slow down to 50-60 mph from my usual 75-80 mph. One time, there was this Ford Explorer who thought that he was better suited for the conditions. He high beamed me to get out of his way, and I did move to the center lane. a couple of seconds later I saw his tail lights switch into head lights and then tail lights again, and then he hit the center guard rail. I swirved around him with no problem on the stock Michelins.

    Last summer, I replaced them with Bridgestone Potenza 950, which were advertized as all season. They are much better in the dry, and wet than Michelins. And, as advertized, they are excellent in the snow as well. I was thinking of getting winter tires from Tirerack, since I moved to Buffalo and it snows here on a daily basis. But, I think I can drive on the Potenza's through winter. I am very impressed, so far.
  • bobbsibobbsi Member Posts: 19
    What size Bridgestones are you running?
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    What size Bridgestones are you running?

     

    Stock size.

    image

    image

    image
  • bobbsibobbsi Member Posts: 19
    thx. based on some earlier dialogs in this forum, I have considered going to a 205/60-15 or maybe a 205/55-15, depending on availability & cost. I need an all season (just enough snow in WV to rule out peformance only tires) performance blend. Would like to go to 16" rims (yes, I was paying attention earlier but think the 16" rims would fill the wheel well better) but that is not feasible (cost) at this time.

     

    thanks again for the info
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    whoa. Those are huge pictures of your tires! :-)

     

    Wonder how much it costs to buy a set of the stock 16" rims for the '04/05 SI.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    I'm sure that they cost $500+ more than a similarly sized set of Rotas, and weigh more too.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    The 16 inch rim and tire combo on the 2004-2005 Si have the same outer tire circumference as the 15 inchers on the 2002-2003 Si. So, going to a 16 incher with lower profile tire will not fill up the wheel well.

     

    Don't forget that 2004-2005 Si has 5 lugs while 2002-2003 had 4. So, stock 2004-05 rims will not fit 2002-03 Si. However, stock RSX rims should fit the 2004-05 Si.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    blueidgod ... If you are reading this then get off Edmunds and go wash your car!!! :)
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    blueidgod ... If you are reading this then get off Edmunds and go wash your car!!! :)

     

    I wish I could wash her, it is -18°F outside, windchill is -30°F. It is going to warm up today, to -1°F, woohoo.

    I had to put vaseline on the door seals after it rained on sat, and the forecast said it was going to be in the negatives. I think, if I do go to a carwash, even if they are open, I would have to wait until spring to open my doors again.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    -18? Geez. And I'm complaining about 20 degrees with a windchill of around 0-10 degrees.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    OUCH...I think I lost a toe reading that.
  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    And I complain about 45º. I hate it when a t-shirt isn't enough.

     

    btw, does the steering get stiffer towards the limit? Doesn't seem to on other Civics.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,145
    A reporter would like to speak to owners who are interested in obtaining equipment for their cars that's known as JDM - Japanese domestic market -that's available only in the Japanese

    market, as the name suggests, but it can be obtained by some enthusiasts in the U.S. through after-market specialists.

     

    If you are willing to talk about what you bought, how you found out about this equipment, or what you'd like to get from Japan but can't, etc., please send an e-mail with your daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com by Wednesday, December 22.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    I hope this forum isn't the only one that the reporter is looking in.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    I didn't read through all the messages because it would take too long. Therefore, I probably missed the explanation, but would someone be kind enough to explain why the old double wishbone front suspension, as in the previous generation Civics and other Honda/Acura products, is so highly regarded, compared with the current Civic/RSX setup. Also, what are the real differences one experiences behind the wheel, in terms of, say, nimbleness, steering feel, or any other relevant attribute? In addition, are the advantages of the double wishbone evident in normal everday driving, or only during very aggressive driving? And finally, if the double wishbone design is inherently superior, why has BMW not adopted it, given the priority that company places on driving dynamics?

      

    Thanks in advance.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    the main complaints were in the reduction in sophistication of going with the simpler and cheaper Mac strut design, and also the fact that the double wishbones gave aftermarket tuners much more latitude to work with.

     

    As for my experience with them, I drove an '01 'teg with 25K and the new RSX back to back, and the RSX is way better in many ways - body control over undulating pavement, turn-in responsiveness - with the only downside being that overall the controls make you feel a little more remote from the road. Some reviewers call this a "higher level of sophistication", or that "the RSX has grown up from the old Integra", but I kind of like it the old raw way. Although I wound up buying the RSX because it was so much better in so many ways.

     

    One benefit you can't argue with even if the struts ARE a cheaper design, is that they allow more passenger room in the cabin - noticeable in the Civic and even more so in the RSX over the old models.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • taykinitezytaykinitezy Member Posts: 56
    Sounds less complicated than the Randy Johnson trade to the Yankees..........
  • billmchalebillmchale Member Posts: 107
    I doubt it is the struts though that are responsible for the more remote feeling... afterall BMW and VW have both used struts for years and both had a rep for good road feel (well at least until the last generation for VW).

     

    --

    Bill
  • bobbsibobbsi Member Posts: 19
    Has anyone 'upgraded' to a 205/60-15 tire and if so, what are the pros/cons. I'm looking at a Performance All-Season (BFG T/A, Potenza G009, Yoko Avid H4s) type tire.

     

    Thanks
  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    Wishbones give you more suspension travel - you can lower the car farther without risking hitting the bumpstops on turns - and reduce the change in camber due to turning (keeps the wheels vertical despite body lean, which, all else being equal, improves cornering).

     

    Curiously, the real-world compaints about the current-gen Civic has been with the rear suspension which I think kept its basic setup.
  • billmchalebillmchale Member Posts: 107
    I am not sure but while they kept the wishbone in the rear, I think they simplified it and I think that had some negative impact when handling at the limit.
  • kauai215kauai215 Member Posts: 190
    Nippononly wrote:

    “. . .overall the controls make you feel a little more remote from the road.”

     

    The electric power steering unit contributes to that remote feeling on our Si. I don’t care for it at all, especially “on-center” where the feeling is as dead and numb as anything I’ve ever experienced. There may be sound engineering advantages to electric power steering, but I’d rather suffer the slight decrease in horsepower from the pulley-driven, conventional power steering pump, and enjoy better feel through the steering. I don’t doubt, however, that in time Honda, and everyone else, will perfect the electric steering units and I’ll be happy with them. I sure hope so, anyway.

     

    If I had my “druthers,” I’d prefer a lighter car with no power steering at all, just direct rack and pinion, like on our ’91 Civic Si. That was the last non-power car we had, and I miss it for that alone. That ’91 had wonderful steering, as direct and precise as you could want, with superb road feel further enhanced by the small Momo steering wheel I installed. (Ah, the good old days. :-)

     

    -Kauai (who should, perhaps, be driving the new Lotus Elise even if he is an old fart. ;-)
  • kauai215kauai215 Member Posts: 190
    Bobbsi wrote:

    "Has anyone 'upgraded' to a 205/60-15 tire and if so, what are the pros/cons."

     

    I recently installed 205/60-15s on our ’02 Si, mounted on 15x7 Borbet rims. I prefer the appearance of the larger tire; despite the small increase, the tire visually fills the wheel well much more. It has a slightly wider stance as well with the 7” wide rims. I’m pleased with that. That’s all a matter of personal preference, of course.

     

    The slightly taller sidewall provides a noticeable, but not substantial, improvement in ride quality.

     

    The larger contact patch, coupled with the stickier rubber of the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 tires, seems to have increased the rolling resistance enough to decrease fuel economy around 1-2 mpg. Four season tires may not be as “sticky.” I don’t know.

     

    The larger tire alters the speedometer reading only a little. At an indicated 70 mph, true speed appears to be about 71 mph. Those interstate mile markers seem to be less than precise. An average over a number of miles seems to indicate about a 1 mph difference, which is no problem. . . unless that 1 mph bumped you into the “get a ticket zone.” ;-)

     

    Now, if only we’d get some snow here! I still cannot comment on how these snow tires work in the snow. They are superb in the dry, just what I was hoping for, since the last Blizzaks I had were ‘orrible, just ‘orrible I say, in the dry. The Blizzaks, to their credit, were astonishingly good on packed snow and ice. (MZ-02, and keep a close eye on the mirror, because the guy behind you cannot hope to stop as fast as you unless he’s running MZ-02s, too, so give him room before the poor fellow stuffs his radiator in your trunk!)

     

    In the spring when I order summer tires, I plan on going with the 205/55 size. Now that I have these winter tires, I’m free to get ultra-high performance 3-season tires. I’m thinking of getting the Potenza S-03s. I’m looking forward to that.

     

    I hope this helps you in your decision; feel free to ask any other questions you may have. :-)
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    A reporter would like to talk with anyone fitting the following profile...."I'd love to find some folks who've modified their own rides. I'm particularly interested in people who've done this for the first time and were driven to do it, at least in part, from watching a tv show like Pimp My Ride, Overhaulin' or something similar. I'm looking for average drivers who are just discovering that they can personalize their rides. I'm not as interested in the traditional tuner crowd who've been doing this for years."

     

    If you have a story to share, please send your name, daytime contact info and a line or two about your vehicle to jfallon@edmunds.com by Wednesday, December 29, 2004.
  • bobbsibobbsi Member Posts: 19
    kauai215-thanks for the info. I'll keep the stock rims (for now). Looking at BFGoodrich Traction T/A H -good ratings on the Tire Rack web site.

     

    Thanks again
  • kauai215kauai215 Member Posts: 190
    You wrote:

    "Looking at BFGoodrich Traction T/A H -good ratings on the Tire Rack web site."

     

    That's an attractive choice. These tires have garnered excellent reviews, and they are bargain-priced. Had I not decided to get another set of snow tires, I was seriously thinking of these BFG T/As, too.

     

    I'd be interested in your feedback on these tires if you should buy them.

     

    I believe the 205/60-15 should fit your OEM 6" rims just fine. I put 205/55-15s on our '99 Si and they worked fine, as well as looking better than the smaller OEM tires. That car also had 15x6" rims just like our newer Si. The narrower 6" rim (as opposed to the 7" I'm running with the winter tires) might even offer a slight improvement in ride quality. As I understand it, the narrower rim will promote just a bit more sidewall flex, although I cannot say I've ever been able to discern any difference. The most discernible differences are attributable to the different tire and size.

     

    You wrote:

    "Thanks again."

     

    You're welcome. :-)
  • taykinitezytaykinitezy Member Posts: 56
    the Si board has been quiet for a few days so I thought I would take the opportunity to ask for some comments from Si owners. We have a CR-V in the family that serves as my wife's car and family hauler, so when it came time to replace our 4dr Civic I opted for the Si (2004), small, sporty and nice options. I have been distracted by little squeaks and such since day one which may be due to the stiffer suspension. I like having a small 3 door hatch as my commute car but I do wish the ride was a little softer at times, something I didn't perceive during my 3 test drives. Even though I am not a car buff I can appreciate the smooth engine and shifter. That has been my problem, I've had my Si for 8 months now and it is still a "love-hate" driving experience. One day I think to myself "I should have got something that rides softer,like a 2dr Accord, the next day I think "nice machine". Since I am not that knowledgeable on the finer points of car characteristics, I was hoping that some Si owners may want to give me their thoughts as far as the Si being a good choice ..and maybe point out areas of excellence that I will learn to appreciate.....thanks all.
  • kauai215kauai215 Member Posts: 190
    You wrote:

    “I was hoping that some Si owners may want to give me their thoughts as far as the Si being a good choice…”

     

    For who, you? No can do, Ezy.

     

    Ezy, my friend, you seem uneasy. ;-)

     

    You’ve been wrestling with this dilemma for some time now, haven’t you? “Did I buy the right car or, heaven forbid, . . . not?”

     

    Well. . . The best any of us might do is help you understand why each of us -- individuals all -- like our Si’s. I’m not sure I see how that would have much bearing on whether _you_ would like it, though, particularly given that you’ve now owned and driven yours for eight months, yet continue to struggle with whether you want to live with it.

     

    You wrote:

    “One day I think to myself ‘I should have got something that rides softer, like a 2dr Accord…’”

     

    I understand. Sometimes the best way to appreciate something is to return to what you’d formerly known, and see what _it_ lacks in comparison. To wit, on one of those days when you’re thinking, “Nice machine!” drive your Si over to your Honda dealer and take an Accord 2dr out for a test drive along the same roads. Do it right then, if possible.

     

    My thought is that this method will provide you the best answers to your questions, much better than anything anyone might say to you.

     

    Let the cars talk to you. Listen to the cars, Ezy, not to us. What do we know. . . about _you_ and your preferences?

     

    If your response to the Accord test drive is something like, “Ah, now this is more like it!”

     

    Then I think, maybe, you will have answered your question.

     

    Or, if your response to the Accord is, “Eww, this thing’s a mushmobile. I’m too isolated from the driving experience. I like the way I feel ‘connected’ to the machinery in my Si. And, yeah, it _is_ worth the dues of enduring the harsh ride on the rough bits.”

     

    Then I think, maybe, you will have answered your question.

     

    Good handling typically comes at the expense of ride quality. TANSTAAFL, right? We’ve talked about this before, haven’t we?

     

    You wrote:

    “Since I am not that knowledgeable on the finer points of car characteristics…”

     

    “Finer points” be damned. I’ll bet that you’ve learned enough about your personal preferences by now to appreciate the differences between the Accord 2dr and the Si . . . and to be able to choose between them -- much better than eight months ago. It’s YOUR car, not ours, Ezy. ;-)

     

    There’s no mystique to sports cars. You like ‘em, or you don’t. Rest easy with your decision. :-)

     

    The circumstances of your regular driving environment are not to be ignored, either. If all my driving was on decaying, urban streets, I’d sell my P5 for sure, and maybe my Si, too. On the other hand, were I to live in a “driver’s paradise” of smooth and challenging, twisty, country roads (alas, we don’t, they’re 100 miles away), I’d have no problem spending more than $20k for an even more sporting car; it would be worth it then. There are very limited “go-fast” bits around here, and spending $30k+ on a quicker car is just silly around here . . . to ME. Many people think otherwise, and we enjoy watching their fine cars on the roads. YMMV. ;-)

     

    I want a Carrera GT2 or an F430 to GO FAST(!) in, to push the limits, . . . not to look good in. I&#146;m largely indifferent to what others think of me; my value system differs from the herd. [. . .the old fart says, ever so smugly. <laughing>] Age has its advantages. ;-)

     

    You wrote:

    &#147;..and maybe point out areas of excellence that I will learn to appreciate.&#148;

     

    Nah, see above. If you&#146;d never driven a sporting car, maybe, but not now, not after you&#146;ve owned an Si for eight months.

     

    The car will tell you. You value what it tells you, or you don&#146;t. Next to that, anything we might say is inconsequential. There&#146;s no talking you into liking your Si. You like it, or you don&#146;t. And it&#146;s okay, either way.

     

    &#147;Man, if you have to have jazz explained to you. . . you&#146;ll never know.&#148; - Louis Armstrong

     

    However, I do appreciate your financial dilemma, should you decide you want to unload your new Si. It won&#146;t kill you to trade it in, even after only eight months. Shall I talk to your wife for you? Be humble and contrite. She&#146;ll love you the more for it. <laughing> Be prepared, however, to hear about your &#147;mistake&#148; for decades to come. That might prove to be an even &#147;rougher&#148; ride! You choose. ;-)

     

    We cannot choose for you.

     

    What we like, and are prepared to tolerate, has nothing whatsoever to do with _you_.

     

    Maybe you strongly prefer strawberry ice cream. I&#146;m fond of vanilla, myself. One&#146;s not objectively better than the other -- it&#146;s a matter of personal preference -- contrary to the self-absorbed, distorted, and combative &#147;reasoning&#148; of a few persistent &#147;contributors&#148; in this Honda Si/Sir group. There are many different cars to choose from and any one of them may be the best choice for a given driver . . . as you&#146;re learning, possibly to your dismay.

     

    You may have made a mistake, purchasing an Si. It happens. No tragedy. Now, if only you can convince your wife it&#146;s that simple. ;-)

     

    For heaven&#146;s sake, whatever you do, do not buy that Accord 2dr on the spot! ;-)

     

    You might be pleased by what Mazda has to offer in this price range, and Toyota, and. . .

     

    How do you like my reasoning so far? :-)

     

    -Kauai (striving, as always, to make a constructively useful contribution.)
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Next time you question whether you got the right car, floor it, take it to the red line, shift, take to red line again, take the on ramp a little bit faster than you used to in the older Civic or the CR-V keep the revs on the boil as you approach the highway, once on highway, shift at the red line and look at your speedo. You are doing 80 in third gear and you got two more to go!!!!!. And you just took that on ramp at 60 mph, with a big yellow sign suggesting that you go 40 mph. How many cars under $17,000 can do that, stock?

     

    The Accord coupe V6, 6 spd may have better o-60 times, but it is huge and not as nimble as the Si.
  • john500john500 Member Posts: 409
    I understand your frustration. I bought a 2003 SI. Ideally, I would like AWD for bad weather, 10" of ground clearance, 40+ mpg, 0-60 times < 5 s, excellent handling, a soft ride and a capability to haul with a selling price of $17,000. Unfortunately, there are no such cars or trucks with all of those options. I think you made a good choice. The SI has good fuel economy, good handling, decent wet weather traction and will withstand a lot of high rpm driving. Additionally, with the seat folded down, you can fit a bicycle in it with no problem.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,145
    A magazine reporter would love to find some folks who've pimped their own rides. He is particularly interested in people who've done this for the first time and were driven to do it, at least in part, from watching a tv show like Pimp My Ride, Overhaulin' or something similar. He is looking for average drivers who are just discovering that they can personalize their rides, and is not as interested in the traditional tuner crowd who've been doing this for years.

     

    If you have a story to share, please send your name, daytime contact info and a line or two about your vehicle to jfallon@edmunds.com by Wednesday, January 5, 2005.

    Thanks!

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