By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Thanks much
Do a search on this thread and you can find more discussion on the premium gas requirement.
I plan on using premium in my Si.
MidCow
The whole thing only took an hour, which I was happy about.
These 2 problems only affected certain batches of 2006 Civics identified by number, I was told. My car was in that batch. If you didn't get a recall letter, I wouldn't worry about it.
Strumelia
I'm anxiously awaiting my 5 test drives I have scheduled for this weekend, and just wanted some feedback as to what I should pay special attention to, or what you guys thought about my choices.
1st: I'm going to drive the 06 si tomorrow morning. Very excited, but from what I was told on the phone, its some copper color that I am not familiar with.
2nd: (little high) 06 V6 6speed Accord - if its as great as I think it might be, I might be able to justify the higher payments on it. I have never driven any accord, but I have heard nothing but great things about them.
3rd: The following morning I am going to drive the 06 vw GTI (NOT THE 05, the NEW one.) Its a DSG paddle shift 6 speed. I can't wait to see how the new transmission performs.
4th: (Lower budget) The Scion tC (figure it will leave me room for a Supercharger, some nice wheels, and a new Television haha.
5th: 05 Subaru wrx (NON STI, drool . . .) wish i could afford the STI, but don't think insurance would fly too well.
Having just landed my first real job and thank god I'm not married and DON'T have any kids (knock on wood) haha just I've got some money layin around for a new car that gets better than my trucks 18 mpg.
However, I am hoping to head to Law School in the next 18 months and am on a limited budget due to the fact that I want the car paid off in 18 months.
What would you guys suggest I check out? What do you think about my choices?? I love aftermarket parts - but not crappy ricer looking stuff, more along elegant performance upgrades. IE: NO BIG WINGS!!!
Let me know, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Welcome to the forum, you have some pretty good choices listed.
(1) I have a Rallye Red 2006 Si on order. It looks great and will be my comupter car. Will put an exhaust and cold air intake on it. I really like the Honda 6-speeds nad this will be my work commuter car!
(2) I have a 2005 Accord Coupe EX with NAV 6-speed and it is a wonderful , fast car! It EPA is rated at 20/30 and I can easily get EPA and above even at 75-80 mph. It is much faster than the Si. I have a K&N Filter and Borla exhaust. The Borla exhaust is pretty quiet. IT IS A SLEEPER on INSURANCE, very low rates. I am going to keep this car!
(3) Wouldn't get a VW poor reliability in electrical and poor customer service. Positives , very nice handling and road feel.
(4) Scion tC is pretty nice car 5-speed with supercharger would be pretty nice. Base model is quite a bit slower than the other cars you are looking at. Even with the supercharger, it might be the slowest.
(5) WRX even with the new 2.2 liter has turbo lag. I hate turbo lag. Reliability of Subaru pretty good. I think you will pay higher insurance rates. This is probably the fastest car you have listed but only on hard acceleration with the turbo spooled up. In reality the V6 Accord is probably faster.
Law school, just what we need another lawyer. Just kidding, sounds like you have a good future ahead. Let me know when you become partner and get a Viper or a 911
YMMV,
MidCow
I had heard that they have gotten better reviews on reliability, but my friend who drives a Jetta has had some horror stories for me.
I'm really curious as to how much I could get the accord for under MSRP. I'm really excited about the drives in store - and I hope I don't fall in love with the GTI.
My guess is (realistically) that it will come down to the civic si, or an 05 wrx. Unless I could get the accord for somewhere around or under 25k. I don't want any NAV option because I plan on purchasing Garmin's new 7" VOA Touchscreen unit (much nicer than any factory NAV).
I'm torn between Law School and Film school - Money vs. Love. You know the drill - starving artist, or stressed out single wealthy bachelor.
thanks again!
Don
I'm surprised to hear that your accord is faster than an 06 si. I'm not saying that it isn't, I just don't know. How much horse is that 6 cylinder putting out and what do you think your 0-60 is?
Chuck Dock
Grand Blanc, Mi
I did mostly highway driving, and the highways were slower moving ones for the most part. I went 71 mph with the cruise control on, and on the slower highways I only went 64 mph. I shift around 3500 to each gear. I know these are slow speeds but I wanted to see how good the car would do.
Chuck, You call 71mph "slow"? What's the speed limit where you live? In any case, you can't expect to drive faster and faster and get better mileage that way. Pick one or the other- high speed or good mileage. I think you are really lucky to get the mileage you do! Guess it's because you don't do a lot of city driving or stop and go driving. Strumelia
I almost bought a Golf TDI. Luckily the salesman raised his offer from invoice to $300 over and I walked. Then I read the VW horror stories. 2003 was a very fine year!
Double sixes,
MidCow
Strumelia
Anyways...I am happy to get the milage that I do!
My SI's radio is xm ready but I don't know what that really means as far as accessable connections for the box and if the antenna wire is already ran...
Does anybody know how hard it would be to get a universal xm black box and do the install?
The 2006 WRX has a 2.5 liter engine (not a 2.2) and it has almost no turbo lag. It is a substantially better performer than the Accord in all performance measures.
To be fair, they are definitely aimed at different markets. The WRX is a functional sports sedan, the Accord v6 is a very nice, reliable, sedan/coupe. The accord can accelerate quickly, but it's brakes and handling are not built for sporty intentions.
The TC is a tremendous value. If you are someone who is going to modify your car, and you want the best performance on the block, the TC isn't for you. It's a very inexpensive (for the content) economy car with a strong, reliable engine and alot of features stock. The supercharger is great and all, but it pushes the car up into a whole new category of cars based upon cost. If cost is a factor, and you enjoy a fun to drive car, this is a good choice.
The WRX is a great choice as well, but figure out if you really need AWD, and if you want 4 doors. It will get about 23-26mpg on average and uses premium, and for this you get outstanding acceleration and a very solid midrange (the wrx is not a top end performer...it's good till about 6000 rpms, and then begins to die off. This is, in large part, due to 3 catalytic converters in the exhaust).
It will also respond to modifications much better than any other car on the list. With a $600 investment, you will be close to STI territory on a stock WRX. (Cobb Accessport).
For the record, I drive a 2005 Saab 9-2x Aero which is a WRX Wagon. I am trading it in for an SI, as I don't need AWD, and wanted alot of things the SI offers.
Good Luck in your choice!
Joe
I've looked at this car (online mostly) and I'll say this about it. It has one of the most advanced engines AND transmissions available in this price range. They make a great looking interior.
It wouldn't be a car I'd be planning on keeping a long time (no more than 40-50k miles) and I don't really care for the wheels or the rear end. Otherwise, it will probably be one of the more satisfying cars to own/drive everyday. This is due to the tremendous low-end torque, excellent steering, and DSG transmission.
Good Luck in your choices! The "copper" color SI is Habanero Red. It changes colors depending on the light, and goes for a deep red to an orangish color. It's quite good looking, and if you don't mind that the color is a little on the immature side (as is the car) then it might be for you.
Good Luck!
Joe
----------------------
THE CIVIC SI
----------------------
I drove the SI first. I was wrong, it was actually a cobalt grey color that was suprisingly nice. Great looking car.
My first impression of the car was as I got into the driver seat and closed the door. Talk about smooth. The door closes like a 50,000 BMW. Great build quality, I was smiling already. Also (I'm 6'0") I was suprised as to how perfectly the new zany dash layout worked for me (the steering wheel went right where it was supposed to go.) I do agree about the seatbelt though, you really do have to reach WAY back there for it.
Anyway - on to the driving experience. From 6800 to what seems like 8100 rpms, the motor screams. I've driven nothing but V8's my whole life, so I'm accustomed to torque. I Was very worried about the 135 lb/ft of torque, but in this agile little car, it didn't seem to be an issue! I love it.
this car had no nav, and no performance tires. THE DEALER offered me 19990 PLUS a "touch of class" fee of $1995 which he described as "paint preparation and scotch guard".
I laughed in his face and told him that he had one chance to shoot me straight and he once again bs'ed me so I got up and walked out without looking back.
Found the same car closer to my house for right at MSRP with no bs fees.
-------------------------------------
ACCORD 6-speed MT- EX
-------------------------------------
Chose the si over the accord. I'm 23 years old, and granted that its fast, powerful, responsive, black and a coupe, I could help but feel like I was 35 or so when I drove it. It feels SO much heavier than the SI, which of course, it is. I would absolutely be all over this car if I was 10 years older and married. Its very smooth, but doesn't really feel SPORTY.
On another note, the new Nav system is not great, but it is the best NAV system I have played with. I still don't understand why people order NAV systems when you can get such a BETTER system from GARMIN that is a TOUCHSCREEN for half the price of the pre-installed factory system.
Great car, just too old for me.
TOMORROW I DRIVE THE OTHER CARS!!!!
I can't speak for the accord, but the honda civic SI navigation is touchscreen, voice activated and very nicely integrates radio, MP3, XM, and a great navigation system as well as making the dash look classier and more expensive (IMO) and is a really nice system.
That being said, the portability of a garmin (or similar) system is hard to pass up
Joe
"The 2006 WRX has a 2.5 liter engine (not a 2.2) and it has almost no turbo lag. It is a substantially better performer than the Accord in all performance measures.
To be fair, they are definitely aimed at different markets. The WRX is a functional sports sedan, the Accord v6 is a very nice, reliable, sedan/coupe. The accord can accelerate quickly, but it's brakes and handling are not built for sporty intentions. "
Sorry about the engine size. I drove the old one and it had a lot of turbo lag. There may be less in the new one but there is still some lag on any turbo during spool up. It is just lest noticiable becuase of more torque and power with the larger engine size.
The Accord I have has tower strut, 17 inch wheels and 6-speed manual. It drives different from some of the other Accords. I have test drivin it 18K miles so I know how it drives and it has very good handling and brakes.
Anyway, I also have a fun commuter car, as I sold the idea to my wife of me having two cars in additon to my son's car and her car. Rallye red 6-speed 2006 Civic Si. I see you are getting one also, sounds great!
Double sixes,
MidCow
MidCow
It is available, that is why there are alot of civic sedans and coupes out there with navigation. The demand for the navigation has been far greater than Honda anticipated, and Alpine, the producer of the unit, had some initial problems in production.
You can order a navigation unit, and you can find them on lots. If you were told otherwise, then it was incorrect. I have an order for mine right now.
About 19% of SIs will be built with Navigation in the first quarter of 2006. Some people ordered the car with navigation, and due to demand, Honda changed the order to w/o Navigation. This is grounds for cancellation of the order, but Honda isn't worried as these cars will sell.
The WRX 2.0, as I drive, has very little low end, as you said. The WRX 2.5 has a 2.5% increase in displacement, a notable bump in compression ratio, and variable timing. This is enough to make most reviewers state "this car feels the same as the STI up to about 4000rpms". So, the 2.5 WRX is a whole new ballgame. People have been pulling sub 14 second 1/4 mile runs on STOCK 2006 WRXs. Combined with the new 17" wheels standard, better steering rack, and new brakes....this car truly is the performance bargain of the sub 30k range.
Anyway, as a soon to be SI owner, I suggest joining vtec.net (if you are not already a member) and contributing to the civic forum. There is alot of good information and helpful people (as well as some bad information). I've been looking into the k20 engine cars (the rsx-s and, now, the SI) for about a year now, and have found it to offer me the things I'm looking for at this point in my life.
Joe
Thanks for your response.
MidCow
For example, I like the idea of one that's transportable and voice activated, for use at night while driving. What Garmin models are you familiar with that I should look at?
Thanks!
P.S. After 16 years of fun, I sold my '87 Civic Si in '02, replacing it with a Mazda Protege5, which was its closest match at the time. Sounds like Honda has finally produced another Si worth considering. And fun as the P5 is, its 130HP just isn't quite enough for me.
Navigation / GPS Systems
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Garmin Nav, I have had two and now have an Accord with Nav. The Garmin is very good. Best web site for purchase is gpsdiscount.com you probably want the streetpilot 2720 at a cost of about $753.
Good Luck,
MidCow
I like Rallye Red the best, but metallic copper colors seem to be the new show colors.
Cheers,
MidCow
Has anyone heard or can confirm some of these Temple rumors?
On order Si wih NAV WAITING... WAITING ...Waiting ...waiting ...waiting
Cheers,
MidCow
Also, and tall drivers? Seems like the Si is pretty small; are the taller drivers comfortable?
Otherwise, test drove this car and the fit and finish is amazing for the price...
And you are blaming your increase in price on the fact that more civics are stolen than 99 chevy trucks?
That isn't a reasonable assertion. Some suggestions: if your deductible is $250, move it to $500. Cut out the unnecessary services if you've got those.
You can probably cut it down by $300-400 a year with your record.
Good Luck!
Joe
When I move in a few months, it goes down to about $1150/year before multi car/homeowners discounts etc.
I would be trading a 2000 Silverado Sport Truck - been offered $8900 trade in: WITH THE FOLLOWING MODS
2000 Chevrolet Silverado Stepside 4.8 Liter 5 Speed Manual
---------------------------------------------------
This truck has 120,000 miles (I bought it at 24000)
K&N Cold Air induction system with a Granatelli MAF SENSOR
GIBSON HEADERS with a cat-back flowmaster exhaust system.
(THIS TRUCK SOUNDS AMAZING, TRUST ME, WHEN YOU HEAR IT YOU KNOW IT MEANS BUSINESS)
EATON POSI-TRACTION REAR END (LOCKS COMPLETELY UNDER 20 MILER PER HOUR)
20 inch very elegant wheels (NOT GHETTO)
BRAND NEW COOPER DISCOVERY HP 275/45/20 Tires (VERY PRICEY)
BELLTECH 2/4 Drop kit (Spindle kit which doesn't change ride quality at all)
Gas-adjust shocks in case you need to haul something in the bed
Black Rollup "Lite-rider" Tonneau Cover (VERY NICE, EASY TO ROLL UP AND DOWN, NICE FRAME NO SNAPS)
CHROME BILLET GRILL
--------------------------------------------------------
While yes, it is beginning to show signs of aging - squeaks, rattles, whines - IT RUNS GREAT - and it is paid for. I pay $1200 a year FULL COVERAGE STATE FARM. I am 23 years old.
My question is this - I have about 12K Cash saved - and my truck trade in offer today was $8940.
I'm looking at an 06 black SI NO NAV - for right at MSRP (19990) plus tax = $22k
OR
a 2004 WRX Impreza with 7800 miles for $20000 + TAX = 22500.
Is it being immature, and stupid to trade my nice custom, good running truck in now on a new (almost new) car, or should I invest a little money ($2k) and get my truck squeekless, smooth, and drive it for another few years until I can save more money to get an even nicer car?? OR should I just say goodbye to my reliable old beauty and get a new one??
I'm plannin on going to law school in 9 months. So thats a factor.
Picture of my truck HERE
I NEED SUGGESTIONS AND PRO/CONS
insurance on both the new cars would SKYROCKET to $2200 a year.
HELP ME!!! LOSING MY MIND THINKING ABOUT MY DECISION
strumelia
If you drive alot, you'll save a fair amount of money on gas, so factor that in.
Your truck has a ridiculous amount of mods on it to "trade-in". Put the wheels/tires on ebay or something to sell, and put the old ones back on. Or, sell the car privately for like 11,000 (though it's gonna be hard to sell a 120,000 mile truck for that much).
As an 05 WRX owner I can say, without hesitation, don't do it. Pony up for the 06 WRX if you want to go that route. The SI is fantastic.
Most of all, I would say, don't pay cash for either car. Put a few thousand down, or just use your trade in, and finance the rest. In your situation, where you may need cash-on-hand, you don't want to tie up your resources ENTIRELY in a car.
Good luck...go test drive both, it should make the decision easier for you.
Anyone no matter what level of coverage can reduce thier premium by increasing the deductibles : both comprehensive and laibility. If you "self-insure" then you save on premium. By "self-insure" I mena put asside the deductable and if you do have a minor accident you pay that amount and it doesn't go on your insurance as an accident.
And again apples-to-apples does not compare if you have anyone on your policy that is under 25 or is not married. It seems at the magic agae of 25 your premiums will go down significantly or if you are married no matter what age.
Having said all of that the 2006 Civic Si may command a higher insurance rate that other cars like a Buick becuase:
(1) performance
(2) normal buyer demographics ( young , aggressive, male)
(3) theft probability
(4) cost to repair
Good luck and Fully Insure yourself think of it a "financial airbag"
YCMV or YPMV Your Cost May Vary) (Your Premium May Vary)
MidCow
P.S.- Most people are woth a lot more than they think they and they don't find out untiul they have a major accident and get sued; luckily the latter has not happened to me!
The recall came out in December but I haven't heard anything since.
Whats up?????
This is a different recall than the gas pedal one.