Overhaulin'

Honda Civic Coupe EX vs Scion tC vs Nissan Altima Coupe vs Honda Accord Coupe LX-S?

I'm getting a new car and I'm looking for expert opinions / pros+cons of these 2008 cars. The Civic is the most fuel efficient but it's also really generic and common; the tC is the most aesthetically pleasing in my opinion but it has the worst gas mileage; the Altima and the Accord are pretty nice but more expensive. I'm also torn about leasing / buying. I'd rather buy a car, but I am afraid of purchasing a less fuel efficient car that will be worth nothing in a few years when gas prices are too high. Am I overestimating the inevitable increase of gas prices?

Public Comments

1. The cars you list are not all in the same category. A Civic VS an Accord? A Scion vs an Altima? How ill you use the vehicle? Solo driver most of the time or need room for 4? Toddlers in the back seat? Need room for two sets of golf clubs? Take a look at the 2009 Corolla. Good gas mileage and a minor redesign this year. Look at how many miles you will be driving. 10,000 miles is going to cost $2000 in a 25 mpg car. In a 40 mpg car it will be $1250. (using an inflated $5 a gallon). Check insurance rates for each of the vehicles, too. You may find some major differences between brands depending on your agent and the way the vehicles are accessorized. Side air-bags? Vehicle stability control system? Check Consumer Reports for the pros and cons of the vehicles. They make recommendations that might help you decide. Finally, who gives you the best financing deal? Your credit union? A COSTCO recommended dealer? Get a car on an 8% loan and you'll pay a lot more than on a 2.9% loan. The cheaper one will help you pay for the gas. Know what the dealer's invoice cost is and work from there - forget the sticker price unless you go with Saturn - and I don't recommend you do. Happy car hunting! (Actually, it is a pain. Don't let the salesman see you have "car fever" cause he'll put you in a vehicle he wants to get rid of or keep the price too high.)
2. Ever considered Mitsubishi? Way better ride and the new models(Lancer & Galant) are pretty sharp looking. Great warranty and fuel efficent. I wouldn't not consider a purchase because of increasing gas prices. You will always have a car payment regardless. I'm a personal fan of purchasing as you own rather than rent your vehicle. In a lease you are responsible upon return of the vehicle for scratches, dings, condition of tires, excess kilometers, ect... where as a purchase you own it and do not have to worry about those things and you can drive it as many kilometers as you want. A vehicle is meant to be driven.
3. How about a Lancer Fortiz or Subaru????