09-01-2009, 04:06 PM
Commute 50 miles each way, Route 50 from Winchester to Chantilly
Mostly highway, then city stop-n-go for about 7-8 miles.
Handling Ride/Comfort: I think the Integra has a great mix of the two. ItÔÇÖs not harsh and itÔÇÖs good enough to have fun at speeds that arenÔÇÖt simply retarded to be doing on a public road. Leather seats were a must and were the difference between getting a civic and an Integra. Has to have a reasonable stereo. I added an HD radio with front aux input, a 25watt amp and 8" sub. No license plate rattle, just more music.
Power: ItÔÇÖs as fast as the minivan in front of me and faster than the school bus behind. It has just enough power to get over the mountain at 70mph with the AC on.
Size/Doors: I should have gotten a 4 door version. The few times my kids ride in the car itÔÇÖs OK, but no way would I have a two door if I was the one doing drop off/pick-up. I make it work, bigger would be better.
Fuel Economy: Important with the long commute and I get about 31mpg. Next car will likely be a hybrid for HOV and FE advantages. I will wait until a new car is needed. When my commute was 16 miles, I didn't care and really liked having an extended cab pickup.
Auto/Manual: Manual. ItÔÇÖs a feather-light clutch, IÔÇÖm only stop-n-go for a short time and with little power to begin with I like the flexibility and predictability. Sometimes I wish it was automatic but not often.
Looks: Somewhat important. I wouldnÔÇÖt buy a car that got 12mpg because it looks better, but I would sacrifice 2-3mpg for something that looks better to me. I am lowering the car a bit and putting some cheap but effective wheels on it. I have to look at it too.
Ideally though...If someone makes a TDI Hybrid Minivan/SUV with 250+ft/lbs of torque and gets 35mpg, I will buy it and drive it everyday. If I can get the same mileage and more utility, staying with a small car makes no sense.
Mostly highway, then city stop-n-go for about 7-8 miles.
Handling Ride/Comfort: I think the Integra has a great mix of the two. ItÔÇÖs not harsh and itÔÇÖs good enough to have fun at speeds that arenÔÇÖt simply retarded to be doing on a public road. Leather seats were a must and were the difference between getting a civic and an Integra. Has to have a reasonable stereo. I added an HD radio with front aux input, a 25watt amp and 8" sub. No license plate rattle, just more music.
Power: ItÔÇÖs as fast as the minivan in front of me and faster than the school bus behind. It has just enough power to get over the mountain at 70mph with the AC on.
Size/Doors: I should have gotten a 4 door version. The few times my kids ride in the car itÔÇÖs OK, but no way would I have a two door if I was the one doing drop off/pick-up. I make it work, bigger would be better.
Fuel Economy: Important with the long commute and I get about 31mpg. Next car will likely be a hybrid for HOV and FE advantages. I will wait until a new car is needed. When my commute was 16 miles, I didn't care and really liked having an extended cab pickup.
Auto/Manual: Manual. ItÔÇÖs a feather-light clutch, IÔÇÖm only stop-n-go for a short time and with little power to begin with I like the flexibility and predictability. Sometimes I wish it was automatic but not often.
Looks: Somewhat important. I wouldnÔÇÖt buy a car that got 12mpg because it looks better, but I would sacrifice 2-3mpg for something that looks better to me. I am lowering the car a bit and putting some cheap but effective wheels on it. I have to look at it too.
Ideally though...If someone makes a TDI Hybrid Minivan/SUV with 250+ft/lbs of torque and gets 35mpg, I will buy it and drive it everyday. If I can get the same mileage and more utility, staying with a small car makes no sense.
Current: 1985 LS1 Corvette | 2014 328i Wagon F31
Former: 2010 Ford Edge | 1999 Integra GS
I have a little bit of a rub near lock but if you are turned to lock on a track there are other problems already...
Former: 2010 Ford Edge | 1999 Integra GS
I have a little bit of a rub near lock but if you are turned to lock on a track there are other problems already...