I did it! Finally! After months of mulling to buy a second car, I took the dive – the main reason being my wife getting a job and one car no longer enough. Of course I had hybrids in mind. Prius obviously was the more popular one – but I researched the Civic Hybrid intensely as well. Others in the race were BMW (a pre-owned one) and the Sonata. What a wide variety!!
BMW the gas guzzler was out soon, I rented a Sonata and soon realized that I certainly did not love the wobbly feeling.
That left me with the Prius and Civic Hybrid. I got geared up to buy one of these and spend $50 with FightingChance and got some useful details to get the best price. For those who haven’t heard of Fighting Chance, try them when you are buying a new car – the guy provides some excellent information that helps you strike a good deal.
The Prius was amazing but still a little too wobbly to drive, also the safety ratings aren’t as good as the Civic Hybrid. The Civic is a pleasure to drive although it is just the second best engineered hybrid (the Prius can run completely on electricity because of its special engineering). Also the demand for Prius makes it much more expensive (the premium above the already high MSRP price).
In the end when I bought a Civic Hybrid – I got a normal looking fantastic car (not conspicuous as Prius) at a bargain price because the Honda Dealers want to sell their hybrid more (I got it $50 below invoice price!). I feel safer in a Honda and it drives just superb! Also I saved at least $3500 compared to a equally equipped Prius. Not to mention the 0% Sales Tax (applies to all hybrids in CT) and $2000 Income Tax rebate!!
- A Happy Honda owner (my other car is an equally fantastic Honda CR-V)
Congrats Nani! This looks like a very sweet deal. I bought a new Acura TSX a couple of months ago after moving to the Bay Area. I looked at Prius first – i thought they put too much plastic inside, maybe bring down the weight. Anyway I’m extremely happy with Acura. But sometimes I wish I’d gotten a hybrid so I could use the carpool lane.
Comment by Anoop J. — Nov 27, 2007 @ 11:57 pm |
I am impressed that there is a choice when you want a Energy efficient Hybrid and not Priyus. I was looking to change my car and have not been able to convience my husband.
Comment by Dhrieta — Jan 21, 2010 @ 9:17 pm |