Buying Advice - civic2k6, altis, mazda

[comixster]

Hi! this is my first time to post but I've been reading the forums for quite some time now. Just want to ask for some advice regarding what car we should buy. I'm choosing among honda civic 1.8S, mazda3 1.6V and a toyota altis 1.6E. Since the altis is mejo luma na, it's cheaper and hence I'll be able to buy accessories for it like fog lamps, spoiler, skirts, grill, leather seats. Appreciate your help on what to buy. Thanks!

[nemo's friend]

tough decision to make, sir :-) read na lang kayo mga threads here about your car choices. check out din yung Mazda 6 ... goodluck sa purchase nyo.

[ghosthunter]

what is your actual budget?...

[odell]

cicv 2k6 :D

[niky]

If those are his choices, I don't think his budget will extend to a Mazda6 :lol:.

I'd say... all three are very good cars. The Mazda3 has the edge in looks, space and handling, but it gets lower fuel economy than a Corolla 1.6 AT (though the engine does "loosen up" after a few thousand kilometers). The new Civic 1.8 will have good power and looks on its side... can't comment on how it is spacewise versus the Altis or Mazda3, though, I haven't seen them all together. The Altis is oldest, yes, but as you've said, there are a lot of dress up and aftermarket parts out for it. And its still a great car... good space, great fuel economy, stiffish but well controlled ride, decent handling and dynamics (though not as exciting as the Mazda) only negatives, as far as I'm concerned is the lack of a telescoping steering adjustment and the uninvolving driving experience... perfect commuter, though.

Best bet is to try all three and see which suits you best. If you can wrangle a test drive over rough roads or in traffic, it'll tell you a lot about how easily you can live with the car.

[pdc2]

new civic = better engine performance and hp rating; expect it to be fast!
mazda 3 = best in handling among its class plus good exterior design (for me, still the most handsome among the compact cars around)
altis = if you just need a car to bring you from point A to B. Nothing really exciting as compared to the civic and 3. But the discounts it will offer you may make you think twice not to consider it.

[squala]

I'd pick the Civic here. It's the newest and most advanced with telescopic steering, digital speedometer and a first-in-class 5-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Although I still prefer the manual, this should already do you good especially in today's conditions.

The Altis is still the safe choice with its proven reliability, but like they said, it's starting to age. If you're patient enough, a new model should be out anytime this year. You might want to wait for that before writing the check for the Civic.

[mbt]

Civic without a doubt.

Unless you somehow don't like the exterior or interior styling of the Civic, in which case, Mazda 3 then.

[niky]

As a note, *pdc2, the Mazda3 also has telescoping steering.

[oldblue]

gwapo ang bagong civic, just saw a black one today sa parking lot ng megamall. malaki na pala ito compared sa mga older cars.

my advice mag - civic ka na lang hangga't ma-enjoy mo popularity nya. civic
naman eh one of the best sedans out there.

[aceshark]

civic din ako. pero kung plano mo altis, kuhanin mo na yung altis S. konting mods na lang kailangan. pero afaik, souped-up 1.6 J lang sya. nasa pillar kasi yung antenna e.

[wilcats]

Vic All The Way!!!

[garyq]

civic gets my vote

[oldblue]

Since the altis is mejo luma na, it's cheaper and hence I'll be able to buy accessories for it like fog lamps, spoiler, skirts, grill, leather seats. Appreciate your help on what to buy. Thanks!

wag mo masyado bigyan ng pansin yan fog lamps, spoiler, skirts leather seats, balewala yan.

nothing beats driving a brand new yet popular model sedan na wala ang karamihan. for a year malamang dami mapapa 2nd look sa yo. how I wish may opportunity ako makabili ng civic ngaun, kakainggit ka bro. niweys, we owned 2 civics na kaya I am very confident that you'll enjoy this car ....

[the_wildthing]

What are your criteria?

Kasi kung gusto mo lang ng sasakyan to take you from point a to point b, kahit alin dyan madadala ka.

The Mazda 3 gets my vote in the looks department.

The Altis because of my generally good experience with Toyota's reliability, just lowering and 17"s make them look better. But I agree, medyo luma na ang design. Dami nang meron.

Civic 06 is ok kung gusto mo bagong modelo talaga.

[Josh0027]

Mazda3 for me.

[Autobeat]

I'm choosing among honda civic 1.8S, mazda3 1.6V and a toyota altis 1.6E.

If your choosing between matics, I'd reco the civic w/c has a 5AT, vs the 4AT of M3/Altis. I'm anxiously awaiting though, what Toyota has to offer for the next gen Altis, and if it would possibly already release late 06 or early 07.

[lancer]

take the civic...fresh, young looking and modernly designed. altis... ang design parang pang older pipol, mazda 3 front facia..looks similarly with other cars.

[bougartt]

i'd wait for the review of the new civic, kung positive yung mga reviews then get that.. Altis ko 1.6E 2004 model sirain.. suspension and aircon.. buti may warranty pa :D

[number001]

It terms of appearance, forget the Altis since it looks clunky inside and out. Even the cheaper price does not make it anymore attractive esp. when it is on its way out by next year or so. The Altis wouldn't look out of place, if it were a model from the mid-90's bec. its drab and dull interior styling is quite reminiscent of that era.

So its either a toss between the 2006 Civic and Mazda3. What I dont like about the "3" though is that it is underpowered (1.6) and there's a noticeable hesistation from the transmission when you suddenly lift your foot from the gas and immediately depress it. This situation might be rectified using the manual mode. The 1.6 Mazda can only use lower octane fuel (unleaded fuel only, higher octane fuel like Velocity, Blaze, XCS, etc are strictly prohibited).

Regarding the Civic, I haven't driven it so no comment on its performance. Appearance-wise, it is acceptable although it wouldn't stir any passion from you. The spaceship-like dashboard is really long and chunky which might impede one from seeing the front corners of the car as it pushes your seating position further back. The highly slanted front roof-line does not help but rather exacerbate the situation also. The speedometer and tachometer are quite apart. Glancing at the tachometer might involve nodding your head a bit longer and removing your eyes from the road for a brief moment. The Civic, although never been styled to be a head-turner, does possess the novelty of being a new/recent release model which will surely make buyers covet it and create a sense of demand in the coming few months ahead.

In the end, it is you who will be plucking down your hard earned money for the vehicle therefore the decision as to which vehicle to buy rests entirely on your shoulder. It is best to evaluate each of the individual candidates through a test drive and formulate a decision based on your personal preference and evaluation results. Btw, The Civic will be available for test drive in a few months time.