Accord totaled, need a 'new' car

[greenjp]

Finally got a response to my retort, they've upped their offer to about $4,700. Not bad but I still take issue with some "condition adjustments" and their "value" of taxes/title/tags cost is way below actual so I'm going to ask for another $1,400.

jeff

 

[macarose]

My 2006 Accord EX-L, unusual model with most of the good features and a manual, was totaled in an accident yesterday. Had 225k miles and ran great, supremely reliable. Dude in the red car pulled out in front of me, I had somewhere between 0 and 1 second to react and plowed into him at about 40 mph. Police deemed him responsible so hopefully the insurance process will be smooth. Two of my kids were in the car, everybody is a bit banged up and scraped but mostly OK.

So on to the topic, need a new car. My 12 year old daughter remarked as we're sitting there on the side of road "how are you going to get another car with a stick shift?". How indeed. If I had the resources at the moment I'd get an Integra Type S, but alas need to keep the price to around $20k. The ideal used car would be one of the recent Accord Sports with the 2.0T and stick but those seem to be unicorns.

Criteria is a sedan/wagon/hatch with a reasonably powerful engine, stick, sporty-ish, good feature set, $20k-ish or less, <100k miles, 8 years old or less. Quick Autotrader search suggests the following makes/models could be options:
Audi A4/A5 (not too many of these but they exist)
Mazda 3 (Grand Touring spec)
Genesis G70 (had one of these pop up, price a bit of a stretch but doable)
VW GTI (would want the SE or Autobahn) or a Jetta GLI
Civic Si (the prices on these seem to be ridiculous)
Focus ST
Elantra N Line (styling on this one is a bit much but I might be able to live with it)

Not really interested in a WRX though it would check most of the boxes. Just don't see myself as a WRX guy lol.

Would appreciate any insight on the above models or suggestions for things I've left out. Thanks!

jeff




View attachment 219061

That's one nasty accident but thank goodness everyone is OK.

As many people at BITOG already know, I operate 48 Hours And A Used Car and here is a recent testimonial from one of the regulars at BITOG.

Feel free to PM me once you know exactly what you want. All the best.

 

[greenjp]

Managed to squeeze a couple hundred more out of 'em but looks like that part is settled. Now for the bodily injury claim...

Here's the month-in review of the Civic:
- the styling is still a bit much but I'm getting used to it. I realize now it actually has aftermarket wheels (not sure why, they're the same size and similar style as stock), and there's a jaunty little add on lip on the middle spoiler that I'd love to remove if I can figure out how.
- the ride and handling balance is really great. I can see why they slap an Acura badge on it. I drive a lot of rental cars and this thing is in a different league from most of what's in the price range.
- For what it is (a "sporty" commuter car), the engine is outstanding. Nothing great off the line but the pull through the midrange is very good and I've seen 45 mpg on the highway. Quiet, the sounds it does make aren't offensive, and smooth.
- the transmission is good, shifts are smooth and with the typical Honda shifter action. 6th could be taller.
- interior is fine for me and 2 or 3 of the kids. We have an Odyssey for when we need more space.
- quality-wise the car seems better than it needs to be. The interior materials are mostly good, the doors and hatch are solid, etc.
- the headlights are awesome. LED I guess, a clear bright white like the Xenons on my old Saab, very bright and the automatic high beam function works well.
- the infotainment features are good, could be faster but it's way better than our 2015 Odyssey. CarPlay works well.
- this car has the "premium" stereo which has 10 speakers one of which is a subwoofer. It's OK to fairly good, could use more oomph from the sub. Better than my old Accord's, not as good as my Saab 9-5's.
- the road noise is quite loud. I think it may be because the tires are the original Continentals and at 55k miles are nearing their end of life. They're 60k warranty tires. We'll see what happens when I replace them.
- the driver's seat does not have adjustable lumbar support, and I find it has too much of it and/or the lumbar cushion is too firm. I almost always dial it back to the minimum or close when it's adjustable. Probably going to take it to an upholstery place to customize it a bit.

jeff