New to me car advice Camry, Scion TC or Civic SI?

[Cobb]

I am not too familiar with the Kia, Hyundai and such, but was looking at a some what sporty car, 30 mpg, stick shift and small in size.

I was looking at the scion tc, camry and civic si.

I had a geo, but it felt like it took all 5 gears to get to 60mph, then I need to go 19 more to trail traffic. At times the best I could do was 55 with it floored on the minor grades on i95.

I drove a crz, wasnt impressed. Looking at ten grand, so hybrids are likely out.

The insight too seems labored at times getting up to speed. Its a nice cruser and runs low rpms. Sometimes it takes 3 grand to maintain speed on some grades and going to merge with traffic can take 19 seconds.

Your thoughts?

[cbaber]

30 mpg, small size, stick shift, $10k. Mazda MX-5 wins as the sports car hands down. If you need a back seat, I would go with the Civic SI because it has the best engine and is available in coupe and sedan versions.

[Vman455]

Sporty--meaning what, exactly? If this is a car you'll actually use for sporting, like autocross, then Miata or Mazda 3 with a stick. Slap on a set of R-compounds and you'll be able to eat whoever you want for lunch. If not, then you need to define what metrics make a car sporty in your opinion so you have something concrete to compare. If the issue for you is top gear acceleration, then grab a Car and Driver or other magazine that tests and publishes that information and go from there. Good luck!

[nathan01xl]

celica gt-s

[Thenorm]

Originally Posted by Cobb

I am not too familiar with the Kia, Hyundai and such, but was looking at a some what sporty car, 30 mpg, stick shift and small in size.

I was looking at the scion tc, camry and civic si.

SCion = spory, but not that small
Camry = not sporty at all, not small
Civic = sporty and small.

I'm also going to suggest a Ford Focus (and its half brother mazda 3).
both are very sporty, small hatchbacks. the focus is reliable. the mk3 focus will get 40mpg on the hwy. mk2 can easily beat 30. should be in your price range

[Cobb]

Yeah, looking for power for acceleration and merging.

A co worker has a tc at work. I never met the person, but I can see the car is significantly smaller than the insight. Plus its a hatch back.

Not sure what makes it better than a camry as it has a 4 vs 6 speed automatic. Both use the same or last year engine. Scion has tons of aftermarket and oem parts.

Civic si seems to allow 4 doors, 4 people, but no hatch. Thinking the copue maybe able to fold down the rear seat, but it looks just as big on the outside as the sedan.

Never considered the mazda.

Thx.

[UltArc]

If this was a new car, I'd be hard pressed to push towards the Mustang or the Mazda. But no chance of finding a 2011 Mustang for that price. Before the 2015, it was the best sports car bang for the buck- but since the price jumped 3k for 2015, it's not really a clear winner anymore.

I think the Si is a complete waste as a new car, in my personal opinion, but looking at the autotrader, it seems like Mazda is the best bang for your buck. 2008 Sis, or 2012 3s.

Like this one: Cars for Sale: 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 i Touring Hatchback in Houston, TX 77083: Hatchback Details - 370272320 - AutoTrader.com

Whole List: Cars for Sale in Rocky River, OH 44116 - AutoTrader.com

Honestly, the Si has a better power to rate ratio than the 3, 2012 Mazda Mazda3 vs. 2008 Honda Civic, but I would still get the 3 first. I will be open about my experience with Sis attempted as rice cars...I'm rather off put.

(Please note, that is a rebuilt title. Otherwise, it's more like 2010 vs 2008. I guess that's not really fair, but it's still a wicked deal.)

[user removed]

Come east and drive my Fiesta.

regards
Mech

[Cobb]

Yeah, I was hoping to trade my honda and sidekick for the new car in trade for little to no cash needed. Yeah, looks like its leaning to the si. I see quite a few fit sports for sale used.

Only minor problem with the "sport" model is the final drive is lower vs a car that has a torquey engine.

No, no mustang. I do a lot of driving in NOVA, northern VA and you can go 80 mph and people pass you like you are standing still. Couple that with those who suffer the disease that requires them to pass a prius shaped vehicle and it can be frustrating drive. 0-45 I got it, but the acceleration and IMA system slacks off from that point.

Thanks, isnt the Fiesta a nearly new car? Was looking at ten grand gentle used.

[UltArc]

If you find a 2011+ Mustang for under 10k, it would be a very poor decision to pass it up.

Why the Si over the 3?