[Dave Z]

FWIW. Jeep Renegade starts at $25. Compass, $27. Cherokee, $35.
Dodge Challenger starts at $31, cheapest Dodge.
Ram 1500 Classic and ProMaster City start at around $31.
Fiat 500X is around $30 last time I looked)
(x 1,000)

 

[Dave Z]

Given that I'm in the same situation, I can't argue. I'm looking at Mazda 3 now because they don't make the Civic Si as far as I can tell. I tried GM first because I wanted to stay American but they've got nothing between Spark and Malibu. I even looked at the (South Korean) Spark, well, “looked at,” I mean considered from the specs.

 

[Dave Z]

I tested an Si, too pricey for me. Engine felt good but it still very much felt loke an econo interior. I dunno, I may be out of touch with what it really costs for them to make these cars but I simply don't see the value. I'm above the median income in Canada but I don't understand how people are affording these cars. I opted for the LX 2.0 Manual civic. I don't like it, it's slow, uncomfortable, but it will require minimal maintenance and aside from constantly wearing out pads and warping rotors I don't anticipate much mechanical breakdowns. My history of mopar budget vehicles tells me not to take the risk. Maybe I'm just uncomfortable with large payments? No idea where all this money is coming from to stimulate all this increased cost. Worlds gone crazy maaan.

When I looked at the Si it was $24,000 but I didn't bite. Takes a lot to overcome my reluctance to get a Honda. That's why I'm looking more at the Mazdas... I've been looking for a new car for over a year. I like the Dart in winter, but in summer, the a/c sorta overwhelms the 1.4 engine and clobbers fuel economy as well. How's the a/c on the Civic?

 

[Dave Z]

Everywhere I go now, they say "no cars. No test drives. Just order something."

 

[Dave Z]

I can agree but right now it's working and for car dealers, who cares what comes next? There are always ignorant buyers, and anyway, a misleading ad and a few F&I con games will work next time the suckers walk in. It's not like there's mass transit or mixed commercial/residential in most places.

 

[Dave Z]

I would not mind the demonstrator model of purchasing. But I'd like them to at least have demonstrators.