After gaining valuable experience with a seasoned car salesman, I felt more prepared when the time actually came for me to buy the car I wanted. I was fairly sure that I wanted a 2007 Honda Civic as my first car, not just because the redesigned sedan is easy on the eyes, but also because of the model's fuel efficiency.
I never really considered buying a hybrid car just because the cost savings (or lack thereof), as calculated by more than a few people, were enough to convince me against the seemingly eco-friendly vehicles. Besides, the extra cash involved in buying a hybrid was just not in my budget! I haven't been working for long enough yet.
In addition to the Civic, I also tested a couple of other cars - but in the end, I discovered that the oft-stolen car's reputation was well-deserved. The Honda engine has been lauded in the past, and it didn't disappoint - the 1.8L engine was more than enough for me, and it had a cool feature that was quite enticing for the cost-saver: a metal timing belt. Apparently, the replacement of a car's timing belt is the most expensive maintenance service - usually necessary every 3-5 years, if you have the common rubber timing belt. But, if you are fortunate enough to get a metal timing chain, you can save yourself the time and expense of replacing the belt until your car has run for 5-7 years! Hooray!
Of course, a belt wasn't all it took to win me over. It was also the cost of the car - which I managed to bargain down(!) - and the sense of comfort I felt when I drove it. Very responsive, easily customizable (to fit me), and beautiful. I love the modernized digital dashboard - no more needles on the speedometer or gas meter, it's all digital numbers displayed in a bright white on an illuminated blue panel.
Oh, and of course, the gas mileage. In the past, I've driven European and American cars - both of which were gas guzzlers. My last car was a Chrysler (rented for a month) and the average consumption, for a combination of city and highway driving, was approximately 12 liters per 100 kilometers. Yes, insane. That's why I was almost ready to buy the Civic as soon as I saw its quoted numbers - 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers. My eyes almost popped out - I would save more than 50% on gas if I decided to get the Civic!
My glasses were quite rose-tinted after the initial purchase of my new car. Everything ran smoothly and I was extremely protective of my first vehicle. Alas, my expectations were too high - after driving a luxury-class European car, I could feel the tiniest hiccup in the transmission and any extra effort taxing the engine. I realized that although a car may seem perfect in every way when it is bought, there is a large possibility that it will not remain perfect after a closer inspection! Despite its minute shortcomings, I have no regrets - and am still excited about my most recent shopping splurge! Now I have a car all to myself!
I never really considered buying a hybrid car just because the cost savings (or lack thereof), as calculated by more than a few people, were enough to convince me against the seemingly eco-friendly vehicles. Besides, the extra cash involved in buying a hybrid was just not in my budget! I haven't been working for long enough yet.
In addition to the Civic, I also tested a couple of other cars - but in the end, I discovered that the oft-stolen car's reputation was well-deserved. The Honda engine has been lauded in the past, and it didn't disappoint - the 1.8L engine was more than enough for me, and it had a cool feature that was quite enticing for the cost-saver: a metal timing belt. Apparently, the replacement of a car's timing belt is the most expensive maintenance service - usually necessary every 3-5 years, if you have the common rubber timing belt. But, if you are fortunate enough to get a metal timing chain, you can save yourself the time and expense of replacing the belt until your car has run for 5-7 years! Hooray!
Of course, a belt wasn't all it took to win me over. It was also the cost of the car - which I managed to bargain down(!) - and the sense of comfort I felt when I drove it. Very responsive, easily customizable (to fit me), and beautiful. I love the modernized digital dashboard - no more needles on the speedometer or gas meter, it's all digital numbers displayed in a bright white on an illuminated blue panel.
Oh, and of course, the gas mileage. In the past, I've driven European and American cars - both of which were gas guzzlers. My last car was a Chrysler (rented for a month) and the average consumption, for a combination of city and highway driving, was approximately 12 liters per 100 kilometers. Yes, insane. That's why I was almost ready to buy the Civic as soon as I saw its quoted numbers - 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers. My eyes almost popped out - I would save more than 50% on gas if I decided to get the Civic!
My glasses were quite rose-tinted after the initial purchase of my new car. Everything ran smoothly and I was extremely protective of my first vehicle. Alas, my expectations were too high - after driving a luxury-class European car, I could feel the tiniest hiccup in the transmission and any extra effort taxing the engine. I realized that although a car may seem perfect in every way when it is bought, there is a large possibility that it will not remain perfect after a closer inspection! Despite its minute shortcomings, I have no regrets - and am still excited about my most recent shopping splurge! Now I have a car all to myself!
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