Amen to everything but the three doors. Fifteen years ago, most of my friends were still limber enough to get into the rear seat of my three-door Civic; not any more. If the engine is burning oil, it's not much. Just replaced the water pump and got rid of the coffee-grinder sound I've been living with for five years; engine still gets 39/50 mpg on the highway, even with the check-engine light on. Have a lifetime warranty on my latest pair of CV joints, so that hassle is behind me. Maybe some day I be too old to crank down the windows, but then maybe that will mean "stop driving."

 

In Quebec (Canada) we tend to favour smaller cars and love our hatches. I've had a few vehicles over the years, but '91 Tahitian-green civic cx with 5-speed and black bumpers has by far been the most reliable and versatile of the bunch. With 255 000 km on the odometer and no oil burning, why would I want to part with it? My wife's '02 Mini Cooper on the other hand has been in and out of the BMW dealership for a myrriad of niggling problems, including shift linkage, various trim piece replacements, etc., etc. Now that the warranty is about to expire, and not wanting to be stuck with BMW-sized repair bills, we are strongly considering the Fit. It's a Honda (she's also previously owned a '92 Integra ) and is the only economical and space-efficient hatch Honda's currently offering in Canada. If she sells her Mini this spring, purchases a base fit with (hopefully) ac and mp3 link options, she'll wind up not having to invest a penny more - she'll have a new vehicle under warranty - and we'll be as happy as clams! We do hope that we'll not be forced to "splurge" on the next model up (at approx. $2K extra) just to get these two options. I can do without the ABS, but todays' market does necessitate its inclusion as a std feature - oh well, c'est la vie!

 

Day time runner lights- this must improve safety allot. Cruise control-my foot cramps up on long drives.