My situation:

I will be getting a new car to commute to work in the next few months. Original plan was to get a 06 EX to save gas @ 30/40mpg but after driving the EX and a SI, I'm having second thoughts. The SI is an entirely different machine. Fun when it needs to be and still low key enough to drive around while wearing a tie. As of the moment, the dealership is giving me the turnaround with pricing on the SI: High demand, waitlist, availability... the usual marketing ploy to increase cost. I'm patient so I can wait until the 07 models arrive to lower the cost on the 06s.

My question:

For those conservative drivers out there (as I'm quite the slow-poke with no desire to be Fast and Furious), what is your actual life experience with MPG on the SI? Insurance rates assuming excellent driving history? Monthly payments (5k,7.5K,10K down @ 6%)?

My thoughts:

The reason for this inquiry is that i'm concerned the price i may eventually pay could be too high and offset the gains of purchasing a SI versus an EX. My immediate goal is to get as close to the MSRP as possible to minimize purchase price but my primary concern is the operation cost over the long run [insurance, premium gas, EPA] if I do manage to get a good deal. If the marginal cost to operate a SI is negligible (which I'm hoping is the case), I believe the SI could be a better deal regardless of how I cut it. I could get an efficient, cost effective, fun daily commuter without too much sacrifices.

I'll be content to get an automatic EX for my basic needs but if I can get a SI by paying a little more (and still be within my budget)... why not?

 

My Si fuel economy is between 28 and 32 mpg.

People seem to be overly concerned withmileage differences between similar cars like the Si and Ex. Let's do a little math.

Assume you drive 20,000 miles per year.
Assume gas costs $3.00 for the EX and $3.25 for the Si
Assume that your average fuel economy for the Ex is 35
Assume that your average fuel economy for the Si is 28

It will cost you $1714 for the Ex
It will cost you $2321 for the Si

So its $600 difference per year. Or $50 per month

Of course if you only drive 10,000 miles per year then its only $300 per year difference.

Rather than worrying about the fuel ecenomy differences, try to find a way to drive fewer miles. If you can carpool you can cut your mileage per year by a huge margin. All you need to do is reduce your yearly mileage by 25% and your fuel costs for the Si will be the same as the Ex.

 

Actually, I'm 20, Male, one ticket in jan of this year. I found my insurance at $210 or $1260. My current issurance is with State Farm, paying $325 a month! So I'm saving $100 every month.

Of course, the Ex will more than likely save you more money, but if I could find a rate like that.

 

My friend drives an EX and does 30/40 respectively so your 28/32 mpg is excellent by my standard for a SI. I'll be doing mostly city driving so the 28 mpg is a definite plus.

About monthly payments: Current calculation for an EX w/ $5000 down will run anywhere between 300-350$ @ 6%. Insurance is still up for grab with my current company quoting me at a crazy 300$/month!

 

Yes, the vehicle is limited. They only made 15,000 Si's this year. Just reserve one and they will not try to mark up the price. Work through an Internet Sales Manager and you will have a much easier time.

Premium gas is preferred for the Si versus the EX probably uses 87 octane. So, you are looking at a little less mileage versus more mileage with the EX. If you keep your rpm's low, you still get good mileage in the Si because you have 6 gears. People also need to realize that their driving technique is the driving factor behind what type of mileage they get.

Their are payment calculators all over the Internet. just do a search and one will pull up.

My insurance is $150 a month through an insurance broker, with a 05 CRV on the policy as well. My wife and I have a great driving record, and we are both over 25. If you are buying a house, make sure to have both plans through the same company to save money. Brokers find you the best deal.

 

im 24 with one ticket and one claim on my insurance in the past 3 years... im paying less for full coverage on an 06 si than i was on a 95 integra ls. i pay about $155 a month right now. the si can be good on gas if u are good to it. if u go ***** to the wall and constantly redline then u will not get good mileage. if u have to pick between the ex and the si, then dont get either. there is no choice between the two. the si ownz! there will be no markdown for the 06 si. as soon as they hit a lot they are gone within a few hours to a few days. if it isnt sold locally, it hits ebay and is sucked up in a heartbeat. someone online is selling theirs for $18k which is a helluva deal since it only has 9500 miles. the si is a great little car and as time goes by there will be more and more parts available making them more and more fun