Howdy all, I'm new here.

I'm buying a new company/ commuter car soon. I drive LOTS of miles daily, somewheres in the 200 per day range.

How's living with the Si on a daily basis? REAL gas mileage, not that Honda Mo. Co 23/31 mpg crap. Anyone drive 40K a year with their Si? Any real world experiences would be useful.

BTW- Not a flake or kiddo here. I just need a little help deciding before I write a big check.

Thanks in advance.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JohnW &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Howdy all, I'm new here.

I'm buying a new company/ commuter car soon. I drive LOTS of miles daily, somewheres in the 200 per day range.

How's living with the Si on a daily basis? REAL gas mileage, not that Honda Mo. Co 23/31 mpg crap. Anyone drive 40K a year with their Si? Any real world experiences would be useful.

BTW- Not a flake or kiddo here. I just need a little help deciding before I write a big check.

Thanks in advance.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Its a great car...however keep in mind that si needs premium fuel. I have about 15k already on my si with alot of road trips under my belt.
If your looking for "commuter" and want to get some impressive gas mileage

i'd look into the hybrid civic with navigation and get the IRS tax break.

if you want peppy, and kids racing you at lights.. get the si..


also honda's gas mileage stays pretty true to real life figures

 

[


Modified by chad at 4:08 PM 10/24/2006

 

if you wanna roll in style then i say go for it

other than that, i would go for a fuel efficent civic

 

j

 

I bought a commuter EX instead of an Si because:

1) Less expensive
2) 7 more highway mpg
3) Regular fuel
4) Cheaper insurance
5) Better ride/quieter (?)

All in exchange for not being able to rip onto the freeway 3 seconds quicker twice a day - an easy choice for me. Factor the mpg and premium fuel costs and your spending 25% more on gas - i.e. $2.50 virtual gas in an EX will actually cost you $3.33 in an Si. Or put another way, $2.65 gas in an Si is equivalent to $1.98 in an EX.

Plus, I have my dedicated autocross car for fun and get my fun driving needs taken care of there - because nothing you can do on the street even comes close to being as much fun as driving on the ragged edge. You could buy and build something like an '89 Si for weekend track/autocross/canyon fun for the difference. Then you'll have a better commuter AND a better fun car than you could have otherwise.

I considered something bad-*** like a STI or Evo but figured I'd rather have a $20 commuter and a $15 fun car than a $35k compromise.

All IMHO, of course. Everyone's looking for something that suits them.

 

Si's disadvantages:

Lower fuel economy (23/32 vs the base Civic is 30/40)
Premium fuel
More expensive (by at least 4 grand)
Manual only (if you've got a lot of stop and go traffic)
Stiffer suspension (if you've got a bumpier ride, but I have a feeling eveyrone here can deal with it)

I'd get a base civic over the Si, but it's up to personal choice.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by accordselux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Si's disadvantages:

Lower fuel economy (23/32 vs the base Civic is 30/40)
Premium fuel
More expensive (by at least 4 grand)
Manual only (if you've got a lot of stop and go traffic)
Stiffer suspension (if you've got a bumpier ride, but I have a feeling eveyrone here can deal with it)

I'd get a base civic over the Si, but it's up to personal choice. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Difference is 6 speed manual transmission, close gear ratio, 197 hp engine, slick looking interior, 17' allow rims. You can still get very god gas mileage out of the Si, don't let them fool you. They are only going off what the Honda website shows. You get what you pay for with this car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Si 4 Life &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Difference is 6 speed manual transmission, close gear ratio, 197 hp engine, slick looking interior, 17' allow rims. You can still get very god gas mileage out of the Si, don't let them fool you. They are only going off what the Honda website shows. You get what you pay for with this car. </TD></TR></TABLE>

So am I missing something, are my facts not correct? Im putting down features that would be disadvantages for 200 mile daily trips. I'm not here comparing an LX to an SI and saying 'well what is the better car'...it's about a single factor.

6 speed manual and close ger ratios are not really the best thing for a commuter car compared to a more economically geared 5 speed, and you CAN get good gas mileage, but it's premium and you still won't get AS good as a base civic. 17" rims have nothing to do wiht a commuter car except maybe you'll feel the road more which could get annoying on your *** after 100 miles.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">j</TD></TR></TABLE>

Chad, is there one forum you don't troll?


Thanks all-

I appreciate the info and yeah fuel is a concern. I've considered a Accord 4 cyl, 34 mpg looks better than 32.

There is a second part, basically my company pays the car and after 3 years its mine free and clear. Then she gets stripped, caged and becomes a Honda Challenge H2 car to add to my collection. http://www.honda-challenge.com

A buddy of mine (certified Honda Tech) said that Honda Motor Company teaches in school that Premium fuel "isn't" required unless you're using Vtec regularly. The guy at Honda school said it was a waste of money since the car would retard itself if detonation occured. I haven't tested that yet, hence still running Prem. in the wives TL-S.

Dunno, maybe the automatic Accord is a better idea?

 

Oh, BTW-

I found a used 06 Si, stock, private party, 10K, silver for $17.9.

Sounds like a good deal??

 

A hell of a lot better than a new one from what i've seen.

An Accord 6+6 coupe would be an interesting challenge car, but definitely Si if you're going to strip it after 3 years, it's just not much of a commuter car compared to the base Civic...short gear ratios and commuting usually result in sore legs and asses.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by accordselux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Si's disadvantages:

Lower fuel economy (23/32 vs the base Civic is 30/40)
Premium fuel
More expensive (by at least 4 grand)
Manual only (if you've got a lot of stop and go traffic)
Stiffer suspension (if you've got a bumpier ride, but I have a feeling eveyrone here can deal with it)

I'd get a base civic over the Si, but it's up to personal choice. </TD></TR></TABLE>


I get about 30 mpg in my Si hitting mad VtaK yo.....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Si 4 Life &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> slick looking interior</TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah, because the interior is HELLA different than the non-si [/sarcasm]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 90CRXLS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


I get about 30 mpg in my Si hitting mad VtaK yo..... </TD></TR></TABLE>
hitting btak and getting over 30mpg, sorry, but I call BS. I hit mad vtec in my non-si and get 31mpg.. 75% highway driving... that just doens't add up

EDIT: oh, if company pays gas, get the Si... if company doens't pay gas, get the Si anyways, **** does it matter if you don't have car payments!

 

Another thing about the Accord you were looking at, this generation has been out for most of it's span now, they are doing the standard generational overhaul so you might just want to grab the Civic...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JohnW &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Oh, BTW-

I found a used 06 Si, stock, private party, 10K, silver for $17.9.

Sounds like a good deal??</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yup, pretty much.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JohnW &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm buying a new company/ commuter car soon. I drive LOTS of miles daily, somewheres in the 200 per day range.</TD></TR></TABLE>

200 milles per day....maybe a hybrid will fit u better...civic, accord, or camry

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by accordselux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Another thing about the Accord you were looking at, this generation has been out for most of it's span now, they are doing the standard generational overhaul</TD></TR></TABLE>

yes the accord is gonna get a new look for 2008, but the first year of redesigned models have a tedency to have the most problems too...plus it's more of a headache to repair the little things

 

whats gonna happen to the accord? just a redesign ? or discontinue?

both si n non si are tight but if your doing most of the driving test drive both n see which one you like best confort , noise level gas etc etc ....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SeanJohn1802 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
yeah, because the interior is HELLA different than the non-si [/sarcasm]


hitting btak and getting over 30mpg, sorry, but I call BS. I hit mad vtec in my non-si and get 31mpg.. 75% highway driving... that just doens't add up

EDIT: oh, if company pays gas, get the Si... if company doens't pay gas, get the Si anyways, **** does it matter if you don't have car payments! </TD></TR></TABLE>

Hey SeanJohn, I didn't believe it either. I don't get 30 mpg every tank, but I have gotten in the ball park, 27-31, consistently. Then there are the tanks where I only get about 24 mpg. I'll bring my civic with me to Cali this Christmas and pick you up. Then I will show you I can get 30 mpg, but I may be SCed by then .


OP: Just get the Si if you're not paying. You will love it.

 

I get about 28mpg highway with spirited driving and i go anywhere from 70-85mph on average... so im in no way being conservative... I would think you could get the 31mpg hwy if you drove like a granny.

 

Im averaging about 26MPG with 75% city, 25% hwy. I love the ride of my car, sure it's stiff, but I love it!.

Depends on how much traffic you run into on a daily basis, because stop and go traffic gets annoying after awhile with a manual.

Like Type X said, if you want great fuel economy, definitely pick up a Hybrid.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JohnW &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
How's living with the Si on a daily basis? REAL gas mileage, not that Honda Mo. Co 23/31 mpg crap. Anyone drive 40K a year with their Si? Any real world experiences would be useful.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

All good Q's. I just sold my STi last week. I regret it somewhat, but it allows me to pay off some bills and save up a big downpayment on whatever I buy next. Interestingly enough I'm considering the new Civics (not specifically the Si) and the Fit. I have a friend who works at a Honda dealer and I've had my share of test drives over the past 6 months. I drove the Civic DX manual, Civic Si and the Fit sport and automatic.

Civic DX - I liked the car, but I was very unhappy with the shifter "feel." It was not reminiscent of any other Honda I've driven. I've driven my fair share and I was quite dissapointed. Moving on...the power was good enough for daily driving. If you were looking for an automatic I'm sure you would be happy with this car.

Civic Si - I enjoy most everything about it. It reminded me a little of my old ITR, but with more creature comforts. The K20 sings and it's music to my ears. It tends to understeer some, but I could definitely daily drive it.

Fit - This car really impresses me. You have to drive it to understand. It's not fast by any means and if I got one then I wouldn't even try to make it fast. However I found myself getting around and keeping up with traffic without any problems. I was even able to pass other cars. LOL. This thing handles like a go-kart and the shifter feel is excellent and what I love about Hondas most. I also like the rear "magic seat" which lifts up. I'm sure it would be great for dog hauling or bikes.

 

I have an 06 Si and picked it up in Mid July. I have 6k miles on it already and commute 100 miles daily to NYC. I still get 29-30 mpg and definately beat on her alittle bit on the NYC streets and Highways. The ride isn't much different than an EX (my cousin has one), and I like the way the Si seats hug you more than the lesser models. You can save a little money on gas by going to a gas station that sells 91 octane (I use Sunoco) instead of paying 6-7 cents more for 93 that most gas stations only offer as a higher grade fuel. All in all, if your going to get to keep the car after 3 years and your only doing about 200 miles a day. I would definately go for the Si. Having fun in the Car will definately make your day of driving go by a little faster (No pun intended). Good Luck!

 

What are close gear ratios the car revs to 8,000 yea most people dont take it there alot but during my daily driving i shift around 3,500 to 5,500 what makes it have short ratios i just dont understand what that means.

 

I'm doing 80 miles a day and I can get into the low 30's MPG. I will say that I now leave the house 20 minutes earlier to avoid traffic....those 20 minutes makes a world of difference for me in terms of traffic (70+ MPH with no downshifts for 90% of my trip vs. drifting between 20-70 MPH and having to row the gears to no end). Face it, a manual trans in stop-n-go traffic is a royal pain. If I'm running late or I hear about a big tie-up, I have passed on the Si and jumped into either my slush-box Accord or the Crown Vic ....talk about getting **** poor MPG, plus I find myself doing one burnout during the trip

All in all, the Si make for a great communter......it makes for a fun ride to work, provided you don't get hung up in stop-n-go traffic for an extended period of time.