[ntan]

The last thread about the 2012 Civic Si was over 5 months ago... so I figured a new thread was fine.

I'm planning to sell my 3G 2008 TL Type S for a 2012 Civic Si coupe. Reasons being
1) I want a smaller fun car
2) I want to drive stick

I've test driven the VW GTI and the Scion tC; the tC was too slow and I didn't like the huge c-pillar (major blind spot), the GTI was a fun drive but a friend already owns one and it seemed pretty expensive for what you get. Any other cars you guys might suggest I look at as well?

The MSRP was roughly $1700 over invoice (according to carsaver.ca), I'm curious if you guys know what type of haggle room I have to work with? There's currently a Honda promotion with lower lease rate and $1000 cash back. I've been to one dealership and they're willing to throw in the protection package (All-weather season mats, cargo tray, and mud guard).

[marc0lishuz]

I had the 8th gen Si Coupe... a few points from my 5 years of ownership:

1) A-pillar is huge - weird blind spots in the front due to the extreme rake of the windshield.

2) Interior is polarizing - are you sure you're ok with the two-tier dash? It looks cool, and the MPH/KMH button is convenient if you drive to the States a lot.

3) Premium fuel recommended - $1.40 for regular these days... yeah =(

4) Modding may be limiting - non-JDM car means less options in terms of parts (if you're looking to do that)

5) Gearbox is awesome compared to the GTI - clutch feel is great, as is the short-throw.

6) Does the current Si still have LSD? Comes in handy =)

7) You're giving up a lot of luxury features from the TL! Make sure you can live with less creature comforts like heated seats, auto-dimming mirror, more refined & comfortable ride, etc.

Edit: It is a pretty damn fun car to toss around with the right wheel/tire/suspension/brake setup though!

[twitchyzero]

if you don't mind RWD and want best bang for the buck
- Genesis coupe
- FR-S...production model debuts next month but probably wont arrive until mid 2012

I'd say the latter is worth waiting for until next month for more details considering how relatively new your TL-S is...but to me going to the new civic from TL-S is a major downgrade haha

[donjalapeno]

yeah get gen coupe...

Id get the gti over all of them though....and what do you mean its too expensive for what it is? i thought the same but i worked at a VW dealership and had to drive one up to squamish for a customer and jesus christ it was fun. It has everything you need plus more, paddle shifters are really fun and have great response, the seats are somewhat sporty but comfy, turbo lag is minimal but again fun as hell, styling beats the shit out of the civic, the volkswagen entertainment system is easy to use however i found the touch screen sometimes slowish i found myself tapping the shit outta the screen but overall awesome car, it has everything a luxury car has WITH German engineering ;)

[ntan]

I had the 8th gen Si Coupe... a few points from my 5 years of ownership:

1) A-pillar is huge - weird blind spots in the front due to the extreme rake of the windshield.

2) Interior is polarizing - are you sure you're ok with the two-tier dash? It looks cool, and the MPH/KMH button is convenient if you drive to the States a lot.

3) Premium fuel recommended - $1.40 for regular these days... yeah =(

4) Modding may be limiting - non-JDM car means less options in terms of parts (if you're looking to do that)

5) Gearbox is awesome compared to the GTI - clutch feel is great, as is the short-throw.

6) Does the current Si still have LSD? Comes in handy =)

7) You're giving up a lot of luxury features from the TL! Make sure you can live with less creature comforts like heated seats, auto-dimming mirror, more refined & comfortable ride, etc.

Edit: It is a pretty damn fun car to toss around with the right wheel/tire/suspension/brake setup though!

1) I haven't test-driven the 2012 Si (None for me to test drive) so I didn't notice it but definitely good thing to know!

2) Not the biggest fan of it but I can live with it for sure

3) It's definitely a smaller hit than my TL =P $80 for ~450km mixed city/highway

4) Probably not going to mod the car

7) Reason stated below

if you don't mind RWD and want best bang for the buck
- Genesis coupe
- FR-S...production model debuts next month but probably wont arrive until mid 2012

I'd say the latter is worth waiting for until next month for more details considering how relatively new your TL-S is...but to me going to the new civic from TL-S is a major downgrade haha

Issue with the Genesis is the low residual value. I'm only planning to lease the car as I only want to drive a "fun car" for the next three years, and then go back to a more luxurious ride afterwards (Also the reason why I'm okay with the "major downgrade")

Have there been any speculation on the price of the FR-S? I didn't hear much about this (Not a huge car enthusiast) so from my quick Google understanding, it's slated to be ~200HP 2.0L 2 door?

[ntan]

yeah get gen coupe...

Id get the gti over all of them though....and what do you mean its too expensive for what it is? i thought the same but i worked at a VW dealership and had to drive one up to squamish for a customer and jesus christ it was fun. It has everything you need plus more, paddle shifters are really fun and have great response, the seats are somewhat sporty but comfy, turbo lag is minimal but again fun as hell, styling beats the shit out of the civic, the volkswagen entertainment system is easy to use however i found the touch screen sometimes slowish i found myself tapping the shit outta the screen but overall awesome car, it has everything a luxury car has WITH German engineering ;)

Maybe saying too expensive for what it is is the wrong word, but given the price tag, I suddenly see WRX (or STI) or even the A3 as attractive alternatives.

[nns]

Your generation TL-S is a beauty. I would hate to be the one to give it up.

[oldsnail]

i liked it when they kept mechanical parts unique. The prev gen civic si/ csx-s had the k20 no other current honda lineup had. but the current civic si just carries similar mechanical components with the tsx/ accord. i am not saying it is bad or anything, and may be good financially. but it just seems less unique.

it follows the trend with the corolla Xrs using the the camry engine and the sentra ser from the altima.

[Bender Unit]

Your generation TL-S is a beauty. I would hate to be the one to give it up.

Quote for truth :fullofwin:

GTI or keep your 3G TL Type-S

[cococly]

1) I haven't test-driven the 2012 Si (None for me to test drive) so I didn't notice it but definitely good thing to know!




Issue with the Genesis is the low residual value. I'm only planning to lease the car as I only want to drive a "fun car" for the next three years, and then go back to a more luxurious ride afterwards (Also the reason why I'm okay with the "major downgrade")



If it's good residual you are looking for, you should consider the Subaru WRX. It has one of the best residual value, which is good for a lease deal.

[jpark]

the tc is actually not a bad car at all. but your definetly downgrading if you go with the tc

[Jegz]

youre trippin sellin the tl type s

[ntan]

Quote for truth :fullofwin:

GTI or keep your 3G TL Type-S

youre trippin sellin the tl type s

:okay: but it's gotta be done. I find the car starting to be outdated...

If it's good residual you are looking for, you should consider the Subaru WRX. It has one of the best residual value, which is good for a lease deal.

Good to note! I'll look into it! The thing I also like about the Civic Si is the high residual too. It's definitely a big bonus to have a high residual as I'm only planning to lease, thereby minimizing the monthly payments.

the tc is actually not a bad car at all. but your definetly downgrading if you go with the tc
It's not a bad car, I would definitely say it's one of the best bang for its buck but the c pillar is so huge it makes driving the tC very unfriendly.

[iamed]

2012 WRX or STI

[rawr]

I've driven both Civic Si with the K24 and K20. I honestly say the K20 feels so much better. Yes, it lacks torque but once you wind it up, VTAAAAK gives you a huge punch in the gut. Can't say the same for the K24.

[LsquareD]

Saw the 2012 Civic Si w/ HFP lip kit at the dealership recently and it looks pretty seckz.

I'd still prefer 08 TL-S though :D

[dachinesedude]

for a few thousand more i'd take the GTI, WRX or even a Mazdapeed3, all turbocharged = more fun

[ntan]

You guys make my life miserable by telling me to keep the 3G TL-S haha.

I'll definitely check out the wrx and research more into the FR-S and 2012 WRX.

As for bargaining, any ideas what kind of deals I can get from the dealerships?

Edit: so I researched and the 2012 wrx/sti is the same as the 2011. Only the impreza is slated for change in 2012. The wrx/sti change is for 2013
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[DC5-S]

If I were you id get a 05+ sti

[J-Chow]

+1 on the Genesis Coupe. RWD + turbo + 87 octane = win win :P

[sas]

I can't justify paying premium fuel and crazy insurance rates for 200 top end HP.

As the others have already recommended, I'd keep the TL OR:

MS3
Genesis
keep the tl and find an EM1 or DC2. Grab decent tires, koni yellows, ground controls and call it a day.

[sas]

I can't justify paying premium fuel and crazy insurance rates for 200 top end HP.

As the others have already recommended, I'd keep the TL OR:

MS3
Genesis
keep the tl and find an EM1 or DC2. Grab decent tires, koni yellows, ground controls and call it a day.

[ntan]

I'm not a big car enthusiast so the whole car-modding thing isn't really my thing (I also don't know much about it)

I ruled out the genesis because of the low residual value. I don't like MS3 looks.

[TheSalesman]

Hey ntan,
I have a 2012 civic si sedan for a test drive if you're interested.
We have a coupe in the show room right now too.
I can also help you out with a few other cars you may be interested in as well.
Shoot me a PM or give me a call.

- Simon

[skylinergtr]

Have you thought about the Volvo C30?

i'm not sure about your budget though, because they aren't cheap.

[twitchyzero]

keep the tl and find an EM1 or DC2. Grab decent tires, koni yellows, ground controls and call it a day.

the guy finds his 3 year old TL Type-S 'outdated'..dont think he'll get EM1/DC2

[ntan]

the guy finds his 3 year old TL Type-S 'outdated'..dont think he'll get EM1/DC2

I didn't mean it in the wrong way but I'm not a major car enthusiast so I probably won't modify my car etc. hence cars like EM1/DC2 aren't cars I would drive. In terms of being "outdated," I'm referring primarily to the technology the car has etc, such as lack of iPod integration, outdated GPS etc.

[ntan]

Have you thought about the Volvo C30?

i'm not sure about your budget though, because they aren't cheap.

Volvo has not crossed my mind. Will do some research into it.

[Lamboda]

My recommendation is the Ford Mustang V6. Sure it's the most basic of its class but if you're looking for some fun I really think the Mustang will give you some. I had a customer come in one time and I asked him about it. He said it was really fun and a great ride. Although the Civic Si Will probably out turn the Mustang on the track and the v-tec sure sounds great but I believe that the Mustang is bang for your buck. I talked to the customer about fuel consumption as well. He said that it gets the same mileage as a Civic but where it trumphs it is that the Mustang uses REGULAR fuel. He tried 91 on the Mustang and the fuel was too rich--it wouldn't burn well in its engine. If I were you I'd choose a Mustang over the Civic any day, but that's just me haha.

Oh and I'd love to add I'd take nothing less than a 6 cylinder. The smoothness and comfort is just nice. But again, it's always your choice.

[ntan]

My recommendation is the Ford Mustang V6. Sure it's the most basic of its class but if you're looking for some fun I really think the Mustang will give you some. I had a customer come in one time and I asked him about it. He said it was really fun and a great ride. Although the Civic Si Will probably out turn the Mustang on the track and the v-tec sure sounds great but I believe that the Mustang is bang for your buck. I talked to the customer about fuel consumption as well. He said that it gets the same mileage as a Civic but where it trumphs it is that the Mustang uses REGULAR fuel. He tried 91 on the Mustang and the fuel was too rich--it wouldn't burn well in its engine. If I were you I'd choose a Mustang over the Civic any day, but that's just me haha.

Oh and I'd love to add I'd take nothing less than a 6 cylinder. The smoothness and comfort is just nice. But again, it's always your choice.

I don't think I fit the type to drive a mustang haha.

[too_slow]

Slightly off topic, but are you selling your 3G TL-S out right?

How much are you asking for? Kms? Accidents? Feel free to fire a PM my way..

[too_slow]

Do not buy a Mustang with the MT82 tranny. Simply do a google search, and you will see tons of failures on the Chinese-built Getrag tranny..

It sounds like you want to down-size, and the magical $$ is $28k..
I'd look for a CPO 2010 GTi or a 2008+ Mini Cooper S..

Tons of fun, tons of modding potential without having to feel like you're in a penalty box. I'm not a dash stroker by any means, but I honestly feel the fit and finish on MC/GTIs are one step above the japanese 'hot-rods'..

[too_slow]

BTW, 2011 Si > 2012 Si for the seats and dash alone. I feel they messed up the new dash big time, and the seats are much flatter. I'm not even gonna comment on the vtec guage..

[ntan]

Slightly off topic, but are you selling your 3G TL-S out right?

How much are you asking for? Kms? Accidents? Feel free to fire a PM my way..

PM'd

Do not buy a Mustang with the MT82 tranny. Simply do a google search, and you will see tons of failures on the Chinese-built Getrag tranny..

It sounds like you want to down-size, and the magical $$ is $28k..
I'd look for a CPO 2010 GTi or a 2008+ Mini Cooper S..

Tons of fun, tons of modding potential without having to feel like you're in a penalty box. I'm not a dash stroker by any means, but I honestly feel the fit and finish on MC/GTIs are one step above the japanese 'hot-rods'..

I'm not interested in used, but I will look at mini cooper, totally forgot about it!

[too_slow]

^If you think GTI's are over-priced, you might be in for a huge surprise with the MCS! (Hence why I suggested CPO models). A base mini cooper is tons of fun to just cruise around town, but really lacks grunt up top. Also, the options are stupid expensive. I would at least get the Sport pkg (sport seats are a must), and HIDs. If you have spare change, the lounge leather is amazing! The pano-roofs are famous for leaking (just like the OpenSky on the A3's.. Is there car company out there that can make a pano-roof that doesn't leak???)

BTW, thanks for the msg on the TL. It is a good price for the milleage, but I think I will hold off for a blue + 6spd manual (the ultimate unicorn).. GLWS

[ntan]

For those interested, I've posted my car for sale on the RS forums
http://www.revscene.net/forums/652975-fs-2008-black-acura-tl-type-s-%2Alow-km%2A.html

[c3m]

Seems like OP is looking at:

VW MK6 GTI or Upcoming Golf R?
Audi A3
Mini R56 Cooper S or JCW
Volvo C30 (R racing trim?)

Here's some cars that fit the size of what you are looking for
Fiat 500
Ford Focus
BMW 128

[AWDTurboLuvr]

Throwing this out there, but the MINI Cooper S generally have great residuals, you avoid any regular maintenance costs since it's free @ MINI and it's a really fun car to drive. Should be around $450 a month on a decently optioned one on a 3 year lease....without any negotiations.

[ntan]

Throwing this out there, but the MINI Cooper S generally have great residuals, you avoid any regular maintenance costs since it's free @ MINI and it's a really fun car to drive. Should be around $450 a month on a decently optioned one on a 3 year lease....without any negotiations.

Are there typically discounts on the mini? If so, what type of incentives might I be able to get? I'm not in a rush to get a car as I have a second car I can drive (once my TL is sold).

[CP.AR]

keep the TL :)

wanna swap rims before you sell? :D

[twitchyzero]

I didn't mean it in the wrong way but I'm not a major car enthusiast so I probably won't modify my car etc. hence cars like EM1/DC2 aren't cars I would drive. In terms of being "outdated," I'm referring primarily to the technology the car has etc, such as lack of iPod integration, outdated GPS etc.

was just teasing


Have there been any speculation on the price of the FR-S? I didn't hear much about this (Not a huge car enthusiast) so from my quick Google understanding, it's slated to be ~200HP 2.0L 2 door?

It's meant to be under $30K..but hard to say if it will be marked up for the Canadian market...i would guess in the same ballpark as the GTI

[sleeves]

mini cooper s jcw or s2000

[BaoTurbo]

Genesis and the Si is a good comparison to battle it out. Both of these boil down to personal preference and what you really want to do with the car overall.

If you can wait, I would wait for the FR-S. Yea, its rumored in production, but the process of how far its going to take to actually make it to the market is a mystery.

[ntan]

mini cooper s jcw or s2000

Jcw too expensive. Don't want a second hand... though I really do like s2000's...

[acurael]

You are crazy to sell your TL. I'm driving a new gen civic right now bc my car is in the shop and this thing is terrible! Honda has gone downhill. Its ugly and drives like shit. I hate the dashboard, its like driving a spaceship. Its handling is like a caravan. We have a 99 acura EL and that car is 100 times better in so many ways. So I can only imagine how much better a TL type S is. Can't wait to get my car back from the shop!
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[acurael]

One more thing - what's up with the tiny window by the A pillar? What's its function? Do ppl tint that window when they get the rest of the car done? Lol
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[vash13]

I will getting a Volvo c30 r-design in the near future from the states. Check out the R-design model. You get the added bodykit and upgraded suspension. A turbo 227 hp for a two door plus luxury components such as heated seats, auto dimming mirror, bi xenon lights, etc. I know many people here don't consider a Volvo but this one is worth researching on.

[BlackZRoadster]

if you want the best price on the Si or the MCS, shoot me a PM when you are ready to buy, i can get you the best deal!

[ntan]

You are crazy to sell your TL. I'm driving a new gen civic right now bc my car is in the shop and this thing is terrible! Honda has gone downhill. Its ugly and drives like shit. I hate the dashboard, its like driving a spaceship. Its handling is like a caravan. We have a 99 acura EL and that car is 100 times better in so many ways. So I can only imagine how much better a TL type S is. Can't wait to get my car back from the shop!
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Which 2012 model are you driving right now?

[ntan]

I will getting a Volvo c30 r-design in the near future from the states. Check out the R-design model. You get the added bodykit and upgraded suspension. A turbo 227 hp for a two door plus luxury components such as heated seats, auto dimming mirror, bi xenon lights, etc. I know many people here don't consider a Volvo but this one is worth researching on.

Might I ask how much it'll be from US?

if you want the best price on the Si or the MCS, shoot me a PM when you are ready to buy, i can get you the best deal!

PM'd

[vash13]

Here are just some I linked to you through Edmunds.

http://edmunds.autotrader.com/vehiclebrochure/brochure.pdf?car_id=302472583&dealer_id=84138&show_featured_offers=false&origin_page=FYC_VDP_PRINTABLE_BROCHURE

http://edmunds.autotrader.com/vehiclebrochure/brochure.pdf?car_id=304784440&dealer_id=68873&show_featured_offers=false&origin_page=FYC_VDP_PRINTABLE_BROCHURE

Cars for Sale: 2011 Volvo C30 T5 in West Caldwell, NJ 07006: Hatchback Details - 305779703 - AutoTrader.com (http://edmunds.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=305779703&dealer_id=100022578&car_year=2011&sownerid=1362806&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&model=C30&showZipError=n&pager.offset=50&search_lang=en&start_year=2010&dma=SEATTLE-TACOMA_NO&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=used&body_code=0&first_record=51&isFlashPlugin=true&distance=0&default_sort=priceDESC&address=98101&rdm=1315375740159&marketZipError=false&sort_type=priceDESC&make=VOLVO&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=2384&standard=false)

[acurael]

Which 2012 model are you driving right now?

Its not a 2012 model, maybe a 2010?. Its a 4 door sedan (guessing the SE model?). Either way an SI can't be much better unless its a whole new interior, suspension set up and every single part of the car is different. I'm actually shocked how much Honda has fallen since the late 90 models. I still look twice when I see a 99-2000 civic SIR. The new models are ugly imo, and now that I've driven one I can tell you it sucks in so many more ways. Of course this is my opinion, so test drive one and see if you like it. :devil:

I used to love hondas/acuras - now if I was to buy a car, honda would be on the bottom of my list. The only car that looks decent is the accord coupe. I'm confused why you would want to downgrade your car? (unless you are looking to make some money?)

[vash13]

The Volvo C30 aren't cheap, but finding one down in the states is a lot cheaper. I would never ever consider buying one up here from the dealerships. A Brand new one in the states fully loaded is 15k cheaper than a fully loaded one up here. What a joke.

[Titanium1.8]

Since the OP wants to save money on gas and have fun at the same time, the only option is Civic Si. All turbos needs premium and drinks gas! The Genesis is V6 and/or Turbo and drinks gas. If he doesn't care about the gas money, the GTI is the best choice. But then if you can't mod the car it's pretty average.

[Great68]

Since the OP wants to save money on gas and have fun at the same time, the only option is Civic Si. All turbos needs premium and drinks gas! The Genesis is V6 and/or Turbo and drinks gas. If he doesn't care about the gas money, the GTI is the best choice. But then if you can't mod the car it's pretty average.

My MS3 is great on gas when I stay out of the boost, nowhere near "Drinks" gas. My Mustang "Drinks" gas.

And when I'm in the boost I feel like I'm getting my full $1.40/L of premium fuel's worth.

[ntan]

Update: I've since sold my TL-S. Bad news to some, good news to me.

I was planning on placing an order on a Civic Si for January since I'm going on vacation for 2 months soon... but turns out you can't do that to secure this month's promotion.

So for now... I'm really open to all cars, including cars of higher budget (Audi, BMW, Benz, etc.)

[4444]

Hey ntan,
I have a 2012 civic si sedan for a test drive if you're interested.
We have a coupe in the show room right now too.
I can also help you out with a few other cars you may be interested in as well.
Shoot me a PM or give me a call.

- Simon

i wouldn't deal with this 2nd hand car salesman (i mean that in all the negative ways) - when i was selling my Si he 'helpfully' told me the correct price was thousands and thousands less than what i wanted... yet i sold it no problem for a great price for both me and the person buying it, typical greaseball car salesman

i can't believe you sold a TLS for consideration of an Si, i loved my Si, GREAT car, but now have the same TLS, the Si was more 'fun' to drive around, got better mileage and all, but the luxury and ALL the mod cons on the TLS are unbeatable.... and the power, its a great highway car, much more comfortable than the Si on teh highway (and it wasn't bad at all for a small car)

i'd love to have my Si back as a 2nd car, but would never sell a TLS for one.

if i were you... i guess i'd go Si or GTI... mind you, i'd get my TLS back if i were you (sorry to not be at all helpful)

[sleeves]

if your thinking about mercedes, then c63

[Leopold Stotch]

if your thinking about mercedes, then c63

that is very poor advice :(

[ntan]

if your thinking about mercedes, then c63

that is very poor advice :(

Elaborate, but I don't think I can afford C63 anyways =P