UNLTD

Hi guys,
I am new to the forum and I have owned 3 Honda's in the past, all Preludes though, no Civics yet.
I just sold my 2000 Prelude and now have a decent amount to put down on a new car, this will be the first new car. I am having a hard time deciding which one to get. Really.

Sorry if this is the wrong forum, but I want some input from people who has first hand experiences with these a cars.

I am pretty much deadlock on these 2 cars. Both cars will be auto and my daily driver and cruising car. I will not mod this car much, at most maybe IHE and some HID's.
:

- TC cost significantly less
- EX gets more miles per gallon: 30 City / 40 Highway
- TC has more power and torque granted the 2.4 Liter engine. 160 HP and 163 ft-lb of torque compare to the EX's 140 HP and 128 ft-lb of torque
- EX has a 5 speed auto tranny while the TC only has a 4 speed, but TC's lack of gear is made up by it's a grade logic tranny.
- EX looks a little more sportier and has more body lines
- TC is around 300+ Pounds heavier
- EX does not offer a black interior when you get a white exterior

Like I said, this will be my first new car, I want something reliable, gas efficient, somewhat fun-to-drive, and atleast looks nice. I mean come on, we all like nice cars. The Si is out of the story because if I wanted a stickshift, I would of kept my 2000 Prelude.

Those are the highlights. Any input would help. Thank.

PRODIGY3000

Between the tC and the EX? Then the tC is probably the better buy. If the Si is out of the question then the tC is definitely the better 'bang for the buck' choice.

I do like what Honda's done with the new Si's though...looks WAY better than that sh*t nugget hatchback they introduced several years ago.

richardsayzz

To be quite honest i have an 06 tC and my friend has an 07 EX COUPE...to be honest his car blows me away...the interior and styling and ride quality....his also got the nav lol..

MVPlaya

For a daily driver get the Civic. It's much much more economical...imagine the gas you'll be saving.

monkeysauce

This is going to be a tough site to get an objective opinion from...

Have you driven both?

SPscionTC

Before i bought my TC i went to the honda dealer and test drove the EX (with NAV) and yes it's a nice car but in the overall pic. i thought the TC would be a better buy! (IMO)
So yes I've driven both, and the TC is more Fun, and since you've owned a prelude i'm sure you like to have fun at times!!!
The way i see it is (not only cause i own 1) the TC is a better car to drive in almost all the areas...

How i became a TC owner. (For all that want to argue, This is just my opinion!!!)

The EX will offer:
better gas mileage.
more payments. $$$
and of course you'll probably have some people making fun of you cause you didn't buy an SI, and cause you own a Civic.
So the end result will be:

The TC will offer:
More FUN!!!
Better BANG for ur BUCKS!!!
(many will argue) more sport like!
MORE POWER!!!!
Plus MANY other additions to this list, but THE BEST OF ALL YOU'LL BE PART OF THE FAMILY!!! :D
end result: :D

xtigger

in my opinion if you will go for the honda, i would put a little more money and get the SI its soo worth it, if not the honda definatly the TC.

mcheng08

in the long run toyota would last longer then honda.

monkeysauce

Sound argument, based in indisputable fact....

TheQuietThings

for a DD, i would get a Honda civic Sedan or a Corolla S. Its more practical than the tC, gets better gas mileage, and insurance payments will probably be roughly the same.

However, don't spend any money on modding the Civic or the Corolla, its just not worth the money. If you're going to mod at all, get the tC.

SPscionTC

The TC will probably give you more thrills, becuase like you said you "you might mod the car", the TC would be the best car to mod out of all that have been stated thus far.
I can (with alot of people) give you assurance that you won't doubt your TC as the best buy out of all these vehicle, if you really don't know what is the best fit for you just test drive them all in the same day so that you compare everything while it's fresh in your mind.

TrafficinLA

Reliable: Civic and tC are probably equally reliable
Gas Efficient: Civic
Somewhat fun-to-drive: Probably equal but check the tires on the Civic
Looks Nice: They both look nice

Price: tC. Cheapest Civic EX I've seen is around $19,500, excluding loss leader/ad car. Honda dealers are not really discounting the car in any way.

draxcaliber

if you are just getting a daily driver and want it to be extremely cost effective, i say get the civic. it will make up for increased msrp in fuel savings. the tc was designed more as a way to have a car that is extremely easy to personalize, and not such a bad daily driver either. but they aren't the most gas effiecient. but also, since tc's are limited to short production runs and it will stop being made in a year, it will be more rare and have higher resale value than a civic i suppose.

also, if it is just a dd, do you need a nav system? how often do you get lost? save the money and just get a portable one that will probably have more features too.

equinox2355

I will disagree due to recent personal experience... I hope my 2nd motor does more than 29k miles.

falkor

The Civic with better piece of mind . Handles nimbly . I miss mine . The TC performs like a rock compared to the Civic EX . Very few mods needed to the EX while the TC needs some mods to get to look like a pricey car . If you are deadlocked , choose based on the dealer . My Toyota Tech does everything for me under the table and I get parts at cost . I just lucked into that . In my opinion , the EX is a better car all around so , a better buy . As for reliability , Toyota and Lexus are great . Yet to be seen with the TC . They have had a few drawbacks since it is still a basically new car . But , The Honda Civic is outright , the most reliable car in the USA . You might get a lemon but , you take that chance on anything . I will go back to Honda after the TC fun is over for me I think . Or , at least , buy one to drive with my TC .
Good luck .

preludedriven

...Looks like everyone already provided some good feedback, so I'll help you weigh the Pros n Cons. -I'm actually thinking about selling my 2006 tC in for a 2007 Civic EX by the end of the year, or early next year.

Here are a few key points why:

Civic:
-Better gas mileage
-5 sd auto tranny
-Cool interior (Although some don't like it) Gotta love the digital dash!
-4 Doors (doors don't feel like they weigh 200lbs., and easier to get in/out)
-Smaller gap between wheel and body (the civic owns the tightest gap for this class)
-Smoother ride
-300 lbs. or so lighter
-Has a REAL trunk
-Includes Security System & remote trunk
-Slightly bigger Interior (You feel like you're in an Accord)
-Smaller pillars and less blind spots
-Air Filtration Built-in
-Airbags, Side Airbags, and Curtain Airbags included!
-(so far) I haven't heard of any rattling sounds in the Civic
-Folding Mirrors
-Back seat has a center console w/ cup holders
-Coin Pocket!
-2006 Motor Trend's car of the year

Things that the Civic lacks from the tC:
-no Panorama roof
-Auto up/down window feature only on driver's window
-Less sporty-looking
-no Side blinkers on mirrors
-Auto shifter does not have the gated style
-no Reclining back seat
-Smaller wheel size (16", compared to tC's 17")

I commute 100 - 200 miles daily, so I need something with the features noted above. If you're not really looking for ride comfort/efficiency, then I say go with the tC. Both are really great cars, just depends what you're really looking for in a car.

Whichever you choose, I hope u have fun w/ your new car.

P.S. I too was a Prelude fan (my first 2 rides were Preludes)

Spect2K3

Hmm, I think the new civic is the ugliest car on the road - bar none.

Snowflake

If your going to be cruising for awhile, the tc is definitly more comfortable by far. I have lower back probs and i drove my tc from illinois to the other side of ohio and no probs.

sddykstr

My buddy drives a Civic EX, though it is nice, I like everything about my tc more except for the digital speedo, that's hot.

engifineer

Well.. forget the gas savings as a reason. With around $2000 difference in price it will take you 6 - 10 years to make up the price difference in gas. People typically dont think about this when talking about gas "savings"

Other than that, just buy the one you like.