Civic 2008 or ??

[sharjeel]

Hi all!

Once again a first time car buyer has arrived in uae . Well i am very much confused about what to buy, why to buy and why not to buy......
Initially i was planning to buy a small 4wd like kia sportage or hyundai santafe but somebody told me that these vehicles are not just right for UAE's weather, also the resale is not there.

My Budget was initially arround 45000/- but stretched it to 55,000/- so that i can go for Civic Lxi which was selling for 56,000/- but yesterday when i went to the showroom, they informed me that the price has increased to 58,000/- Now my question is that is it normal in UAE or the showroom guy is trying to make a goat outta me?

Please help what should i go for in my buget out of the following options (or any other suggestions besides these?)

1.Honda Civic Lxi 2008 (i have heard the insurance & maintenance cost is more)
2.Toyota Corolla base model (its very basic)
3.Hyundai santa fe (is the maintenance cost much higher than the sedans??)
4.Kia sportage (they are offering a good deal for 2007 models, is it worth buying? how about the resale and maintenance cost?)

Also is there any website where i can get the updated prices of all cars.

Please reply soon cuz have to decide and buy today only.........

[ewap8]

Civic is a good car, so you can go for that.

The corolla basic version is very basic, so avoid

The others im not sure about.

Another thing you can do to confirm prices is call other Honda showrooms in Dubai, AUH, Shj and ask them how much the car is for. If you get a consistent price everywhere, then tuff luck, otherwise go with the cheapest.

Don't forget to ask for a discount!

[root]

Well, the Yen has appreciated a lot against the dollar, so anything coming from Japan has risen in price.

The price quoted for the basic Toyotas and Hondas are pretty much the same. If you're lucky they'll give you a 1000 AED discount. There is only one dealer, Al-Futtaim, so there's no incentive for them to drop price. Specially on the hot selling stuff.

Civic is nice. Santa Fe is also very nice. Nice size engine, nice interior, ample space. Are you sure you can get a new one for 55k?

If you plan to keep the car for atleast 3 years, then Hyundai and Kia are fine as well. They depreciate faster than the Japanese, but there is some value of enjoying the vehicle for that time.

You might also want to look into financing as well. Gives you a better car and not always more expensive in the long run as interest payments are not as high as depreciation.

There is obviously also insurance that you need to factor into your choice.

Summary...if sedan, go for Civic. If SUV go for Santa Fe (although I doubt you'll get one for that price).

[T.N.T]

Sportage is a better choice than the Santa Fe IMO.

[Brembo]

the new lancer is cheaper than the civic right? looks a bit smaller though.

[T.N.T]

Yeah, its cheaper but can't say much about interior room as I didn't try one out yet.

[sharjeel]

Thanx for all your replies guys. I checked the price of civic at other locations as well, like dubai 59,000/- with 2 months waiting, Ajman 58,000/-, RAK 58,000/- but dunno when they will deliver, Fujairah 58,000/- and i am gonna get the car today only ....... I hope i dont face any problems with civic like expensive maintenance, insurance or spare parts.

Also i will be going on vacation in January for 20 days, somebody told me that the battery of the car will be out of charge in 20 days so any suggestions for that like how can i prevent that or how do i get it recharged again. My questions might sound stupid but i am very new in UAE so still got to learn basics here

[root]

Civic is a good and safe choice! If you regret it, you'll be able to easily sell it without losing that much.

Normally 20 days should not run down a new battery...not the battery of these days. However, the normal advice given in this case is to give the keys to a friend or colleague and ask him/her to start it every few days.

Once a battery is run down, you've already damaged part of its life, so try to avoid it.

Some people disconnect the battery mains from the car so that no current is drawn at all.

[Brembo]

damn the civic lxi is 58k now??

how much is the exi with alloys and cruise control?

[sharjeel]

Civil Exi is coming for AED 64,000/- now. I really cant understand why are the prices going up up and up without even offering anything extra with the deal or in the car itself.

[ewap8]

Civil Exi is coming for AED 64,000/- now.

Wow! The prices have gone up quite a bit!

How much do you think a second hand civic Exi should be for? Run 45,000 kms, 2 yrs old?

[navadv]

Depends on how old your going.... but older it is, harder to get one with the right kms.

I say its going to be in the region of 48-52K

[root]

yes, the Civic depreciates around 10% a year. With the new one more expensive, around 48-52 sounds quite right.
How much did you buy it for 2 years ago?

[ewap8]

Bought one for 59k

If I manage to sell it for 52k, thats a depreciation of 7k over 2 years (excluding expenses)

Not bad

[root]

not bad at all!

Thats the nice thing about Hondas and Toyotas in this country.