Hi Ericbecky:

___Although I believe the Accord 4 w/ Auto to be a very efficient, practical, and cost effective automobile as well as one that can be picked up in PZEV format depending on where you buy it from, Camry’s w/ 4’s and Auto can be purchased for even less cost with similar equipment. The pluses in regards to the Camry is it has a smoother ride, larger trunk space, and higher reliability imho. There are numerous reports of 03/04 Accord’s with rattles, brake issues, and even the Tranny Recall of the V6’s. This is very Un-Honda like. The negatives of a Camry are that you are very isolated from the road (little feel), the seats are supposedly not as comfortable, and they are as plain jane and common looking interior/exterior wise as you could possibly imagine. It is also not quite as fuel efficient but close. You can usually find them (Camry’s) for a slightly lower cost around here although not in PZEV format. These 2 true mid-size automobiles are the only 2 I would consider. In California, Honda dealerships are selling PZEV based Accord I4’s for less then Invoice including factory to dealership cash! Around here, we aren’t so lucky

___If your friend is interested in a bit of Luxury, the Acura TSX might be a consideration. $27K at MSRP including delivery and with some haggling (we would always haggle ); they can be picked up for ~ 25 - $26K. You lose a bit of fuel economy (I believe CR received 35 mpg from theirs on the highway) but it comes std. at 200 HP on premium unleaded. Maybe 190 on Regular. Not that 200 HP means anything to most but it might mean something to your friend? This does include 17” alloys, leather, powered driver seat w/ lumbar, heated seats, powered sunroof, traction and stability control, 4 wheel ABS, front, side, and head airbags, remote anti-theft, HID’s, Tilt and telescopic wheel, universal remote for garage doors, dual zone auto climate, electro chromatic rear view mirror, and an in-dash 6 CD 360 W stereo. Maybe 1/2 - 2/3 the mileage of a Prius in real world terms but it is available today and is filled with lux features you can’t find in our hybrid’s. It is still a bit rich for my blood but is a very nicely equipped, efficient, performance bred automobile for the price imho.

___Then there is the supposed SULEV rated 2006 Honda Fit … HCH/Civic interior size, smaller exterior, and close to HCH type fuel economy for $10 - $13K brand spanking new! Here in the states, speculation is for the new 1.5 L Vtec w/ 108 HP. With the 5-speed or possible brand new 6-speed stick, you will probably hit 60 in just 8.5 seconds which is fast for a compact in anyone’s book. The 7-speed CVT has received many accolades from those that own them in Australia and Asia. It (the Fit) can hold (2) Mountain bikes standing up (minus the front wheels of course) which is a far cry from any Hybrid hatch or any of the sedans I might be interested in today as well. Release dates have been rumored to be anywhere from January to mid-late summer of 2005. This is where I am placing my bets for the best all-around practical commuter/cruiser right now.

___Since it is so close to the release of the 05’s and if he/she were buying new, I would have him/her try and hold on for just a few more months. The resale difference between an 04 and an 05 when selling it in 2011 might be worth the few months wait?

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net