hi all,
hoping I can get some objective advice here ( and subjective when relevant) to the question: Better to buy a new HCH II (have 1 on order, I think, that would theoretically arrive late March) or a low mileage 2003/2004 HCH I?
The used cars: 2003 w/ nearly 18K, auto; or 2004 w/11K, 5speed. Given the auto has reconditioned TX title cost could be as low as $10K. 2004, 5speed, has special leather int, cost +/- $14500.
So far, my adv for new: 8th gen of Civics has more modern platform, look, side curtain airbags, is 4db quieter, per Car & Driver (to wit: their recent test of the new 6th gen Toyota Camry had int. sound levels of : 37/74/69dbA at idle/WOT/70MPH cruising; the HCH II had levels of 38/74/69!)
I can get the new one for $1300 off sticker; and if it gets the $2150 credit, the new cost would be about $19K. Full warranty, etc.
Adv for used: lower cost obviously, 4db isn't THAT much quieter (I drive a Miata often, it's NOT quiet, top up or down), older styling, slower.

Background: I generally have gotten better than EPA MPG on most of my cars, most of which have been manuals - starting w/ a 4speed '73 Subaru DL and most notably a 91 Mazda Protege DX 5sp. Generally get 30-32MPG in the 5sp Miata. Point being I'm very comfortable w/ a stick. The DB here shows the 5sp HCH I w/ a 2MPG over he CVT HCH I.
BUT - it seems like a CVT, if I can allow it to accelerate most of the time at a steady RPM in the 1900-2100 RPM range would provider great MPG.

Any feedback is appreciated - particularly from those who own a HCH II and owned/own a HCH I.

2001 Classic Red Mazda Miata (+/- 30MPG)
1998 Toyota Sienna (+/- 23MPG)