Good for you in keeping the process of car buying rational. Although the emotion of the moment is impossible to completely avoid, it doesn't serve one well if that is the main criteria. (Double check on the interest rate. It is not listed on the Honda site.)
That being said, my HAH is the finest machine I have ever owned and is quickly replacing my previous main and first auto love - '62 Chevy Impala SS 409 dual quad. Performance, economy, and comfort are outstanding. The only drawback, (and I am sure you know this already), trunkspace is less than generous but still OK. I did not test drive the TCH but the HAH is superior in almost every way to the non-hybrid upper end Camary choices that I did test drive. Tough choice for me was between the HAH and Accord 4cyl but ride quietness on the highway won out. I think that the HAH is much like having a Lexus for a lot less money.
No question I would buy mine, CasperDesertMist, again.
To your questions:
I did not get the navi because living out here in Wyoming, if you need a detailed map you are in deep doo doo. I think that there are a few features that the navi adds like a real time FE - but takes away the more convient controls for heater/AC temp adjustment. WAY too pricey for a unit that is stuck in the dash.
Truckspace, as mentioned above, is small for a 5 pas vehicle. It is about the same as for a non-hybrid Civic. Fine for everyday and two or three on a trip but don't plan on an extended vacation with 4 adults unless all can pack lightly. (Tip: leave the ball gowns, hair driers and roller sets at home. Source- personal experience with a wife and two daughters in early 20's.)
So far I have been greatly pleased with the mileage, 24 to 33 in town and 34 to 42 on the highway. Lifetime 32.1 mpg. Somewhat better than the 2006 epa#s but about what I expected as I tend to get slightly better than epa. I bought this thing for the highway #s planning on lots of miles here in the cowboy state.
Leather seats are a different beast from cloth. A different tactile sensation for driving - but one that I like. My experience is that leather shows soil quicker than cloth but cleans very easily. A lot like a sofa cloth vs. leather would be to maintain. Both can stain if doused with a nasty - say cranberry or grape etc. be more carefull with the tan version. Leather will be more durable for sure.
No MP3 hookup is standard nor can you play mp3 cds but you can get an optional and expensive, (in my opinion), ipod connector. My answer is to burn conventional formatted cds (the cubby in from of the shift holds lots). On a related issue, after much thought, I have paid for the XM service. This was mainly for the news stations and weather channel. Thinking winter already.
Good luck with your purchase.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Railroad
I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on a new car now after looking at them for like a year now. Went to the dealer today to check out the 06 HAH and saw the finance for it was really good(2.9%). I was pretty sure I'll get the TCH until I saw the finanace rate. After some calculations, the cost of borrowing for TCH was just unacceptable for me. I'll be paying $3000 less than TCH for the interest. Although at the end, the total price at the end is pretty small($200).
|
Decision Time
