Freakin' Glare!!?

[downwind4final]

I used the forum for research and input while I was considering the Civic. To give back, I thought I'd share my impression/opinion of my test drive.

I researched several cars, all over the board price and performance wise (Fit all the way to Charger R/T) and the Civic LX coupe made my top five list. I test drove one today and was disappointed.
First and foremost was the glare of the dash on the windshield. No matter the direction I was driving or the lighting it was prominent and distracting, even to the point of blocking outward visibility.
I had to shift at 4-5k rpm to keep from getting run over, more to keep up with traffic; which would probably affect mpg's.
The tires were extremely noisy and every road imperfection and texture change was transmitted through them.
Wind noise was excellent for an economy car. Very impressive. Driving position is great and it was roomy.
Impressive fit and finish.
Noisy engine when accelerating.
Driven at 7/10ths it seems very balanced; at 8-10/10ths it makes me want more car.

Great car, not for me.

[kenchan]

your dealer's dumb porter must have used armorall or some crap like that
and made the dash shiny...

for those that accidentally used such shiny mess, get some Griot's Interior
Cleaner to remove all that glare and just wipe down with some SpeedShine.
I found that this is the best matte finish for some materials. the Si's dash
is apparently made out of reflective materials so even Nero turns a little
shiny (currently the least shiny dressing on the market...less shiny than
Aero303).

www.griotsgarage.com

www.detailersparadise.com (Prima Nero)

[3pac2k6]

1. The sedan is quite a bit smoother/quieter.
2. 140 hp is enough, just rev it....lol.
3. Noisy engine while accelerating? you need to test drive the new Lancer.
4. Noisy tires? change them.
5. Glare of dash.....was your test drive during a sunrise or sunset? This is not really a problem, if anything, most people get used to it. or, you can tint your windscreen...
6. Overall, it sounds like you are in the market for a luxury car. Look into a lincoln/buick.

[Izzy]

Glare? Yeah, I don't get glare at any point during a commute. Our dashboards are pretty matte, in order to prevent that, instead of shiny. They must have shinied it up some...idiots.

The coupe is a bit loud, and the engine (even R18's, apparently) beg to be revved up a bit.

Sorry it's not for you mate. I suggest the Mazda3 2.3. It's lopier, lazier in the powerband.

[07LX]

The R18's love to rev I hit between 3-4K shifts every time I drive and I still get a average of 36 mpg

[downwind4final]

Originally Posted by 3pac2k6

...Overall, it sounds like you are in the market for a luxury car. Look into a lincoln/buick.

Actually, Camry LE V6.
6sec 0-60 and most report 30 mpg hwy. But, ~$5700 more than a LX manual; so not really in the same league price wise. I got the dealer down to $16,200 on an 08 LX manual coupe and $21,900 on an 08 Camry LE V6. I can afford the Camry, but just because I can doesn't mean I should.
I really want to like the Civic. I'll give the glare issue another look, maybe they did apply something that made it shinier. Also; 4k shifting is still in the "thrifty" range?
Thanks for the input, it's appreciated.

[redsi06]

if you don't like reving to keep up with/ outrun traffic, then i suggest you take a look at the Si.

[downwind4final]

Originally Posted by redsi06

if you don't like reving to keep up with/ outrun traffic, then i suggest you take a look at the Si.

I don't mind revving if it doesn't negate the cars economy. Based on my extended test drive today, I'd be regularly shifting at 4-5k, up to 7k to keep up with traffic. That doesn't bother me one bit unless it kills my mpg's. 30+ mpg averages are the major reason I'm attracted to the Civic over my other choices. If my driving style won't allow that then I'll look more closely at other cars on my list.
I guess this is where you guys could help me. Is 4-5k shifting, occasionally higher going to put me at the low end of the mpg scale in a 1.8 Civic?

[owningmonkey]

I hate the tires too. I cant wait till i need new ones haha.

Glare? I have noticed it a few times but its so faint i forget all about it a couple minutes later. They must have done something to it.

[Undispu7ed]

Um you want 30 mpg and don't want to rev to 5k to keep up with traffic? Might want to try a hybrid buddy.

[downwind4final]

Originally Posted by Undispu7ed

Um you want 30 mpg and don't want to rev to 5k to keep up with traffic? Might want to try a hybrid buddy.

I will take that to mean that in your experience/knowledge you can not get 30 mpg's in those driving conditions.

I don't HAVE to get 30 mpg's in general. If I am to consider buying a Civic I do though. I avg. 25 mpg's in my Maxima driving at the same pace that required 4-5k shifting in the Civic. If I'm not going to do any better in a Civic then it's a major point to consider.

[redsi06]

Are you looking at the lx because it comes in an automatic? Or are you open to buying a manual transmision? b/c with the manual faster shifts would allow you to not have to worry about being overtaken as well.

[Undispu7ed]

Then shut up and get another car. Seriously, if you're worried about a few MPG, get a hybrid.

[owningmonkey]

Originally Posted by Undispu7ed

Then shut up and get another car. Seriously, if you're worried about a few MPG, get a hybrid.

hmm you must really love honda.. dont take everything to heart. He is just saying if hes going to be getting the same MPG he is going to put that into consideration when he pics a car.

[audiophile]

My 06 EX sedan with Heavy ass wheels averages 34~36 mpg per tank. I usually romp on it pretty good when I'm driving by myself too. With quite a bit of manual shifting. (Wish I woulda got a stick)
Keep the right air pressure in your tires, with proper maintenance, and good economy should not be hard to obtain.

[DMAC]

I just bought my 08 EX sedan a couple of weeks ago. I usually accelerate up to 4K rpms before shifting (manual transmission) and so far the first 2 tanks have averaged 36 mpg. 80% hwy 20% city

[badoceanman]

Wear POLARIZED sun glasses. That will nearly eliminate the glare from the dash (and from a lot of other surfaces).

[mO 64 StAnG 06]

^ And the LCD radio screen.

[e60.deluxe]

polarized sunglasses are generally a waste for anything you do except fishing...while they reduce glare, they also reduce reflections, which can cause problems in many things, such as water spots and ice patches in snow.

its better to go for glare reducing non polarized sunglasses. look for sunglasses that have a mirror-like finish on the outside.

[nese005]

glare? i think your analyzing way too much