Dad wants me to get a Honda but I'm not sure..

[KirstenC]

My Dad is being really sweet and offering to buy me a car for graduation but he wants me to get a Honda because he says they are more reliable, but I've had my eye on a used BMW convertable...

I would look so cute in it! Dad doesn't think that should be a deciding factor.. but what else is there? LOL ! JK:

Anyway I'd be interested to hear opinions.

thx.

[jon@af]

The honda will be cheaper in the long run. Unless that BMW has a warranty or an incredibly pristine maintenance record, you'll probably be putting more money into it than you would the Honda.

[Oldengineer]

I agree. The used BMW will be fun to drive, but, a money pit to maintain. A new Honda would be the better choice.

Regards;
Oldengineer

[speediva]

As another girl, I do know how tempting it is to want something that might be "prettier" than a Honda, but seriously, hun, you do NOT want a used BMW.

If you're deadset on getting something that you'll look cute in, see if you can find yourself a Honda coupe with a sunroof. I just bought myself a 1997 Civic EX coupe (2-door) with a sunroof and spoiler, and it's SOOOOOO much fun, plus with both windows down and the sunroof open, it's as close to a convertible as I ever want to be...


(if you have long hair, convertibles are HORRIBLE!!!!!!!! All you do is spend your time making sure your hair doesn't look like birds nested in it)

[knightjp]

In terms of practicality, the Honda would be a better option.
But I can understand that with you girls, its all about the looks too...
You'll need to check and see if the BMW comes with good warranty and stuff.... if that works out, then go for it...
Over here a used BMW isn't a bad option, but I'm not sure about where you are... Over here, the cars are usually in very good condition and you need not worry about the maintenance (provided the car is thoroughly checked; inside and out)...
If you want to be safe, get the Honda (make sure its a cute looking one.. l )

[Jhondigo]

If you have a good budget/money in your bank, then you should buy BMW
but,
If you have a limited budget you should buy Honda.

rest is your wish.

[carsrule4ever]

Hondas are the perfect balance between everything; they have enough power, enough fuel efficiency, they handle well, they take the bumps well, they are roomy yet not boats, they are safe, and they are reliable. In recent years, they have tried to copy the Europeans.

[Oldengineer]

I own both a Honda and a European SUV. The only thing I'll give Honda is reliability - other than that it's noisy, underpowered, and doesn't get very good fuel economy even though it's a 2 wheel drive. It's European stablemate is AWD, has close to 100 more HP,and gets the same fuel economy. If Honda wants to mimic the Europeans, they'd better learn how to build an engine that makes some torque at low rpm.

Regards:
Oldengineer

[knightjp]

Hello KirstenC,

It sure would be interesting to see what car you actually got in the end....

[jeffheron]

BMW's surely much reliable, but used one. I don't know what is the condition and the maintenance costs. Honda is much cheaper to run on the road as compare to BMW. Looks definitely BMW is much better looking. If your concern is not cost in long-run, then convince your father