Ask an expert

We are wanting to buy a car and have looked at Honda Civics ($22-25,000) two to three years old and have seen a 2008 Toyota Corolla Hatch for $26,000.

What are your views of these two vehicles?

Erec

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 19 January 2009

Both vehicles have enjoyed a great reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction over a long period.

Toyota has always been labelled a little on the bland side in general for all its models while the current model Civic has been a huge success for its sporty looks and high levels of specification.

The Corolla is always in the top three selling cars month after month but bear in mind many of these vehicles go to fleet sales and are no doubt discounted by Toyota to keep their numbers up.

The current Honda philosophy is not to discount at all (new sales) and they work on the theory of good value for money with everybody paying the same, ensuring high resale values.

The 2.0 litre Civic is particularly well spec'd and has stability control which none of the Corolla's offer currently.

A close call, you won't be disappointed whatever you choose. If you are price driven however then Toyota are the ones who you can negotiate with best.