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Hi Guys,

I've got a 2002 3L Altezza Gita which is the L model so leather seats, multiple airbags, traction control, sunroof etc. Its only done 120K so quite low mileage and always been serviced. Lately though I've been feeling its a bit dated and having just turned 30 the car seems boy racerish now! For work I might have to do a bit more driving from July onwards so I was considering changing to a 2L car so something more economical. I've found a Honda Accord 2004 which has under 70K on it and is in great condition. Felt the car was a bit slow coming from a 3L but I'm sure I could live with it although the beige interior will get some getting used to!

I think after selling the Altezza I might have to pay $1500-2000 on top for the Accord. The downside is the Accord just has 2 airbags and seems a bit slow. The upside is a newer car, not having to change the cambelt & waterpump in the next 3 years and lower fuel consumption. My partner has a Corolla and because its more economical than the Gita 3L we never really use the Gita unless its a long trip.

So do you think its worthwhile upgrading? Are the Accords as reliable as the Altezzas? Should I hold onto the Gita for a few more years?

Thanks in Advance!

The Honda Accords have a good reputation for reliability so there's no problem there. It makes more sense to downsize if it means that you will actually use the car more often - so yes it's a good idea but don't do it purely to save a little in fuel.

You should also consider the Mazda6 2.0L.

Thanks- what about the safety ratings? Accord is a newer design but the Gita has 6 airbags and traction control

According the the real-world crash data the Honda Accord has a good safety rating - see Used Car Safety Ratings.

You won't find many used imports fitted with Traction Control unless you are looking at premium models - the Altezza is a Japanese domestic version of the Lexus IS. With all the power of the 3.0L six-pot engine on the Gita you would need Traction Control to keep the wheels from spinning when accelerating hard from a standstill.

TCS (Traction Control System) should not be confused with ESC (Electronic Stability Control), also referred to as ESP or DSC. ESC recognises when loss of steering control occurs and the system will apply brake pressure to the appropriate individual wheels to try counter understeer or oversteer.

Ideally, you should buy the safest car that you can afford. The Used Car Safety Rating is a good guide.