[gvibes]

The hyundai would definitely have a lower TCO, due to the warranty and lower purchase price, assuming you are going to keep it a long time. Cars are a huge waste of money, so you want to limit losses as much as possible. I don't think the Elantra hatchback looks too bad, but the Tiburon kind of hurts.

If you don't mind driving a hynudia, go ahead and buy it.

I am the proud owner of a '95 civic. 102 raging ponies. Sweet.

Manual of course: 40 mpg highway, 31 city, even though I drive like an idiot. I rule.

EDIT: and I agree that Hondas have a rep that their engines don't act nice unless they're revved quite high. I don't make significant horsepower at any point in the power band, so I can't say.