Which Car to Buy?

[zero_oki]

I recently got pegged for an assignment to Yokota Air Base. I've been window shopping for a used car and narrowed it down to two choices.

1. Honda S-MX (Pussy Wagon?)
2. Toyota Altezza (Pussy Magnet?)

The price difference between the two is about $1200. I will be buying gas mostly on base (at this time ~$3.89/gal) I'm sure insurance and road tax will be higher for the 'tezza, but it gets about the same fuel economy according to goo-net.

I've had the displeasure of experiencing Okinawan road traffic, but have no idea what it's like to drive in mainland. So I'm wondering if I am better off with the Honda with less power and expenses or spoil a bit more with the Honda.

Which do you think would give a better driving experience?

[Mike Oxlong]

Driving on the mainland is worlds apart from driving on Oki. Besides better quality pavement, better traffic control and flow, less crowding outside major urban metropolises, the driving manners are better too. Get the car that will best suit your needs, and enjoy the road again.

[Coligny]

Driving on the mainland is worlds apart from driving on Oki. Besides better quality pavement, better traffic control and flow, less crowding outside major urban metropolises, the driving manners are better too. Get the car that will best suit your needs, and enjoy the road again.

Disclaimer: Statement in bold do not apply to Aichi.

These cars are so totally different that I even wonder how they ended up on the same list... a FR sport Sedan Versus a FF Hatchback...

Move furniture: Honda (that would be my pick)
Move pussies: Totoya (nevar...)

Also:
>Which do you think would give a better driving experience
SMX... Got a drivetrain from the old CRV (suv/cuv), I would put this more into the 'potent' rather than pleasur category.

[zero_oki]

I'll probably go with the 'tezza then since I won't be hauling a bunch of stuff or people around and I will be able to put that power to use.

I had a 6-speed mazda in Oki and it was a complete waste to drive it unless it was sunday morning when everyone was hungover and the roads were completely empty.

[GomiGirl]

I was in Okinawa for the first time last week and the traffic was horrible. We nearly missed our flight home. Is there only one way up and down the coast?

Sorry to hijack your thread.

[zero_oki]

You can take the local traffic route 58, or toll-fared expressway.

The expressway is much faster but as far as I know you have to pay for it. I took it all the time last year when it was free.

[Mike Oxlong]

I was in Okinawa for the first time last week and the traffic was horrible. We nearly missed our flight home. Is there only one way up and down the coast?

Sorry to hijack your thread.

Yes, with two huge bases right smack in the center of the island, the only option for roads is the left coast, the right coast, and a few east-west crosswise gaps between the bases. Even then, they gotta build out over the reef where the bases go right up to the beach. I've made better time from Tachikawa to Funabashi on a Saturday afternoon than I have from the Naha Airport to Manza Beach (both trips about 50 km).

[Mock Cockpit]

I don't know what they can do about it either, assuming the bases aren't going anywhere. Once you've been to Naha you realise why it's called Kokusai Dori- because it's seems like everyone in the whole world is on that street.