Originally Posted by MarkW
Hi All, here are my thoughts after my test drive on Saturday.
Just as we arrived it started to rain. The sales guy went to get the car - it was the red one in the link (now 'reduced' to £20k on the website) not the silver one he mentioned on the phone.
This is an S GT (non sat nav), with Type-R wheels, Image pack, Rear Spoiler, Fully Colour coded and dark rear tints. Must admit it looked good. My only thoughts were it needs a Type-R grille, and lowering. Even 18"s look small in those wheel arches.
As we drove off we were in torrential hail, followed by rain so not the ideal test drive conditions and didnt really get to push it. The sales guy drove for a while, then me, then my girlfriend.
First the negatives - The rear visibility is worse than the 350Z which is saying something. The split rear screen reminds me of a Merc C230 coupe my ex had. I dont know how I would get on without a rear wash wipe, how dirty does the rear screen get? I dont like the fact you cant see the bonnet at all, and due to how steeply the windscreen is raked it does feel un-car like to me in a tratitional way. I dont know if I would just get used to this or if it would bother me. I also noticed on the trip computer it showed 27.8mpg, so whoever is driving it must be giving it some and Im surprised it would drop below 35ish at all. My A4 2.5TDi never went below low thirties even when pressing on.
Now the positives - I love the shape and the interior styling. The seats felt comfortable (I have a bad back) and I liked the cloth/alcantara coverings. I thought it drove well, excellent gearbox, the steering felt better than the 5 door i drove previously if a little light, and the torque from 2000rpm pulled well. In fact from 2000-4000rpm I would say it feels as fast as the 350Z. The diffference being the Z has another 3500rpm before it runs out of steam! Apart from idle, it doesnt sound diesel like at all which is a good thing.
The gadget list is great - steering audio controls, cruise, the independent temperature control on the passenger door is a good idea as is the one touch window. I didnt realise the CD player did MP3s - so Im not bothered it hasnt got a CD changer now. Plus folding mirrors, panoramic roof, auto lights/wipers, start button etc.
My girlfriend wasnt that keen unfortunately, she didnt like the rear view or the fact you cant see the bonnet. She liked the gears and steering though which she said were better than her Cooper S, plus the climate etc as she always likes to be warmer than me. She was also not keen on the turbo lag, but she's not driven a TD before - it didnt seem to bad to me - ive driven a lot worse.
Had a look at a few other cars, Im waiting for the VW sales guy to get me a Golf TDi 170 DSG to drive, as quite fancy trying the DSG box before I make up my mind. I think I will like it but still cant get away from the fact that the golf spec is rather basic and to get one in the spec I want will be difficult and expensive.
Bottom line in the Civic is a definate possibility but im still undecided. If I got offered the deal of the century from someone Id probably go for it, but otherwise im in no rush so might just wait and see if I can sell the 350Z privately in the spring.
Finally, the sales guy at Honda was a really nice guy. Only young, but much better than any of the others ive seen recently, just seemed genuine and enthusiastic. However I did point out to him that their prices are well over the top, and I could get a similar car with blades and image pack for around £15500 from another dealer 50 miles away. He seemed genuinely surprised, and was going to look at it. Im expecting a call this week
If anyones still reading, how much do you think that red one is worth? I would say £15500-£16000 tops, which if £3k+ off their asking price.
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