Questions Thinking of buying a Honda Civic

[JOHN39]

Hi,

I am new to this forum, found it while doing some research into buying a honda.

At the moment I own an Audi A4 Avent FSI 2.0 03 Reg but due to problems with it I am looking at exchanging it for a new car, and Honda Civic stands out.

I have read mixed reviews on the Honda Civic, so thought I would ask opinions of current Honda owners.

Please can you help with any pros/cons for the Honda.

Thanks
John

[symia32]

John,

I also used to have an Audi (A3 Sportback sport), I bought a Civic Type S GT Diesel and do not regret it at all better drive (fun again),nicer engine, better looks, build nearly up there with the audi, fully kitted and a hell of a lot cheaper. Can I say more.

[HappyMan]

Although I haven't had a Audi I have had a BMW and I am very happy with my civic. THe handling is fantastic, the looks are great and the equipment levels are pretty good for the cost. I am very happy and glad that I bought it.

[pcr]

An honest opinion, this car was brought to market too early without proving, it's very rough around the edges. Briefly, here are three pro's and three con's, imo of course.

Pro's :- Engine/gearbox
. Economy
. Lively performance

Con's :- More rattles than mothercare
. Poor and noisy suspension
. Too many things just not quite designed right.

Overall, I would say that it might make for a fun drive, but if you prefer a more sedate, quality car, then no.

[Unknownsoldier]

I agree with PCR, make sure your dealer has a comfy waiting area, mine does. Many seem to have completely fault free cars whilst others of us seem to get one thrown together by innebriated chimpanzee's.

The new model may well have had these faults ironed out???

ATB,
Tom

[symia32]

What unknown soldier says is right, problems are probably ironed out by now. I work in development in the aerospace industry and if you knew what problems, although minor are allowed in early production units you probably wouldn't fly. It is probably very much the same in the motor sector. This is one reason I will never buy a launch model until around 12 months after launch, as I do not want to be guinea pig. It was vey much the same when the A3 launched. A lot of early problems, very few as the car matured.

[Unknownsoldier]

Or on the flipside, they may have even more faults caused by trying to correct the faults already at fault in the faulty cars.

Tom

[symia32]

What usually happens is the company say we are going to launch, say jan 1st, the engineers say it won't be ready until at least June, the company say it launches Jan 1st, and it does with all faults included. In the meantime the design and development guys are working on and qualifying the fixes, guess what, they get rolled out in an updated build in June, the poor buggers who bought the first ones get the known problems, some that can be fixed, others that can't.

[knightrider]

Interesting. I'm on my second Civ and the build quality (especially the interior) of the first (an early example) was much better than the 4 month old one that now sits on the driveway.

Having said that, this one has never been back to the dealer whereas the other on had the, well documented, petrol cap and suspension knocking problems

[DeanFYoung]

In my opinion you will enjoy the Civic, but you may miss the build quality of the Audi, at least at first. I did, but I must say that whilst I love the Civic and would buy Honda again, I am a little disappointed with the build quality level. I hear the Accord is 'supreme' and the new one is just around the corner. Perhaps you might think about considering that one?

Over the last two weeks or so, I have started to notice a 'knock' - single knock, not plural that is; going to get this checked out as it feels like there is some movement either in the steering / suspension.

I dont want to put you off with the above but I think you are doing the right thing getting on this forum for all opinions.

On the plus side, everything else with the car is, for me, just about spot on!

[Unknownsoldier]

Don't get me worng, the car is the best thing I've driven (Came from Corsa Breeze [flashy car, not ], to BMW 318i, to BMW 520iSE (facelifted 2.2i model), and this is definitely the most fun of the four . And I probably wouldn't change it for the world, just some little problems annoy me occasionally.

Tom

[Dimplyred]

Hi John and welcome to civinfo.

What model civic are you thinking of getting

While there are some people who do have problems with their cars there are lots who are very happy with them. You are in the best place to find out anyway.

[JOHN39]

I am made up I found this site, and thanks for all the great advice and opinions.

Just been for a test drive on the Civiv 1.8 I-Vtec 07 plate, it was a dream and much faster than my previously owned ST170.

Got a few issues with it though, no spare wheel, and although love the roof not sure if it has the option to put a roof rack on it.

We are driving to Italy in a few months and will need a roof box, does anybody know if I can get roof bars for the car?

Its quite scarey getting a new car, its all ifs and buts and fingers crossed you get a good one. I am really reluctant leaving my Audi behind, love this car but had so many problems with the dealers not being able to diagnose problems 100% (all could be this that and the other). It has put me off owning another Audi as they are so expensive to put right.

Have to say pretty nervous about going into a Civic, as many of you say they are quite knew. But Honda have a good reputation and love the look of interior of this Civic.

Thanks again, and look forward to reading your replies.

John

[Unknownsoldier]

You can get roof bars for the 5 door and the S, but be aware of the limitations to the weight that can be carried if you get the GT model (I think it goes from 50 kg to 30 kg because of the glass).

ATB,
Tom

[alastair b]

Hi John,
I have one of the earlier models (april 06),bought new,initially I had a couple of problems,once fixed it has been fine.Hope this helps.

[pcr]

John, as for the spare wheel, the space-saver costs approx' £100, certainly made me feel better getting it.

[Unknownsoldier]

Me too, even though it's in my garage.

Tom

[3rd Honda]

Originally Posted by pcr

An honest opinion, this car was brought to market too early without proving, it's very rough around the edges. Briefly, here are three pro's and three con's, imo of course.

Pro's :- Engine/gearbox
. Economy
. Lively performance

Con's :- More rattles than mothercare
. Poor and noisy suspension
. Too many things just not quite designed right.

Overall, I would say that it might make for a fun drive, but if you prefer a more sedate, quality car, then no.

Agree totally. If you want the quality Honda were known for providing in the past - forget it.

On the pro's side - I would add excellent ergonomics

On the Cons I would say the build quality, materials and suspension refinement are well below par. Be aware all the nice looking when new shiny 'aluminium' inside is in fact PLASTIC. Customer service from Honda UK is dreadful. Dealers vary by all accounts from good to bad.

[Dimplyred]

Originally Posted by Unknownsoldier

Me too, even though it's in my garage.

Tom

LOL. Why though, have you not got around to fitting it yet

[Unknownsoldier]

Fitted it, but only use it when doing lon motorway journeys and going abroad, don't see the point of the extra weight otherwise (especially not with the extra weight I'm carrying, I'd have 2 spare tyres with me then )

Tom