Which spec 5door v 3 Door

civicg · 25th May 2008, 13:01

Well next February im thinking of getting the Civic again as I dont think anything comes near it as a complete package (Performance, Economy, Equipment, Style and Design, Value for money, list goes on).

The only change is perhaps go for the 3 door.

Now I know the Type S and GT options however am I right in thinking the 3 door is lowered more than the 5 door? Also has it got a wider track at the back?

The rear doors are useful on the 5 door however I dont have many people sitting in the back apart from my 3 year old yet the doors are so small I have to put him in at a angle, this would not be a issue in the 3 door.

Nexxo · 25th May 2008, 13:15

As I understand it, the 3-door has a slightly wider track and may be slightly lower. I never drove a 5-door so I can't compare, but be prepared for slightly less clearance on steep inclines and dips, and a somewhat stiffer ride compared to ordinary cars. On the upside, it corners solidly at high speeds and has great road holding.

Contrary to what dealers may tell you, the 3-doors have the full magic seats, including the bottom half folding up. The front seats have no memory function, so when you fold them forwards you lose your position settings. Not a biggie after a while as you will remember them, but annoying initially when you still try to work out the best driving position.

The rear doors on the 5-door open at a 90-degree angle, so access should be good.

Robbieee · 25th May 2008, 16:01

There is alot of space in the back of the 3 door too. I was pleasanty surprised. As my neice said - "Uncle Robbie, your car is coooooooool" and shes in the back of course lol

SMRocket · 25th May 2008, 19:31

Hello,

i own a 5D. My previous car was a 5D Peugeot 206. When i thought buying a new car i had in mind a 3D one. When i sow the new 5d CIVIC i realized that this "is the car". It's a 5 door car that looks a 3 door one. Here in Portugal the TYPE S is not available so i never sow one [live]. In the pictures looks that TYPE S brings a different and much better looking body kit than the stock 5D. I bought the Grand Prix Pack for my 5D but it was a little expensive.

Make your decision. You already made the important one - to own a CIVIC.

illegalhunter · 25th May 2008, 20:10

3 door is a no brainer

Woette · 26th May 2008, 14:33

[quote=Nexxo;187205]
Contrary to what dealers may tell you, the 3-doors have the full magic seats, including the bottom half folding up. The front seats have no memory function, so when you fold them forwards you lose your position settings. Not a biggie after a while as you will remember them, but annoying initially when you still try to work out the best driving position.
quote]

surely, thats not true???
if so, i have been fooled!!!
the ********

Charles_Harding · 26th May 2008, 14:58

Find out about that 'Magic Seat' bit. that is SO usefull.

"Being young is beautiful,
Being old is Comfortable!"

Essexboy · 26th May 2008, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexxo

Contrary to what dealers may tell you, the 3-doors have the full magic seats, including the bottom half folding up.

#

Are you sure? Mine fold down brilliantly, but not managed to get them to fold up!

cb550 · 26th May 2008, 15:46

[quote=Woette;187555]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexxo

Contrary to what dealers may tell you, the 3-doors have the full magic seats, including the bottom half folding up. The front seats have no memory function, so when you fold them forwards you lose your position settings. Not a biggie after a while as you will remember them, but annoying initially when you still try to work out the best driving position.
quote]

surely, thats not true???
if so, i have been fooled!!!
the ********

Mine (type s) folds up.Trouble is the underframe which does also fold up, unfortunatly does not lock the seat in the up position.I have used the seat belts around the seats to do that job-ok for the single seat ,but the dual seat's a little heavy and liable to hinge back down.

Chris-B · 26th May 2008, 16:18

I have this same train of thought, I'm getting mine this November though.

My Daughter will be 15 months old by then, and also the only regular rear passenger.

I've owned three 3 door cars and two 5 door cars in the past and here are my findings:

in a 3 door car you don't have to worry about "remembering" to set the child lock as there's no door for them to open

in a 3 door car there's nearly always a "tardis" effect when you get into the rear compartment. a LOT more room than you thought there was and in some cases, more room than the car's 5 door version (it's all about the pillars positioning)

in a 5 door car I personally find it very difficult to put my daughter in her car seat (i currently own a 1999 Rav4 5 door) as I don't have the correct attack angle, putting her in from the side is pretty difficult with all the twisting you need to do and we all know how much the little blighters don't exactly stay still for you. With a 3 door, with the front seat slid all the way forward you'll have enough room to get in and sort them out from the front, plus if it's really cold or raining you can close the door while you do it.

In a 3 door car the front doors are bigger and hence this provides 1 plus and 1 negative. plus - better vision left and right through the much bigger windows. negative - less room for you to get out of the car in a tight parking space

as you can guess from my biased observations i've decided on getting the 3 door, I'm going for the 2.2 Type S GT if i've got enough money by then.

Essexboy · 26th May 2008, 17:00

You're right! The seats do fold up, but don't stay there....

Nexxo · 26th May 2008, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Essexboy

Are you sure? Mine fold down brilliantly, but not managed to get them to fold up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb550

Mine (type s) folds up.Trouble is the underframe which does also fold up, unfortunatly does not lock the seat in the up position.I have used the seat belts around the seats to do that job-ok for the single seat ,but the dual seat's a little heavy and liable to hinge back down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Essexboy

You're right! The seats do fold up, but don't stay there....

I just noticed that... I guess they left out the locking part. How annoying! But no doubt there is a way to retrofit it. Time to do some research...

t8adc · 26th May 2008, 19:44

buy the three door,two things less to go wrong

Essexboy · 26th May 2008, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexxo

I just noticed that... I guess they left out the locking part. How annoying! But no doubt there is a way to retrofit it. Time to do some research...

If you find out a way let me know!

Carter es · 27th May 2008, 13:47

When thinking about ordering my new company car, i ran the 3dr Civic type S for a weekend, and said never again. Yes i have a 5 and 10 year old boys but the ride quality in the 5dr version is far superior IMO. I also prefer the alloys in the sport model than the Type S and of course the best colour by far is the Milano Red

ritchie_perriam · 27th May 2008, 14:27

i think the type-s looks far better, but in the end it all comes down to how much you will miss the rear doors

pjr · 27th May 2008, 14:27

Regarding the 'semi' Magic Seats in the Type S.

You can hold the seats in the upright position if you pull the seatbelts all the way out - they then make a ratcheting noise as they wind back in, and this ratcheting is strong enough to hold the seats up.

One of my earlier posts, with pictures here - The Type S has a little hook over the leg of the rear seat which needs pushed back to let the seats fold up.

Proof that the Type S has Magic Seats....

philiphenderson · 27th May 2008, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by t8adc

buy the three door,two things less to go wrong

Hmmm. No smilie. How about having to move the front seats everytime someone wants to get in or out. Something a 5 door owner hasn't got to worry about.

Rear passenger getting out:

3 door. Front/rear passengers takes seatbelt off, opens front door, gets out, moves seat, rear passenger gets out, puts seat back, re-adjusts, closes door, seatbelt back on.

5 door. Rear passenger takes seatbelt off, opens door, gets out, closes door.

You might get used to it. I didn't.

Worse in the heavy rain.

Phil.

Chris-B · 27th May 2008, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by philiphenderson

Hmmm. No smilie. How about having to move the front seats everytime someone wants to get in or out. Something a 5 door owner hasn't got to worry about.

Rear passenger getting out:

3 door. Front/rear passengers takes seatbelt off, opens front door, gets out, moves seat, rear passenger gets out, puts seat back, re-adjusts, closes door, seatbelt back on.

5 door. Rear passenger takes seatbelt off, opens door, gets out, closes door.

You might get used to it. I didn't.

Worse in the heavy rain.

Phil.

like I said, for me that would not be much hassle, only a 15 month old baby in the back. I guess if you've got more or older kids then this may present a problem, but it's all about your individual circumstances.

5 door will definitely suit many many people

3 door will also be good for many many other people

I guess that's why they produce both

Here in Cyprus, there's only a market for the 5 door or the Type R, you just can't buy a 3 door unless it's the Type R, they don't supply the Type S to the general market out here.

It's all about the target market.

cb550 · 27th May 2008, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjr

Regarding the 'semi' Magic Seats in the Type S.

You can hold the seats in the upright position if you pull the seatbelts all the way out - they then make a ratcheting noise as they wind back in, and this ratcheting is strong enough to hold the seats up.

One of my earlier posts, with pictures here - The Type S has a little hook over the leg of the rear seat which needs pushed back to let the seats fold up.

Proof that the Type S has Magic Seats....

Good info about the belt ratcheting thanks

25th May 2008, 13:01	#1 (permalink)
civicg Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 3rd May 2006 Location: Leeds Posts: 130 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	5door v 3 Door Well next February im thinking of getting the Civic again as I dont think anything comes near it as a complete package (Performance, Economy, Equipment, Style and Design, Value for money, list goes on). The only change is perhaps go for the 3 door. Now I know the Type S and GT options however am I right in thinking the 3 door is lowered more than the 5 door? Also has it got a wider track at the back? The rear doors are useful on the 5 door however I dont have many people sitting in the back apart from my 3 year old yet the doors are so small I have to put him in at a angle, this would not be a issue in the 3 door.

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This thread is about: 5door v 3 Door, it's in Buying, Dealers and Servicing at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Well next February im thinking of getting the Civic again as I dont think anything comes near it as a complete package (Performance, Economy, Equipment, ...

25th May 2008, 13:15	#2 (permalink)
Nexxo Wheelnut Join Date: 21st April 2008 Location: Birmingham, UK Posts: 73 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	As I understand it, the 3-door has a slightly wider track and may be slightly lower. I never drove a 5-door so I can't compare, but be prepared for slightly less clearance on steep inclines and dips, and a somewhat stiffer ride compared to ordinary cars. On the upside, it corners solidly at high speeds and has great road holding. Contrary to what dealers may tell you, the 3-doors have the full magic seats, including the bottom half folding up. The front seats have no memory function, so when you fold them forwards you lose your position settings. Not a biggie after a while as you will remember them, but annoying initially when you still try to work out the best driving position. The rear doors on the 5-door open at a 90-degree angle, so access should be good.

25th May 2008, 16:01	#3 (permalink)
Robbieee The Talented Mr. Robbieee Rocketship door handle Join Date: 27th September 2007 Location: Glasvegas Posts: 1,410 Thanks: 48 Thanked 34 Times in 33 Posts iTrader: (2)	There is alot of space in the back of the 3 door too. I was pleasanty surprised. As my neice said - "Uncle Robbie, your car is coooooooool" and shes in the back of course lol

25th May 2008, 19:31	#4 (permalink)
SMRocket Valve Cap Join Date: 27th April 2008 Location: Portugal Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hello, i own a 5D. My previous car was a 5D Peugeot 206. When i thought buying a new car i had in mind a 3D one. When i sow the new 5d CIVIC i realized that this "is the car". It's a 5 door car that looks a 3 door one. Here in Portugal the TYPE S is not available so i never sow one [live]. In the pictures looks that TYPE S brings a different and much better looking body kit than the stock 5D. I bought the Grand Prix Pack for my 5D but it was a little expensive. Make your decision. You already made the important one - to own a CIVIC.

25th May 2008, 20:10	#5 (permalink)
illegalhunter RELOADING FOR ELK Civinfo guru Join Date: 10th May 2007 Location: FILLING THE HILLS WITH LEAD Posts: 3,234 Thanks: 7 Thanked 39 Times in 38 Posts iTrader: (0)	3 door is a no brainer

26th May 2008, 14:33	#6 (permalink)
Woette Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 7th October 2007 Location: Leuven, Belgium Posts: 389 Thanks: 8 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	[quote=Nexxo;187205] Contrary to what dealers may tell you, the 3-doors have the full magic seats, including the bottom half folding up. The front seats have no memory function, so when you fold them forwards you lose your position settings. Not a biggie after a while as you will remember them, but annoying initially when you still try to work out the best driving position. quote] surely, thats not true??? if so, i have been fooled!!! the ********

26th May 2008, 14:58	#7 (permalink)
Charles_Harding Civinfo guru Join Date: 14th August 2006 Location: S.E. London Posts: 3,298 Thanks: 113 Thanked 27 Times in 26 Posts iTrader: (0)	Find out about that 'Magic Seat' bit. that is SO usefull. *"Being young is beautiful,* *Being old is Comfortable!"*

26th May 2008, 16:18	#10 (permalink)
Chris-B Valve Cap Join Date: 6th April 2008 Location: Limassol, Cyprus Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I have this same train of thought, I'm getting mine this November though. My Daughter will be 15 months old by then, and also the only regular rear passenger. I've owned three 3 door cars and two 5 door cars in the past and here are my findings: in a 3 door car you don't have to worry about "remembering" to set the child lock as there's no door for them to open in a 3 door car there's nearly always a "tardis" effect when you get into the rear compartment. a LOT more room than you thought there was and in some cases, more room than the car's 5 door version (it's all about the pillars positioning) in a 5 door car I personally find it very difficult to put my daughter in her car seat (i currently own a 1999 Rav4 5 door) as I don't have the correct attack angle, putting her in from the side is pretty difficult with all the twisting you need to do and we all know how much the little blighters don't exactly stay still for you. With a 3 door, with the front seat slid all the way forward you'll have enough room to get in and sort them out from the front, plus if it's really cold or raining you can close the door while you do it. In a 3 door car the front doors are bigger and hence this provides 1 plus and 1 negative. plus - better vision left and right through the much bigger windows. negative - less room for you to get out of the car in a tight parking space as you can guess from my biased observations i've decided on getting the 3 door, I'm going for the 2.2 Type S GT if i've got enough money by then.

26th May 2008, 17:00	#11 (permalink)
Essexboy Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 9th June 2007 Location: Essex Posts: 218 Thanks: 2 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	You're right! The seats do fold up, but don't stay there....

26th May 2008, 19:44	#13 (permalink)
t8adc Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 13th September 2007 Location: staffordshire Posts: 73 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	buy the three door,two things less to go wrong

27th May 2008, 13:47	#15 (permalink)
Carter es Valve Cap Join Date: 8th October 2007 Posts: 38 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	When thinking about ordering my new company car, i ran the 3dr Civic type S for a weekend, and said never again. Yes i have a 5 and 10 year old boys but the ride quality in the 5dr version is far superior IMO. I also prefer the alloys in the sport model than the Type S and of course the best colour by far is the Milano Red

27th May 2008, 14:27	#16 (permalink)
ritchie_perriam Tyre Shredder Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 30th November 2007 Location: guildford, surrey Posts: 353 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	i think the type-s looks far better, but in the end it all comes down to how much you will miss the rear doors

27th May 2008, 14:27	#17 (permalink)
pjr Type S(cotland) Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 24th March 2007 Location: Perth, Scotland Posts: 556 Thanks: 9 Thanked 18 Times in 16 Posts iTrader: (0)	Regarding the 'semi' Magic Seats in the Type S. You can hold the seats in the upright position if you pull the seatbelts all the way out - they then make a ratcheting noise as they wind back in, and this ratcheting is strong enough to hold the seats up. One of my earlier posts, with pictures here - The Type S has a little hook over the leg of the rear seat which needs pushed back to let the seats fold up. Proof that the Type S has Magic Seats....