Questions Buying a Type-S GT

[Keeval]

Hi all,

I just joined yesterday, and posted a quick hello in the "introduce yourself" section. Well, today I popped into a couple of my local Honda dealers, had a chat, test drive and haggle.

I managed to get a fairly decent price for my BMW 118d as part-ex and we are currently hammering out a deal, they are just checking availability of cars for me.

I'm aiming for a Type-S GT in Royal Blue Pearl with Sat Nav & HFT and the rear PDC.

I didn't realise that the radio played MP3's so I won't need the Apple iPod connector after all (but if it turns up as standard I'm not going to complain) .

I'm finding this forum really useful, and it 's answered a lot of my questions.. so I'd just like to say, thanks a lot. I think I might be here for a while now.

-Keeval-

[MC Hammer]

The connector isn't standard fit, so don't get your hopes up. The dealer might fit it for you though if you haggle on spec and price.

[Keeval]

Originally Posted by MC Hammer

The connector isn't standard fit, so don't get your hopes up. The dealer might fit it for you though if you haggle on spec and price.

Hi MC Hammer, I've been getting conflicting information about this.. some people are saying its an option (as it is at £220).. but the salesmen I have been speaking to are saying that it might be standard in the newly built models... I'm not too fussed either way - of course if it comes as standard that'll be nice bonus. The ability to play MP3's is the real thing I want as my current BMW does the same.. so I can just pop my existing CD's in and I'm good to go

[MC Hammer]

It plays MP3 on disk no probs. The file structuring dictates the play order though.
On the 'might be standard' read 'might not' if you want it haggle and get it included for free (call it a deal clincher).

[basegreen]

It's not standard atm, no.

[TTDegs]

and given the (lack of) functionality, some would say it's hardly worth using it as a haggle factor

You might be better off haggling for £200 worth of other stuff (but not the bassworks package )

Are you going 1.8 or 2.2?

[Keeval]

I'm going for the 2.2 Having thought about it, and reading up on the "functionality" of the iPod adaptor - I think my haggle items are going to be mats and mudflaps.

-Keeval-

[TTDegs]

good call

[Keeval]

Okay all,

First of all - I love the new shape Civic, the styling, design, gadgets etc.. I love Honda cars - previously having been the owner of a CTR, but....

I have a bit of a dilema...as I have been reading lots of threads about issues with the car etc. Now as I am currently a moderator of a BMW forum I realise that this isn't representative of all the cars out there, it's just that these things get concentrated on internet forums - as it's a place people can vent.

But what is worrying me are two major things:

1. Lack of rear wiper - I wasn't too bothered at first, as the sales rep explained all about the rear window repelling water etc, and checking up on the Honda website revealed this to be true. However after reading some threads, I am getting the impression that this doesn't work very well? and I might have to spend extra money for things like Rain-X.

I understand that to some it's not a big deal - but I've always had hatchbacks (except for one car) and the reason I have them is I LIKE my rear wiper and visibility. The blind spot was an issue - but after a test-drive, not that big an issue - and with PDC - not a problem at all. Plus what happens when its snowy - muddy etc.

2. No spare wheel.. Now this again initially wasn't an issue. As my 118d doesn't have one - it has run-flat tyres.. But again after reading that the "gunk" that Honda include seems to stop the tyres being repaired - again contrary to what the sales rep told me, I am seeing this as a major flaw, and having to pay extra for a spare wheel is just silly.

So.. the two main points above + lots of little things in the back of my mind are slowly putting me off.. Now I have put a deposit down for a car, and we are just haggling out the final details - but I have to say I am have serious reservations, and I'd rather lose a deposit of £250 than get a car I hate.

Help!

-Keeval-

[Pottsy]

Keeval,

I wouldn't let either of those things worry you. The lack of rear wiper is a non event. Very occasionally you get that fine mist on the rear window first thing in the morning, but you can get round this by any one or more of the following:

• Rainex (I bought a can of wipes and have only used one in nearly a year!)
• Looking behind the car before you get in.
• Giving it a wipe (have never bothered with this method, I'm too lazy).
• Using the 2 enormous mirrors (my favourite).
• Getting guidance from the rear camera (good in this case) or parking sensors.

On the move it all blows off, and you don't have any problems with muck like you do on a Golf - it just stays clean.

The spare wheel is easy - spend the £100 on a spare, or take the risk (my option, 2 punctures so far but both slow, and I have an AA card just in case).

There are two or three people here who have had quite a few problems which have been exacerbated by very poor dealers. These are a tiny minority, and as you know seem to always happen. Nearly all of us have had a great time with the car, thoroughly enjoy it, and are very happy.

HTH

[TTDegs]

lack of rear wiper - can be a pain.
worst first thing in the morning when trying to reverse out of the drive / gap / whatever.

3 options - go for the Sat Nav with reverse cam, or
invest £10 per year in RainX, or
invest £2 in a hand held wiper

It does clear at speed - especially with RainX.

no biggy (for me anyway)


lack of spare - again, a worry. £100 for a spare though. One off price, many get it thrown in to clinch the deal.
Would you have not looked at a Civic if it was £100 more expensive?



Can fully understand your concerns - but for the sake of £100 (or free) for a spare wheel, and £10 for RainX, I personally wouldn't worry

[Pottsy]

Looking at those two replies (done at the same time) you'd think we were sitting next to each other!

[Keeval]

Thanks for the replies - slightly less worried, now I realise I can get a spare wheel. I don't suppose you can get a rear wiper can you? and if so - how much?

I had a quick look on the Honda site but couldn't see anything - but I'm sure I saw something in the brochure - I'll have to have a look when I get home.

-Keeval-

[Pottsy]

You can't get a rear wiper - but you really don't need to worry about it, the car doesn't need it.

[TTDegs]

Originally Posted by Pottsy

Looking at those two replies (done at the same time) you'd think we were sitting next to each other!

[sniperpenguin]

Im in the same boat as you (buying a Type S GT 2.2) and have tried asking the dealerships about the iPod connector becoming standard - none of them (4) had heard about it so Im not holding my hopes up