Which spec to buy or not to buy - which model?

[mcbota]

I am new here and my desire is to hear some advice from you who already has a Civic.I want to buy a Civic and the main problem is that I am not sure what to choose:1,4 engine ,comfort model or 1,8 engine.And if it is 1,8 engine ,which one do you advice me to have:sport or comfort model.I need some advices regarding reliability,consumption and what ever you want to tell me to make me to take a good decision.I appreciate a lot your help

[mcbota]

1,4 or 1,8 engine?the sport model for 1,8 or the comfort model?I need some good advices from you who have this type of car!Thanks

[pcr]

Hello Mcbota,
It would help if you said something about your preferences. You will get a completely different answer from a grumpy old man like me and a girl-racer type like my daughter.
Just one observation, if money isn't a big factor, people seem to go for the top models.

[mcbota]

I am not a rally man but I like to have a car to offer me the advantage of a nice and secure car for the nxt 5 6 years to say.I need power but also fuel consumption good!

[aoshi]

Personnaly I test drove the two models (well four in total if you take into account the diesel and the hybrid). And to speak frankly I really thought that the 1.4 wasn't delivering enough power. I felt really underpowered for the size and general characteristics of the car (weight, size, etc).
But in the overall it still is okay.
For me it depends on how you will drive the car. In my example, I drive a lot (more than 25 000 km per year) with a good mixture of urban and highway, so I like to have a car which can deliver enough power when I need it to: the 1.8 is perfect in this case. I don't drive like a madman in high revs (but am not a total snail either) but I feel safe with an engine which can deliver when needed. I didn't get that impression from the 1.4.
If you are only driving in urban places then the 1.4 might suit you, but if you have the budget (money is always an issue), my advice would be to go for the 1.8.
But the best way to find out would be to test drive the two models

[darkside]

Hi Mcbota.
I would agree with aoshi concerning the 1.8 I have had mine now for 3 weeks and very pleased with it. The performance is there if you want it. I also went for the Type-S because it has a sportier feel to it as it has sports suspension and therefore is a firmer ride I believe its slightly wider at the back end and a bit lower.
Cheers Darkside.
Ps Just had my first long run in it and averaged 38.4 MPG driving on motorway for about 240 miles (not hanging about either)

[TTDegs]

hi there, welcome aboard

I'm guessing from your post that you are a new friend from outside the UK?

The spec level - sport or comfort - makes little or no difference to the fuel consumption
18" wheels do decrease it slightly (on the sport I think?), but not a huge amount - people are more worried about the possibly harsher ride instead (my 18"s are fine for me )

the difference between the 1.4 and the 1.8 is much bigger - and depends really on what you tend to use your car for - mainly town work, or longer motorway type driving?

personally, the 2.2 diesel gives the best of both - better fuel economy than the 1.8, but perormance that it at least as good

but I know that the increased price of the 2.2 (MUCH increased in some contries ) can take a while to get back

reliability on all models (despite some owners in here having some real problems) is generally very good

definately some niggles on earlier models, but they can (and are) fairly easy for the dealer to fix

buy or not buy? - BUY!

[TTDegs]

Mod note:

thread merged in from General to get all the answers in one place

[Charles_Harding]

I used to run the previous Civic but with 1.6 and the auto box.

Very reliable but just no power!

The 1.8 (+ i-Shift) in Millie makes the difference of chalk and cheese.

I now depress the accelerator and feel the instant response.

The figures shown elsewhere in this site show that it's near the top in every respect.

..........and those looks!

Your spec of model to be decided on personal preference/funds available.

If the i-Shift is considered take a good test drive to confirm its charicteristics with you.

"I used to look forward to going to a new hip joint. Now I'm looking forward to getting a new hip joint!"

Charles H.