What other cars were you considering and why? (merged) - Page 4

czechplastik · 16th July 2007, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony

You and me both mate!

Anthony.

Mines a sovereign class with tinted windows

Minkster · 17th July 2007, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by zio

I tried the Auris - I found it a bit too large to be honest

The Auris is larger than the Civic???!?!?

I know the Civic is roughly the same size as a Focus, BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Audi A3, and assumed the Auris was about the same size. They certainly don't look particularly big!

Bog · 17th July 2007, 09:57

Having had a Civic as a loan car whilst my company Laguna was being repaired last April and being completley blown away by it's looks, gadgets and power, I just had to have one!

Luckily I changed jobs in September and could 'opt' out of the car scheme, so I had a quick look at the rest of the pack, but could not find anything close to the Civic.

Not looked back since! (No CH, I don't mean because I can't see out the rear window due to the lack of a rear wiper!)

DeanFYoung · 17th July 2007, 12:33

Main contenders for me when choosing were Audi A3 2.0TDI Sport Sportback, Seat Leon / Altea.
I drive an Audi A3 3dr at the moment so would have been happy with the 5dr version, but having seen quite a few Civics around I like the look of them, and after looking at them and comparing kit levels, I was astounded at how much more I could get. And the lower list price means much less tax for me too as its a company car.
There do seem to be quite a few reliability problems, but the models I drove were faultless (had a 48 hour test drive and covered 350 miles!); however if you go looking for problems with the A3, there are quite a few of those too, and for instance, my A3 goes through lightbulbs like anything and the rear light cluster is full of water

Lean is nicely styled and you get loads of kit - practically the same as the Civic, but the inside for me was too cheap feeling, especially the dash
Really looking forward to September when mine arrives!

tomosgsxr · 17th July 2007, 14:32

Currently on my third ep3 I thought i'd switch from Honda and tried an A4 S-line quattro 220bhp. Nice but the gearbox was a bit 'lumpy' and it just didn't have that grin factor. Looked at a Golf GTI but the missus wouldn't even get in...deciding that with all those checks it was a chav mobile! Considered a Focus ST and then remebered what some Ford dealerships are like. After 2 test drives in the FN2 we decided that yet again Honda was the one to go for. The only problem was my local dealer wouldn't give me a price for my ep3 as the FN2 would take up to 6 months for delivery. In the end we went to Cardiff and got what we wanted, and now after a 4 month wait I'll be heading up the M5 this Thursday to pick up my fourth civic type R.

zio · 17th July 2007, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkster

The Auris is larger than the Civic???!?!?

I know the Civic is roughly the same size as a Focus, BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Audi A3, and assumed the Auris was about the same size. They certainly don't look particularly big!

Well, it certainly seemed larger, but that may be my imagination. It was certainly a lot bigger in the flesh than it looks in photos - myself and the missus were really surprised when we turned up at the dealership.

The Civic really is a striking car though - I work for the UK wing of a fairly large American firm and most of my colleagues drive big Audis and Mercedes Benz's and so on, yet I was getting loads of admiring glances when I first turned up in the Type S.

Plus there's a definite Star Trek vibe about the car - whenever I have to put my foot down anyway I naturally find myself referring to it as 'warp drive'.

CrazyHawk · 17th July 2007, 17:20

Was upgrading from a Corolla, and automatically went for the Auris. Didn't last long. Weird handbrake, dual-tone dash disgusting, nice try at dials, but still a Corolla/Yaris hybrid amalgamation. From driving about, they only seem available in dark depressing grey!

Actually couldn't stand the Civic at first, but went to a dealers for a laugh, sat inside, and completely fell in love. Bought one about 3 weeks later, and yes, still grinning like a fool

Others looked at:
Golf: naff, cheap interior, (can't be doing with speedo/rev counter side-by-side anymore!) bland looks, cheap wobbly indicator stalks, bloody everywhere etc etc.....
Focus: see Golf above
Astra: see Focus above
Qashqai: see Astra above
you get the gist....

Just wish journalists could take off their Golf/Focus blinkers off too.

GHGH · 18th July 2007, 07:10

It went just about this:
Golf - good but uninspiring
Corolla - did not like drive and looks
Legacy - fantastic drive but too large and expensive
Forester - soft soft soft ride
Xtrail - NO!
Focus - liked the drive but not the looks
C4 - only underpowered versions in Norway
Civic - YES!

vtidan · 18th July 2007, 09:24

I Test drove a Honda Accord 2.2 ctdi tourer. (nice to drive, obviously a great engine, but too large and heavy)

So I went for the Civic with the same lump instead. Much better performance!

collierm · 18th July 2007, 10:44

I was looking at a new shape Lexus GS300 two years old but could not make the £25k. Reason, only other car with pretty much everything as standard, plus reliability, but a lot more expensive.

unique · 4th December 2007, 09:41

I am between Opel Corsa OPC and Honda Civic Type S,
we'll see....

mike20 · 4th December 2007, 12:20

Similar story to Crazyhawk.
Had a Celica previously.
Was offered a massive part-ex on a new Auris, but wasn't over impressed with the car. Interior was strange, didn't like the handbrake and there was no centre armrest.
Looked at Golfs and A3s but felt they were too pricey for a decent spec.
Hadn't really considered the Civic, but when I called in for a quick look when passing one day, I fell in love with the design as soon as I sat in it, but the deal wasn't nearly as good as the Auris.

So I was left with a decision, head said Auris, heart said Civic.
Heart won!

lee_g3 · 4th December 2007, 12:31

Previously had a Megane Saloon, as I needed the bigger boot, to carry work stuff in. When the car came up for renewal, I wasn't carrying half as much kit around, so I looked at the Megane GT. But the boot was almost too small !!!!!

Looked at both BMW 1 and Audi A3 Sportsback, but you get so little standard kit, that by the time you have added a few extras, the cost has gone through the roof. Which was why I had the Megane, the French/Japanese cars tend to 'throw in' far more kit as standard.

I had also looked at the Civic previously, but was unsure about the looks, as it is so futuristic looking. Had a test drive and loved it, plus the missus preferred the Civic to the Megane.

The only problem is now, I seem to be working too much from home, and don't get much opportunity to get out in my new car

amronno · 4th December 2007, 15:50

I was looking at the new facelifted Mazda 3 - 2.0l.
It is for some reason a very underestimated car, atleast over here on the Scandinavian market.
The performance is very similar to the civ 1,8 i vtec engines, which proves exactly what Honda states; it performs like an 2.0 liter and consumes petrol as an 1.5 liter engine when you dont push it hard. ( sorry for beeing slightly off topic.)
But to be honest, after comparing both, it was an easy match in favour of the civ. The innovative design of the latter upheaved completely this car segment/class. Truth is, I've been in love with the civ since I first saw it on a pic somewhere, long before it was launched...

I waited a long time for it, but finally I found a car that was right up my street...yipppee!

Brodick · 4th December 2007, 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by unique

I am between Opel Corsa OPC and Honda Civic Type S,
we'll see....

Two different cars altogether Corsa is a supermini and civic is small family hatch Corsa OPC is quite a high performance car compared to
civic type S

will be interesting to see which you go for -

Steeph · 4th December 2007, 19:00

Mine is a lease car and I had the following (serious) alternatives. Anything French or named Opel is out of the question for me

Ford Focus: It's too boring though compared with the Mk1 and the handling is not as good as Mk1.

Alfa Romeo 147: Great drive, but a 9 year old design, too old

BMW 1: Could have got a similar one as the Civic in terms of options and power. But I would have to pay more tax, it's smaller, it doesn't look as good and the biggest downside:It's got rearwheeldrive and that's horrible.

Oh, and the S-Type was also an alternative, but since it has less gadgets for the same money I didn't select it. Didn't do a test drive with it though.

Main reason I choose the Civic is the fantastic engine (Diesel), the Design and the Spaceship cockpit. And it has all the options and thingy's I wanted to have. And it's relatively cheap in lease costs as well.

alanwalne · 4th December 2007, 19:47

Had a Renault Scenic DCi before, wanted a car with a higher tow weight. Renault quote 1300kg, but in the small print this is driver only, when the car is full then only 950kg!!!
As I tow upto 1200kg and want to take the family along, it had to go.

Looked at Octavia - wife said too big (longer than 4.5m)

Focus 2.0 TDCi no std esp and depn too great if new

Golf 2.0 TDi too expensive (and small boot)

Seat Altea 2.0 TDi - Power too all or nothing, ride worse than Civic, couldn't see the speedo until 70 mph, awful interior plastics. We really thought this would be the one so were disappointed.

Nothing else had the power, econony, tow weight, space and std esp so I could buy nearly new.

Oh and it looks brilliant inside and out

Jack The Lad. · 4th December 2007, 19:57

Another 2 seater, but "Er Indoors" gave me the look, which aways means NO.

czechplastik · 4th December 2007, 20:19

I'm strangely tempted by the new Abarth Punto....

brawnr · 4th December 2007, 20:36

I think mine went like this...

Golf GTI - good but bland in every department, oh and then there's the tartan seats
Audi A3 2.0T SLine - love it but hard to justify the price tag, especially if you spec it up like a Civic
Alfa Brera - looks superb, but expensive and will probably leave you stranded somewhere
BMW Z4 - front looks like its been in an accident, expensive and you'd be hated by every other motorist

In the end I went for the Civic Type R - great interior, great noise, great looks and good value. Only real problem is that the ride is a bit too firm for my liking (I swear that the one I test drove was softer - and it had 19" rages).

I still wonder about the Audi A3 though, maybe someone with experience of driving one day-to-day could reassure me that I made the right choice!

4th December 2007, 19:00	#76 (permalink)
Steeph Strange Engineer Wheelnut Join Date: 11th October 2007 Location: Delft Posts: 92 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Mine is a lease car and I had the following (serious) alternatives. Anything French or named Opel is out of the question for me Ford Focus: It's too boring though compared with the Mk1 and the handling is not as good as Mk1. Alfa Romeo 147: Great drive, but a 9 year old design, too old BMW 1: Could have got a similar one as the Civic in terms of options and power. But I would have to pay more tax, it's smaller, it doesn't look as good and the biggest downside:It's got rearwheeldrive and that's horrible. Oh, and the S-Type was also an alternative, but since it has less gadgets for the same money I didn't select it. Didn't do a test drive with it though. Main reason I choose the Civic is the fantastic engine (Diesel), the Design and the Spaceship cockpit. And it has all the options and thingy's I wanted to have. And it's relatively cheap in lease costs as well. Last edited by Steeph; 4th December 2007 at 20:06. Reason: Added S-Type

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This thread is about: What other cars were you considering and why? (merged), it's in General Discussion at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Originally Posted by Anthony You and me both mate! Anthony. Mines a sovereign class with tinted windows...

17th July 2007, 09:57	#63 (permalink)
Bog Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 5th October 2006 Location: Romford, Essex Posts: 900 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	Having had a Civic as a loan car whilst my company Laguna was being repaired last April and being completley blown away by it's looks, gadgets and power, I just had to have one! Luckily I changed jobs in September and could 'opt' out of the car scheme, so I had a quick look at the rest of the pack, but could not find anything close to the Civic. Not looked back since! (No CH, I don't mean because I can't see out the rear window due to the lack of a rear wiper!)

17th July 2007, 12:33	#64 (permalink)
DeanFYoung Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 19th June 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 571 Thanks: 9 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	Main contenders for me when choosing were Audi A3 2.0TDI Sport Sportback, Seat Leon / Altea. I drive an Audi A3 3dr at the moment so would have been happy with the 5dr version, but having seen quite a few Civics around I like the look of them, and after looking at them and comparing kit levels, I was astounded at how much more I could get. And the lower list price means much less tax for me too as its a company car. There do seem to be quite a few reliability problems, but the models I drove were faultless (had a 48 hour test drive and covered 350 miles!); however if you go looking for problems with the A3, there are quite a few of those too, and for instance, my A3 goes through lightbulbs like anything and the rear light cluster is full of water Lean is nicely styled and you get loads of kit - practically the same as the Civic, but the inside for me was too cheap feeling, especially the dash Really looking forward to September when mine arrives!

17th July 2007, 14:32	#65 (permalink)
tomosgsxr Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 12th April 2007 Location: Somerset Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Currently on my third ep3 I thought i'd switch from Honda and tried an A4 S-line quattro 220bhp. Nice but the gearbox was a bit 'lumpy' and it just didn't have that grin factor. Looked at a Golf GTI but the missus wouldn't even get in...deciding that with all those checks it was a chav mobile! Considered a Focus ST and then remebered what some Ford dealerships are like. After 2 test drives in the FN2 we decided that yet again Honda was the one to go for. The only problem was my local dealer wouldn't give me a price for my ep3 as the FN2 would take up to 6 months for delivery. In the end we went to Cardiff and got what we wanted, and now after a 4 month wait I'll be heading up the M5 this Thursday to pick up my fourth civic type R.

17th July 2007, 17:20	#67 (permalink)
CrazyHawk Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 13th February 2007 Location: Leamington Spa Posts: 192 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Was upgrading from a Corolla, and automatically went for the Auris. Didn't last long. Weird handbrake, dual-tone dash disgusting, nice try at dials, but still a Corolla/Yaris hybrid amalgamation. From driving about, they only seem available in dark depressing grey! Actually couldn't stand the Civic at first, but went to a dealers for a laugh, sat inside, and completely fell in love. Bought one about 3 weeks later, and yes, still grinning like a fool Others looked at: Golf: naff, cheap interior, (can't be doing with speedo/rev counter side-by-side anymore!) bland looks, cheap wobbly indicator stalks, bloody everywhere etc etc..... Focus: see Golf above Astra: see Focus above Qashqai: see Astra above you get the gist.... Just wish journalists could take off their Golf/Focus blinkers off too.

18th July 2007, 07:10	#68 (permalink)
GHGH Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 13th March 2007 Location: Trondheim, Norway Posts: 1,026 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	It went just about this: Golf - good but uninspiring Corolla - did not like drive and looks Legacy - fantastic drive but too large and expensive Forester - soft soft soft ride Xtrail - NO! Focus - liked the drive but not the looks C4 - only underpowered versions in Norway Civic - YES!

18th July 2007, 09:24	#69 (permalink)
vtidan Wheelnut Join Date: 14th June 2007 Location: Isle of Wight Posts: 76 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I Test drove a Honda Accord 2.2 ctdi tourer. (nice to drive, obviously a great engine, but too large and heavy) So I went for the Civic with the same lump instead. Much better performance!

18th July 2007, 10:44	#70 (permalink)
collierm Valve Cap Join Date: 19th June 2007 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I was looking at a new shape Lexus GS300 two years old but could not make the £25k. Reason, only other car with pretty much everything as standard, plus reliability, but a lot more expensive.

4th December 2007, 09:41	#71 (permalink)
unique Valve Cap Join Date: 17th November 2007 Location: Piraeus GR Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I am between Opel Corsa OPC and Honda Civic Type S, we'll see....

4th December 2007, 12:20	#72 (permalink)
mike20 Wheelnut Join Date: 7th September 2007 Location: West Midlands UK Posts: 68 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Similar story to Crazyhawk. Had a Celica previously. Was offered a massive part-ex on a new Auris, but wasn't over impressed with the car. Interior was strange, didn't like the handbrake and there was no centre armrest. Looked at Golfs and A3s but felt they were too pricey for a decent spec. Hadn't really considered the Civic, but when I called in for a quick look when passing one day, I fell in love with the design as soon as I sat in it, but the deal wasn't nearly as good as the Auris. So I was left with a decision, head said Auris, heart said Civic. Heart won!

4th December 2007, 12:31	#73 (permalink)
lee_g3 Valve Cap Join Date: 2nd November 2007 Location: Trowbridge Posts: 22 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Previously had a Megane Saloon, as I needed the bigger boot, to carry work stuff in. When the car came up for renewal, I wasn't carrying half as much kit around, so I looked at the Megane GT. But the boot was almost too small !!!!! Looked at both BMW 1 and Audi A3 Sportsback, but you get so little standard kit, that by the time you have added a few extras, the cost has gone through the roof. Which was why I had the Megane, the French/Japanese cars tend to 'throw in' far more kit as standard. I had also looked at the Civic previously, but was unsure about the looks, as it is so futuristic looking. Had a test drive and loved it, plus the missus preferred the Civic to the Megane. The only problem is now, I seem to be working too much from home, and don't get much opportunity to get out in my new car

4th December 2007, 15:50	#74 (permalink)
amronno Just a basic member Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 8th August 2007 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 843 Thanks: 12 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts iTrader: (0)	I was looking at the new facelifted Mazda 3 - 2.0l. It is for some reason a very underestimated car, atleast over here on the Scandinavian market. The performance is very similar to the civ 1,8 i vtec engines, which proves exactly what Honda states; it performs like an 2.0 liter and consumes petrol as an 1.5 liter engine when you dont push it hard. ( sorry for beeing slightly off topic.) But to be honest, after comparing both, it was an easy match in favour of the civ. The innovative design of the latter upheaved completely this car segment/class. Truth is, I've been in love with the civ since I first saw it on a pic somewhere, long before it was launched... I waited a long time for it, but finally I found a car that was right up my street...yipppee!

4th December 2007, 19:47	#77 (permalink)
alanwalne Who needs a 4x4?? Rocketship door handle Join Date: 11th June 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 1,370 Thanks: 13 Thanked 15 Times in 15 Posts iTrader: (0)	Had a Renault Scenic DCi before, wanted a car with a higher tow weight. Renault quote 1300kg, but in the small print this is driver only, when the car is full then only 950kg!!! As I tow upto 1200kg and want to take the family along, it had to go. Looked at Octavia - wife said too big (longer than 4.5m) Focus 2.0 TDCi no std esp and depn too great if new Golf 2.0 TDi too expensive (and small boot) Seat Altea 2.0 TDi - Power too all or nothing, ride worse than Civic, couldn't see the speedo until 70 mph, awful interior plastics. We really thought this would be the one so were disappointed. Nothing else had the power, econony, tow weight, space and std esp so I could buy nearly new. Oh and it looks brilliant inside and out

4th December 2007, 19:57	#78 (permalink)
Jack The Lad. Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 28th August 2007 Location: ENGLAND Posts: 1,792 Thanks: 3 Thanked 19 Times in 19 Posts iTrader: (0)	Another 2 seater, but "Er Indoors" gave me the look, which aways means NO.

4th December 2007, 20:19	#79 (permalink)
czechplastik King of the rodeo Civinfo guru Join Date: 24th October 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 4,671 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I'm strangely tempted by the new Abarth Punto....

4th December 2007, 20:36	#80 (permalink)
brawnr Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 20th August 2007 Posts: 166 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I think mine went like this... Golf GTI - good but bland in every department, oh and then there's the tartan seats Audi A3 2.0T SLine - love it but hard to justify the price tag, especially if you spec it up like a Civic Alfa Brera - looks superb, but expensive and will probably leave you stranded somewhere BMW Z4 - front looks like its been in an accident, expensive and you'd be hated by every other motorist In the end I went for the Civic Type R - great interior, great noise, great looks and good value. Only real problem is that the ride is a bit too firm for my liking (I swear that the one I test drove was softer - and it had 19" rages). I still wonder about the Audi A3 though, maybe someone with experience of driving one day-to-day could reassure me that I made the right choice!