To buy or not to buy.......

Doubtingthomas · 14th August 2007, 09:40

This is my first posting. I have run Hondas for many, many years. I currently own a 2001 Civic Coupe, 1.7cc automatic. It runs like a dream but I am considering a change to the new Civic, purely for financial reasons. I am looking at the 1.8 petrol ES i-Shift model. What concerns and dismays me is the amount of negative feedback detailed within the forum on the new civic model. I just cannot believe I am reading about a Honda product as all the problems listed, ie paint, rear suspension/shockers, dashboard, i-shift to mention just a few are all alien to me. I have driven a diesel version courtesy car, not long after the launch, whilst my car was in for a service. I think the design is superb, especially the exterior, but I have this nagging feeling the car launch was premature with quality control sadly lacking. Honda UK as you know, has a promotion running to the end of September. Is it, I wonder, because sales have declined? I would very much like reassurance from you out there that the new civic is a great car and that the problems highlighted within the forums refer to a minority of new civic owners. Of course, it is my intention to have a closer look at the Es i-Shift and take a long test drive. You do not appear to see many used i-shift models for sale either.

medicsource · 14th August 2007, 09:57

Hi there and welcome.

There are a large number of topics detailing problems people have had with their cars. But you always have to remember that someone is far more likely to write about and ask about a problem they have had rather than the thousands of miles of trouble-free, spaceship owning miles. The civic is a truely unique car in design. We are still getting possitive remarks from friends and family about ours, 2 months on!

I can only compare my experience with that of Renault. Both I and my family have had a long succession of Clios, Lagunas, 21 Savanna and a 19 over the last 10-15 years. They have a poor reputation for reliability and yet we stuck with them! We never had any of the serious problems. The odd rattle and squeek here and there has always been fixed under warranty.

In terms of Honda. Yes the earlier models had some problems that were recalled. (Remeber it took Renault a long time to recall their dodgy bonnet catches!!!

), well done Honda! As long as Honda are willing to fix things under the terms of the warranty, which on the whole they are very good at, buy one and enjoy! You won't be dissapointed!

allan40alt · 14th August 2007, 10:07

I have had my 1.8 i-Shift for just over 12 months. It's brilliant!

No problems at all; but, as has been said previously, it does take a little while for you to get used to it. It is an automated manual; giving you all the fun of a paddle (or stick) shift car and with fully automated changes as well. You choose depending on your mood and road conditions.

Would I have another one?.....DEFINITELY!

Ps: You will also have read of owners with filler cap or battery problems. I've had none. No problems what-so-ever to report. Go for it and enjoy....

Pps: The reason you don't see many second-hand is because people love them and so they keep them. My dealer rang me last week and offered me a top price to buy a new one, but why should I change? Mine is perfect.

JohnH · 14th August 2007, 10:22

There are those on this forum who seem to have experienced many problems which you'd not expect from a Honda and this has been further compounded by poor dealer service.

I've had this experience in the past with (embarrassing this) a company Vauxhall Vectra whose problems were countless and whose dealers (5 or 6 of them) gave truly dreadful service. I've never owned or even rented a GM product since and probably never will and even after 10 years I'll rant as to why I was personally wronged by Vauxhall....

However, we took the decision to buy a Civic back in March and it is well built and has shown none of the problems reported in this forum (thank goodness). It was a gamble but we'd previously had a MK4 Golf which was not exactly reliable and I know of many reports that (at least early) MK5 Golf's suffered numerous problems which you'd have hoped would not have afflicted a production model.

I've had a number of recent Fords and they were exemplary but if you look at the reader reviews on whatcar.com then you'll see that others have not been so lucky.

So Honda isn't immune, the Civic is a brave design and I guess they encountered teething problems with the design, it seems (famous last words) 'sorted' now imho..... and my dealer is excellent too, I know others have had poor dealer service but I know from experience that VW dealers were (in the past maybe) unaccustomed to dealing with unreliable car designs (our MK4 Golf) and as for Vauxhall (where they might have been more practiced) - don't get me started.

Brodick · 14th August 2007, 11:46

Agree with what allan said

These are my thoughts for newbies to i-shift

If you have been driving a full automatic you will notice a difference
between it and the i-shift ( i-shift is an automated manual)

giving the option to use the paddles to change gear or stick it in auto
and drive - you feel the gears changing more than in a std auto
and you may have to change your driving style slightly but it is still a great car and fun to drive

There are some people on here that do not understand the car is not a full automatic and don't like it so much but I think the majority of owners are more than happy

Brodick · 14th August 2007, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by allan40alt

Pps: My dealer rang me last week and offered me a top price to buy a new one, but why should I change?

Interesting, Very interesting

FWH · 14th August 2007, 12:20

Buy it.

I also read about the issues but ordered anyway.
It is a great car!

I am not too keen on i-shift solutions so I bought the regular ´box.
Very nice.

A lot of the problems are either fixed or there are fixes available on the forum.

And many many other cars have lots and lots of problems.

john_lickman · 14th August 2007, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by allan40alt

I have had my 1.8 i-Shift for just over 12 months. It's brilliant!...

...Would I have another one?.....DEFINITELY!

HEAR! HEAR!

I have a 1.8 ES i-Shift. It's wonderful!!! I love it!!! I have a little gripe about the rear screen in the rain, but that's just nit picking. If the car wasn't so damn near perfect, I won't be picking on something so minor.

3rd Honda · 14th August 2007, 20:01

My previous Civic was a 1.7 coupe auto too. I wish I'd kept it and never been tempted by the next generation!

czechplastik · 14th August 2007, 21:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by allan40alt

My dealer rang me last week and offered me a top price to buy a new one, but why should I change? Mine is perfect.

Thats odd, what was the reasoning?

allan40alt · 14th August 2007, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by czechplastik

Thats odd, what was the reasoning?

They had a load of Civics that they had to shift before month end, so they were offering top dollar for mine and letting me have a new one at their cost price. Trouble is I've had the leather retro-fit seats and about 20 coats of polish on the paintwork over the past 12 months so the timing of the offer wasn't right. In about another 12/18 months I might be interested.

wavepower · 14th August 2007, 23:21

Hi Doubtingthomas

While the forum has the reports of the problems, but it also shows that many of these problems have been resolved in the 2007 cars. Indeed the forum gave me lots of confidence, and the feeling that members care about the car and pooling information and experiences.

Had my EX about 4 weeks now and am very pleased.

Biggest problem ... for me - the wait for the car (but I went for the glass roof and these are only built in batches) [& it seems all too easy for me to find the speedo beginning with 9].

Biggest niggles ... sometimes imperfect radio reception + the extortionate cost to add an IPOD connection (not taken up ... yet).

Biggest smile - yes all the time.

Bog · 15th August 2007, 08:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by allan40alt

......about 20 coats of polish on the paintwork over the past 12 months.....

Blimey Allan, you've been busy. That's nearly a polish evey 2 weeks!

How much extra would you have had to stump up if you had gone for the deal?

allan40alt · 15th August 2007, 08:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bog

Blimey Allan, you've been busy. That's nearly a polish evey 2 weeks!

How much extra would you have had to stump up if you had gone for the deal?

Yes, I got a bit carried away in the first few months. Couldn't keep my hands off her body. It's those curves that do it!! Bit like when you first get married!! Now it's more like a 'Quik Wax' followed by 'Quik Detailer' a week or so later!! (but still very enjoyable!).

Ps: I didn't ask prices as I wan't thinking of changing, but I figured I would have to pay about £5 or 6 K and I only do around 4000 miles in a year so It just wasn't the right time as mine's only just run-in.

pcr · 15th August 2007, 09:19

I would say the car sells on looks, it's probably no better or worse than it's competitors. Based on my own experience only, I would not recommend it due to suspect suspension, and endless rattles. I have now driven four Civic's and they have all had clunks and rattles to varying degrees, yes 2007 models as well.

Doubtingthomas · 15th August 2007, 12:36

Thank you guys. I am afraid I am still not totally convinced the quality on the new civic is on a par with the previous model, not withstanding the "wow" design. I feel especially sorry for "3rd Honda" after viewing his listings. Why or why do Honda UK not import the current civic coupe from the US? My problem would then be solved. Honda UK, I recall, stopped importing the previous civic coupe (my current car) rather abruptly around 2003/4, I think. (Not sufficient demand?) My local dealer has told me he will let me know when he has an i-shift demonstrator in. It will be a long test drive........In the meantime, many thanks once again.

14th August 2007, 09:40	#1 (permalink)
Doubtingthomas Honda aficionado Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 14th August 2007 Location: Chorley, Lancashire Posts: 740 Thanks: 17 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader: (0)	To buy or not to buy....... This is my first posting. I have run Hondas for many, many years. I currently own a 2001 Civic Coupe, 1.7cc automatic. It runs like a dream but I am considering a change to the new Civic, purely for financial reasons. I am looking at the 1.8 petrol ES i-Shift model. What concerns and dismays me is the amount of negative feedback detailed within the forum on the new civic model. I just cannot believe I am reading about a Honda product as all the problems listed, ie paint, rear suspension/shockers, dashboard, i-shift to mention just a few are all alien to me. I have driven a diesel version courtesy car, not long after the launch, whilst my car was in for a service. I think the design is superb, especially the exterior, but I have this nagging feeling the car launch was premature with quality control sadly lacking. Honda UK as you know, has a promotion running to the end of September. Is it, I wonder, because sales have declined? I would very much like reassurance from you out there that the new civic is a great car and that the problems highlighted within the forums refer to a minority of new civic owners. Of course, it is my intention to have a closer look at the Es i-Shift and take a long test drive. You do not appear to see many used i-shift models for sale either.

14th August 2007, 10:07	#3 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: England Posts: 2,253 Thanks: 13 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	I have had my 1.8 i-Shift for just over 12 months. It's brilliant! No problems at all; but, as has been said previously, it does take a little while for you to get used to it. It is an automated manual; giving you all the fun of a paddle (or stick) shift car and with fully automated changes as well. You choose depending on your mood and road conditions. Would I have another one?.....DEFINITELY! Ps: You will also have read of owners with filler cap or battery problems. I've had none. No problems what-so-ever to report. Go for it and enjoy.... Pps: The reason you don't see many second-hand is because people love them and so they keep them. My dealer rang me last week and offered me a top price to buy a new one, but why should I change? Mine is perfect. Last edited by allan40alt; 14th August 2007 at 10:12. Reason: added Pps

14th August 2007, 10:22	#4 (permalink)
JohnH Valve Cap Join Date: 22nd April 2007 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	It isn't all bad.... There are those on this forum who seem to have experienced many problems which you'd not expect from a Honda and this has been further compounded by poor dealer service. I've had this experience in the past with (embarrassing this) a company Vauxhall Vectra whose problems were countless and whose dealers (5 or 6 of them) gave truly dreadful service. I've never owned or even rented a GM product since and probably never will and even after 10 years I'll rant as to why I was personally wronged by Vauxhall.... However, we took the decision to buy a Civic back in March and it is well built and has shown none of the problems reported in this forum (thank goodness). It was a gamble but we'd previously had a MK4 Golf which was not exactly reliable and I know of many reports that (at least early) MK5 Golf's suffered numerous problems which you'd have hoped would not have afflicted a production model. I've had a number of recent Fords and they were exemplary but if you look at the reader reviews on whatcar.com then you'll see that others have not been so lucky. So Honda isn't immune, the Civic is a brave design and I guess they encountered teething problems with the design, it seems (famous last words) 'sorted' now imho..... and my dealer is excellent too, I know others have had poor dealer service but I know from experience that VW dealers were (in the past maybe) unaccustomed to dealing with unreliable car designs (our MK4 Golf) and as for Vauxhall (where they might have been more practiced) - don't get me started.

14th August 2007, 11:46	#5 (permalink)
Brodick Perfect Guy! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 2nd December 2006 Location: Central Scotland Posts: 1,893 Thanks: 2 Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts iTrader: (0)	Agree with what allan said These are my thoughts for newbies to i-shift If you have been driving a full automatic you will notice a difference between it and the i-shift ( i-shift is an automated manual) giving the option to use the paddles to change gear or stick it in auto and drive - you feel the gears changing more than in a std auto and you may have to change your driving style slightly but it is still a great car and fun to drive There are some people on here that do not understand the car is not a full automatic and don't like it so much but I think the majority of owners are more than happy Last edited by Brodick; 14th August 2007 at 11:49.

14th August 2007, 12:20	#7 (permalink)
FWH Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 3rd June 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 6,469 Thanks: 20 Thanked 84 Times in 77 Posts iTrader: (0)	Buy it. I also read about the issues but ordered anyway. It is a great car! I am not too keen on i-shift solutions so I bought the regular ´box. Very nice. A lot of the problems are either fixed or there are fixes available on the forum. And many many other cars have lots and lots of problems. Last edited by FWH; 14th August 2007 at 12:23.


This thread is about: To buy or not to buy......., it's in Buying, Dealers and Servicing at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; This is my first posting. I have run Hondas for many, many years. I currently own a 2001 Civic Coupe, 1.7cc automatic. It runs like ...

14th August 2007, 09:57	#2 (permalink)
medicsource Resident Medic! Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 5th June 2007 Location: Winsford, Cheshire. Posts: 185 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi there and welcome. There are a large number of topics detailing problems people have had with their cars. But you always have to remember that someone is far more likely to write about and ask about a problem they have had rather than the thousands of miles of trouble-free, spaceship owning miles. The civic is a truely unique car in design. We are still getting possitive remarks from friends and family about ours, 2 months on! I can only compare my experience with that of Renault. Both I and my family have had a long succession of Clios, Lagunas, 21 Savanna and a 19 over the last 10-15 years. They have a poor reputation for reliability and yet we stuck with them! We never had any of the serious problems. The odd rattle and squeek here and there has always been fixed under warranty. In terms of Honda. Yes the earlier models had some problems that were recalled. (Remeber it took Renault a long time to recall their dodgy bonnet catches!!! ), well done Honda! As long as Honda are willing to fix things under the terms of the warranty, which on the whole they are very good at, buy one and enjoy! You won't be dissapointed!

14th August 2007, 20:01	#9 (permalink)
3rd Honda Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 24th July 2006 Location: Tewkesbury Posts: 414 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts iTrader: (0)	My previous Civic was a 1.7 coupe auto too. I wish I'd kept it and never been tempted by the next generation!

14th August 2007, 23:21	#12 (permalink)
wavepower Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 22nd April 2007 Location: somerset Posts: 60 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi Doubtingthomas While the forum has the reports of the problems, but it also shows that many of these problems have been resolved in the 2007 cars. Indeed the forum gave me lots of confidence, and the feeling that members care about the car and pooling information and experiences. Had my EX about 4 weeks now and am very pleased. Biggest problem ... for me - the wait for the car (but I went for the glass roof and these are only built in batches) [& it seems all too easy for me to find the speedo beginning with 9]. Biggest niggles ... sometimes imperfect radio reception + the extortionate cost to add an IPOD connection (not taken up ... yet). Biggest smile - yes all the time.

15th August 2007, 09:19	#15 (permalink)
pcr Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 5th September 2006 Location: Shropshire Posts: 850 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I would say the car sells on looks, it's probably no better or worse than it's competitors. Based on my own experience only, I would not recommend it due to suspect suspension, and endless rattles. I have now driven four Civic's and they have all had clunks and rattles to varying degrees, yes 2007 models as well.

15th August 2007, 12:36	#16 (permalink)
Doubtingthomas Honda aficionado Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 14th August 2007 Location: Chorley, Lancashire Posts: 740 Thanks: 17 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader: (0)	Thank you guys. I am afraid I am still not totally convinced the quality on the new civic is on a par with the previous model, not withstanding the "wow" design. I feel especially sorry for "3rd Honda" after viewing his listings. Why or why do Honda UK not import the current civic coupe from the US? My problem would then be solved. Honda UK, I recall, stopped importing the previous civic coupe (my current car) rather abruptly around 2003/4, I think. (Not sufficient demand?) My local dealer has told me he will let me know when he has an i-shift demonstrator in. It will be a long test drive........In the meantime, many thanks once again.

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