Other cars Would like to buy

rneilg · 8th October 2007, 18:02

Hi, I like the styling of the new civic and am thinking of buying a sport version in either diesel or petrol. Reading a lot of reviews which are not glowing and indeed this forum there seem to be a lot of problems with headlining, rear suspension, handbrakes, door handles, phones, paint etc.

I am 90% buying but have doubts. My last 3 cars have ben VW Golf and my current car is a 2.0 gt tdi and all cars have been perfect in everyway - i have never ever taken one back to the dealer with a fault.

I do not want to get into a pointless VW Vs Honda debate as i would like to move away from bland looks of VW, also i realise that quality, reliabilty etc are superior in VW to most cars but i still like the Honda.

In general, be honest please, am i going to get the same level of quality and service as i do with VW? or am i being unrealistic for the price difference.

The Honda dealer i spoke seemed top notch and comparable easily to my VW showroom experience.

Thanks for any advice offered.

Neil

FWH · 8th October 2007, 18:16

Service level very individual depending on your dealer.
I am sure it is the same with VW.

I feel that in some areas the Civic does not give the same quality FEEL as say as VW. E.g. outer front door handles.

Actual quality is probably about the same.

4540flossy · 8th October 2007, 18:21

i realise that quality, reliabilty etc are superior in VW to most cars

Really? Checked Honda and VW on JD Power? Factor in the cost (and attitude) of VW dealers versus Honda dealers (again JD Power, Which? etc.) and you get your answer... VW are a great car company at charging owners wads of extra £££s for nothing extra- the new Tiguan 4x4 (shudder) 1.4 litre retails for £20,000 according to Autocar. VW are losing packets on the Golf MK5 as it's too complex to make (hence the prices and no equipment) whereas Honda has a philosophy of "just enough". VW Golf then as fat Bratwurst and Sauerkraut dinner and Honda Civic as green tea and Sushi. It's a zen thing...

Having owned a VW Golf GT Tdi and having regretted it above any other car purchase I've ever made I can't recommend Honda enough and besides, how cool does a Civic look in a line of traffic next to a Golf, BMW 1-series or Audi A3?

PS Diesel no matter what anybody else says..

PJdali · 8th October 2007, 18:39

I'm maybe not best placed to answer your question as well as other forum regulars....as I've only had my Civic 1.8 Sport for a week or so........but I love it

I just traded in a Golf 1.4fsi which was 30 months old and I never had any problems.....put simply the Golf was as reliable a car as I've ever owned...but it looked kinda boring compared to the Civic..........I guess you either like the Civic styling or not and I really do like it.

I had a truly great offer put to me rom a family friend to factory order a new Golf GTSPORT tsi 140 (just as i was about to order the Honda) that deal was almost too good to miss (it was that good) but I know I've made the right choice in buying the Civic. I enjoy sitting in it and almost everything about it.

It feels very well built and whilst there will be some some Civic cars that are maybe not built as well as others (friday afternoon cars?!?), I know of a fair few golf \ polo \ passat owners who vowed never to go back and buy another VW due to aftersales service \ poorly built cars........but for every unhappy punter I'm sure there's 5 or 6 happy punters.......I never had a bad word to say about my Golf but really disliked the whole dealer experience from purchase to servicing. I was a member of a golf forum and there's just as many posts on there about gripes from build \ paint finish \ loose trim etc........and don't start me on Rover \ MG cars

Last night was the first chance to have a decent drive in the dark over country roads in the Civic and the HID lights were so much better than I expected. They really did throw a lot of 'white' light in front of the carand I deliberately drove without full beams to try and make a better judgement...........and reckon I made a good choice in the Sport with these HID lamps as standard, and don't get me started on the lit up dash.......

I feel like I'm actually sitting down in the car in the Civic where the Golf never really felt like that........the dashboard is really very intuitive and so far I've no build quality issues or any dealer gripes........in fact the dealer is possibly the easiest I've ever dealt with. Very honest and up front with no pushy sales crap.

I know the long term owners will have so much more to say but in my opinion if you like the look and feel of the Civic go for it.

bounce75 · 8th October 2007, 20:12

I can assure you of one thing the Civic will put a smile on your face everytime you drive it. I have had mine for a year now and I am still smiling. As for quality it is top notch.

Brodick · 8th October 2007, 22:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by rneilg

I am 90% buying but have doubts. My last 3 cars have ben VW Golf and my current car is a 2.0 gt tdi and all cars have been perfect in everyway - i have never ever taken one back to the dealer with a fault.

I do not want to get into a pointless VW Vs Honda debate as i would like to move away from bland looks of VW, also i realise that quality, reliabilty etc are superior in VW to most cars but i still like the Honda.

Neil

You have obviously been on of the lucky VW owners and are looking at another manufacturer through blinkers

Honda is = with VW on quality and beats VW hands down on the reliability issue

flossy is on the money It may be worth checking your facts about VW

as far as the civic goes it is fantastic yes the early cars have had a few issues ( the current golf's had a few issues aswell when they were first launched) but things are much improved

at the end of the day it is your car and you can go and buy another VW if you want but don't make silly remarks about them

TTDegs · 8th October 2007, 22:51

Having never owned a Golf, or any VW (though 3 Audis), I'm not really in a position to comment on their reliability etc.

However, my opinion, for what its worth, boils down to:
Would I be happy to recommend a Civic to a close friend or family member? - Yes

Is there every chance that in a years time when my lease is up, I'll be replacing this Civic with another one? - Yes

rneilg · 8th October 2007, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brodick

at the end of the day it is your car and you can go and buy another VW if you want but don't make silly remarks about them

Unfair post Brodick, i asked for advice and not comments like that!

As for the other posts, thanks a lot for your comments you have given me that little bit of extra confidence and i will certainly go ahead and buy it in the next few weeks.

Thanks everyone.

Dimplyred · 8th October 2007, 22:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by rneilg

Unfair post Brodick, i asked for advice and not comments like that!

As for the other posts, thanks a lot for your comments you have given me that little bit of extra confidence and i will certainly go ahead and buy it in the next few weeks.

Thanks everyone.

Hi, Have you driven both cars? Given the choice of the sport in petrol or diesel, for my money I would go for the diesel, definately

nellz_bassettshonda · 8th October 2007, 23:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by rneilg

Unfair post Brodick, i asked for advice and not comments like that!

As for the other posts, thanks a lot for your comments you have given me that little bit of extra confidence and i will certainly go ahead and buy it in the next few weeks.

Thanks everyone.

Fair comment , VW cars are quality as I should know I seem to be taking a lot in excahnge for Civics lately ! Its just the looks , Why are VW so boring when they have the funds to make ANYTHING ! Good luck with your choice

4540flossy · 9th October 2007, 17:54

Quote:

Why are VW so boring when they have the funds to make ANYTHING !

I'd agree - Honda's a little fish compared to the whale that is VW. Honda comes up with Jazz, Civic, Accord, FR-V, CR-V etc, and VW dull niche-fillers that nobody in their right mind would lust after; boring as hell Touran, Golf plus (what a stupid idea that was), antique polo, perfect-for-midlife-crisis Passat (who'd buy a car advertised as the cure for a midlife crisis anyway?!), nasty cheapie Fox etc. etc.

The middle classes love 'em as they (apparently) hold their value - mine didn't! In conclusion, the perfect car for people who know nothing about cars whatsoever!

Is it just me or does ever Civic driver you see have a "knowing look"?!

PS Have to admit a slight lusting after a V10 Toureg diesel (if I didn't have a conscience!)

Anastie · 9th October 2007, 18:25

I owned a Skoda vRS (VW based) and a BMW 320D. The Honda drives fantastic and I prefer its diesel engine compared to both. I do think as mentioned the feel of the door handles is poor compared to the solid BMW feel. The same goes for the window switches. But I assure you the engine, looks and innovative interior are superb.
I would recommend this car. Yes some have suspension noises, mine does not. Some have fuel cap probs, mine does not and I suspect newer ones don't. No headlining problems or poor paint. I accept that the paint is thinner. But my Skoda was to. Its just means I wax it more

Good luck and enjoy. The civic really is as good as they all say and the engine for a diesel to me sounds great!

rneilg · 9th October 2007, 20:44

Hi, went in the dealership today and was offered what looks like a good deal on a petrol, BUT, when i check the honda site Honda (UK) - Civic and click "finance offers" i noticed i was being offered the deal off the site.

He was strongly pushing me towards a petrol - i get the feeling honda want to shift more petrol cars!

My question is should i expect more? what should i push for or is the deal on the website good? I was offered a good part excahnge deal but no more than other dealers - i pretended to be inerested in Vauxhall, ford and citroen to see what they would offer.

In the past i have simpy walked in and bought - but looking at these forums i get the feeling i should haggle!

Again, thanks in advance for any advice offered.
Neil

TTDegs · 9th October 2007, 20:51

(roughly) where are you Neil?

We have 2 great supporting dealers on this forum who often do great deals, plus Neil from Bassett Honda in South Wales who occasionally posts up cracking offers...

rneilg · 9th October 2007, 20:53

Hi, I am in South wales - Carmarthenshire.

TTDegs · 9th October 2007, 22:56

Then Neil (the other Neil

) is definately worth talking to...

click -> http://www.civinfo.com/forum/sale-wa...r-gt-sold.html for his contact details

peterex · 9th November 2007, 01:06

hi there my son drives a golf 1.9tdi 05 plate with 75 k miles on te clock with no probs.
ive just pxed my mercedes a class for a 2.2 cvic es. its the best car i have ever owned from style to quality to performance. i believe its a better car than the golf as does my son. hope you go for a civic.

nellz_bassettshonda · 23rd November 2007, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTDegs

Then Neil (the other Neil

) is definately worth talking to...

click -> http://www.civinfo.com/forum/sale-wa...r-gt-sold.html for his contact details

Hi TTdegs , thanks for the props . All sorted . Thanks to rneilg too

8th October 2007, 18:02	#1 (permalink)
rneilg Wheelnut Join Date: 8th October 2007 Location: Wales Posts: 60 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Would like to buy Hi, I like the styling of the new civic and am thinking of buying a sport version in either diesel or petrol. Reading a lot of reviews which are not glowing and indeed this forum there seem to be a lot of problems with headlining, rear suspension, handbrakes, door handles, phones, paint etc. I am 90% buying but have doubts. My last 3 cars have ben VW Golf and my current car is a 2.0 gt tdi and all cars have been perfect in everyway - i have never ever taken one back to the dealer with a fault. I do not want to get into a pointless VW Vs Honda debate as i would like to move away from bland looks of VW, also i realise that quality, reliabilty etc are superior in VW to most cars but i still like the Honda. In general, be honest please, am i going to get the same level of quality and service as i do with VW? or am i being unrealistic for the price difference. The Honda dealer i spoke seemed top notch and comparable easily to my VW showroom experience. Thanks for any advice offered. Neil

9th October 2007, 18:25	#12 (permalink)
Anastie Valve Cap Join Date: 16th September 2007 Location: Northumberland Posts: 43 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I owned a Skoda vRS (VW based) and a BMW 320D. The Honda drives fantastic and I prefer its diesel engine compared to both. I do think as mentioned the feel of the door handles is poor compared to the solid BMW feel. The same goes for the window switches. But I assure you the engine, looks and innovative interior are superb. I would recommend this car. Yes some have suspension noises, mine does not. Some have fuel cap probs, mine does not and I suspect newer ones don't. No headlining problems or poor paint. I accept that the paint is thinner. But my Skoda was to. Its just means I wax it more Good luck and enjoy. The civic really is as good as they all say and the engine for a diesel to me sounds great! Last edited by Anastie; 9th October 2007 at 18:27. Reason: spellling!

9th October 2007, 20:44	#13 (permalink)
rneilg Wheelnut Join Date: 8th October 2007 Location: Wales Posts: 60 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Went to dealership Hi, went in the dealership today and was offered what looks like a good deal on a petrol, BUT, when i check the honda site Honda (UK) - Civic and click "finance offers" i noticed i was being offered the deal off the site. He was strongly pushing me towards a petrol - i get the feeling honda want to shift more petrol cars! My question is should i expect more? what should i push for or is the deal on the website good? I was offered a good part excahnge deal but no more than other dealers - i pretended to be inerested in Vauxhall, ford and citroen to see what they would offer. In the past i have simpy walked in and bought - but looking at these forums i get the feeling i should haggle! Again, thanks in advance for any advice offered. Neil

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This thread is about: Would like to buy, it's in Buying, Dealers and Servicing at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Hi, I like the styling of the new civic and am thinking of buying a sport version in either diesel or petrol. Reading a lot ...

8th October 2007, 18:16	#2 (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)	Service level very individual depending on your dealer. I am sure it is the same with VW. I feel that in some areas the Civic does not give the same quality FEEL as say as VW. E.g. outer front door handles. Actual quality is probably about the same.

8th October 2007, 18:21	#3 (permalink)
4540flossy Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 16th November 2006 Location: Ash Vale Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	i realise that quality, reliabilty etc are superior in VW to most cars Really? Checked Honda and VW on JD Power? Factor in the cost (and attitude) of VW dealers versus Honda dealers (again JD Power, Which? etc.) and you get your answer... VW are a great car company at charging owners wads of extra £££s for nothing extra- the new Tiguan 4x4 (shudder) 1.4 litre retails for £20,000 according to Autocar. VW are losing packets on the Golf MK5 as it's too complex to make (hence the prices and no equipment) whereas Honda has a philosophy of "just enough". VW Golf then as fat Bratwurst and Sauerkraut dinner and Honda Civic as green tea and Sushi. It's a zen thing... Having owned a VW Golf GT Tdi and having regretted it above any other car purchase I've ever made I can't recommend Honda enough and besides, how cool does a Civic look in a line of traffic next to a Golf, BMW 1-series or Audi A3? PS Diesel no matter what anybody else says..

8th October 2007, 18:39	#4 (permalink)
PJdali Valve Cap Join Date: 7th September 2007 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 30 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I'm maybe not best placed to answer your question as well as other forum regulars....as I've only had my Civic 1.8 Sport for a week or so........but I love it I just traded in a Golf 1.4fsi which was 30 months old and I never had any problems.....put simply the Golf was as reliable a car as I've ever owned...but it looked kinda boring compared to the Civic..........I guess you either like the Civic styling or not and I really do like it. I had a truly great offer put to me rom a family friend to factory order a new Golf GTSPORT tsi 140 (just as i was about to order the Honda) that deal was almost too good to miss (it was that good) but I know I've made the right choice in buying the Civic. I enjoy sitting in it and almost everything about it. It feels very well built and whilst there will be some some Civic cars that are maybe not built as well as others (friday afternoon cars?!?), I know of a fair few golf \ polo \ passat owners who vowed never to go back and buy another VW due to aftersales service \ poorly built cars........but for every unhappy punter I'm sure there's 5 or 6 happy punters.......I never had a bad word to say about my Golf but really disliked the whole dealer experience from purchase to servicing. I was a member of a golf forum and there's just as many posts on there about gripes from build \ paint finish \ loose trim etc........and don't start me on Rover \ MG cars Last night was the first chance to have a decent drive in the dark over country roads in the Civic and the HID lights were so much better than I expected. They really did throw a lot of 'white' light in front of the carand I deliberately drove without full beams to try and make a better judgement...........and reckon I made a good choice in the Sport with these HID lamps as standard, and don't get me started on the lit up dash....... I feel like I'm actually sitting down in the car in the Civic where the Golf never really felt like that........the dashboard is really very intuitive and so far I've no build quality issues or any dealer gripes........in fact the dealer is possibly the easiest I've ever dealt with. Very honest and up front with no pushy sales crap. I know the long term owners will have so much more to say but in my opinion if you like the look and feel of the Civic go for it.

8th October 2007, 20:12	#5 (permalink)
bounce75 Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 26th October 2006 Posts: 128 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I can assure you of one thing the Civic will put a smile on your face everytime you drive it. I have had mine for a year now and I am still smiling. As for quality it is top notch.

8th October 2007, 22:51	#7 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,634 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	Having never owned a Golf, or any VW (though 3 Audis), I'm not really in a position to comment on their reliability etc. However, my opinion, for what its worth, boils down to: Would I be happy to recommend a Civic to a close friend or family member? - Yes Is there every chance that in a years time when my lease is up, I'll be replacing this Civic with another one? - Yes

9th October 2007, 20:51	#14 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,634 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	(roughly) where are you Neil? We have 2 great supporting dealers on this forum who often do great deals, plus Neil from Bassett Honda in South Wales who occasionally posts up cracking offers...

9th October 2007, 20:53	#15 (permalink)
rneilg Wheelnut Join Date: 8th October 2007 Location: Wales Posts: 60 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi, I am in South wales - Carmarthenshire.

9th October 2007, 22:56	#16 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,634 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	Then Neil (the other Neil ) is definately worth talking to... click -> http://www.civinfo.com/forum/sale-wa...r-gt-sold.html for his contact details

9th November 2007, 01:06	#17 (permalink)
peterex Valve Cap Join Date: 22nd October 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	hi there my son drives a golf 1.9tdi 05 plate with 75 k miles on te clock with no probs. ive just pxed my mercedes a class for a 2.2 cvic es. its the best car i have ever owned from style to quality to performance. i believe its a better car than the golf as does my son. hope you go for a civic.