Engine Ok panics setting in (Petrol vs Diesel)

Egbert · 21st June 2007, 08:41

Well we have a beautiful NHB Type S GT ordered for Saturday 23rd June, Its been registered (apparently) and i now have my Honda 7 day insurance cover.

Heres the thing, and please forgive me if i ramble, i wanted the 2.2 but we couldnt find one 2nd hand in our price bracket, in NHB (its a deal breaker for her lol) and then the dealer comes back with a wonderful deal for a new one but the 1.8.

Now Mrs Egbert is completely sold on the whole new car thing and seeing as its her birthday on Sunday and seeing as she drives more than i do (i bike to work) it seemed a no brainer really.

Well i had done weeks and weeks of research and i had really set my heart on the diesal, but i had not found this forum till after i had ordered it (well intercepted as it was on a lorry to another dealership.) Trouble is although i am sure the Petrol is awesome, the way you guys talk about the diesal makes me feel like its going to be an underpowered thing that will forever make me wish i had bought the other one. I know the 0-62 is only fractionally different and top speed is the same, so my brain tells me my worries are founderless, but you know how it is.

So whats a green around the ears first time car buyer to do, reassure me please or tell me how to end my worries. Criticism for being a spanner is fine by me

Help me please i have two days to go and i need to sleep tonight >.<

Oh i love the car by the way and Civic ownership is the all we want, its just that one minor detail.

binchy · 21st June 2007, 08:49

Hi,

I know how you feel because I couldnt make my mind up between petrol and diesel. I test drove them both and was more than happy with the responsiveness and speed of the petrol.

I might be slightly biased as ive always been a petrol head. My petrol is ordered and im waiting delivery!!

I doubt you will dissapointed.

adamski · 21st June 2007, 09:13

The 1.8 is great - you wont be dissapointed

i have no doubt the diesel is great too, but was just a bit out of my price range, i wanted an EX with 18" wheels and couldnt afford that in the diesel

mrcol · 21st June 2007, 09:29

I test drove both too.
The low down torque of the diesel is very good, its a great drive.
I went for the petrol though which is also very good. I did that because my mileage per year is low. I could not justify spending around £1300 extra on the car and then the extra for servicing. I do less than ten thousand miles a year, sometimes as low as five.
I got the Honda happiness servicing pack on the petrol, which is £500, on the diesel its £850.
If you do plenty miles get the diesel, i am sure you wont be disappointed with either engine, i certainly am not.

pjr · 21st June 2007, 09:38

You'll be fine with the 1.8 - You certainly need to rev it a bit to get the best out of it, and be prepared to drop 2 or 3 gears to get true performance (e.g. 6th to 3rd). The claims from Honda about the 1.8 having the performance of a 2.0 and the economy of 1.6 also hold true.

Like the other posters, I couldn't justify the extra £1300 for the mileage I do.

spsducati · 21st June 2007, 10:47

Did you drive either of them? If you haven't driven the diesel don't let it worry your head!! The diesels don't rev so high but have a lot of low down shove. I've just gone from a diesel to a petrol and the vtech on the petrol is worth having!!

chriswarwick · 21st June 2007, 10:49

Have had 2 Civics, both petrol. Have driven other [non Honda] diesels and found them heavy when pressing the clutch and accelerator. They also ran out of revs at 4,400, crying to be released from revving at 4,000! There may well be others on this site who will say the Civic diesel is better than that but for me the 'acid test' was overtaking. With the petrol in 3rd, you just floor it to 6500 revs. No need to think about changing gear whilst your on the 'wrong' side of the road - just floor it, get back to your side of the road then think about changing gear.

I reckon your missus will probably never forgive you if you change!

medicsource · 21st June 2007, 11:08

We drove both and recently bought the diesel Ex. Both were lovely to drive don't worry about it. We do a lot of motorway miles between us, so for us the diesel was a no brainer.... Stick it in 6th with cruise on and the torque means you never have to change gear, even when overtaking.

For us, the clincher was MPGs, but if you are not doing the milage then stick to the petrol!

St3ph3n · 21st June 2007, 12:25

Keep the revs high and the petrol will fly

<3 VTEC

steeeveee · 21st June 2007, 13:19

I chose the diesel, more for economy than anything else.

They're both, diesel and petrol, lovely engines with totally different characteristics, so the best way to decide is try before you buy.

PS. If you drive abroad a lot, the diesel is a no brainer as in most countries diesel is quite a bit cheaper than petrol!

Apart from USA (no problem), Switzerland and of UK

Obo · 21st June 2007, 13:20

I test drove the diesel and bought the petrol cos I dont do massive milage and I too have always owned petrol cars although driven diesels for work. Although the diesel is nice and so quiet for a diesel I dont think you'll regret getting the petrol its a lovely car!

Just enjoy it and dont think about the diesel again, Im sure you wont once you drive away anyway.

BAUK · 21st June 2007, 13:36

The two cars are very different and I had to test drive the civic a number of times to make up my mind... In the end I went for the Diesel EX in NHB because it was more "fun" to drive I thought. The steering was heavier and this added to the driving experience. The Petrol was a great drive as well but like what most people say you have to rev it hard to match the performance of the diesel. I hardly do much driving but when I do I rather enjoy that experience which is why my head said petrol but my heart said diesel. Also I believe that the diesel is more likely to retain most of its value.

Unfortunately I don't own my civic anymore as I ended up having a continuous fault from within the first week of buying the car. So after months of not being able to drive the car I got my money back.

I wish it would have worked out... I'd have enjoyed the civic for sure... would I still go for the diesel now? Maybe.... although I am now a lot more keen on the petrol 1.8 i-shift as I drive a jazz with this feature during those months...

TheBull · 21st June 2007, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by medicsource

Stick it in 6th with cruise on and the torque means you never have to change gear, even when overtaking.

Absolutely. It takes a lot of getting used to after having a petrol but you're right, no changing down required....

That's not what you are asking though.

I guess you have got the message now that for your mileage the petrol is the best choice.

elfa7 · 21st June 2007, 13:48

I don't do a big mileage, but I love the diesel . You "pays your money and takes your choice".

.

Egbert · 21st June 2007, 13:57

Thanks for all the encouraging words

i guess the general concensus is that basically the performance is the same you just have to work a little harder to get at it.

We only do around 6k a year and being honest we are stretching ourselves cost wise as it is, so from an cost point of view the petrol is the wiser choice. I just didnt want to be bitterly disappointed, but that doesnt sound like it will be the case now.

So i just need to source bubble wrap for the bonnet now and bullet proof glass for the fog lights... oh and armour plating for the dash

hehe i bet it will all be fine.

Cheers all
Rick

Obo · 21st June 2007, 15:14

Dont panic Rick you will love the car regardless of any worries you have honestly it's a great car I worried I would hanker after the diesel but Ive not given it a second thought since I picked up my 1.8 I absolutely love it.

If you've stretched yourselves financially anyway just think it was never an option to start with

Egbert · 21st June 2007, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obo

Dont panic Rick you will love the car regardless of any worries you have honestly it's a great car I worried I would hanker after the diesel but Ive not given it a second thought since I picked up my 1.8 I absolutely love it.

If you've stretched yourselves financially anyway just think it was never an option to start with

Yep thats a very good point Obo, and as we realised we got a brand spanking new, never been sat in Spaceship for the same price as a 2nd hand diesal. Thats defo a big plus point.

Obo · 21st June 2007, 15:34

I've never had a brand new car before and the excitement of seeing just 5 miles on the clock was lovely, I think you made the right choice and once you get it you and Mrs Egbert will love it

Egbert · 21st June 2007, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obo

I've never had a brand new car before and the excitement of seeing just 5 miles on the clock was lovely, I think you made the right choice and once you get it you and Mrs Egbert will love it

I rang them an hour ago and its in and ready to be collected, hehe Mrs egberts walking around with a truly silly grin on her face bless her. Its her Birthday on Sunday, so its going to be a nice weekend for her.

I have a sneaky feeling a trip to halfords for cleaning kit will be high on the to do list

and i guess i will have to discover a new found joy for cleaning cars.

Obo · 21st June 2007, 16:07

WOO HOO get down there and get it then why are you on here? Off you go dont forget your civinfo checklist!

21st June 2007, 08:41	#1 (permalink)
Egbert Valve Cap Join Date: 20th June 2007 Posts: 36 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Ok panics setting in (Petrol vs Diesel) Well we have a beautiful NHB Type S GT ordered for Saturday 23rd June, Its been registered (apparently) and i now have my Honda 7 day insurance cover. Heres the thing, and please forgive me if i ramble, i wanted the 2.2 but we couldnt find one 2nd hand in our price bracket, in NHB (its a deal breaker for her lol) and then the dealer comes back with a wonderful deal for a new one but the 1.8. Now Mrs Egbert is completely sold on the whole new car thing and seeing as its her birthday on Sunday and seeing as she drives more than i do (i bike to work) it seemed a no brainer really. Well i had done weeks and weeks of research and i had really set my heart on the diesal, but i had not found this forum till after i had ordered it (well intercepted as it was on a lorry to another dealership.) Trouble is although i am sure the Petrol is awesome, the way you guys talk about the diesal makes me feel like its going to be an underpowered thing that will forever make me wish i had bought the other one. I know the 0-62 is only fractionally different and top speed is the same, so my brain tells me my worries are founderless, but you know how it is. So whats a green around the ears first time car buyer to do, reassure me please or tell me how to end my worries. Criticism for being a spanner is fine by me Help me please i have two days to go and i need to sleep tonight >.< Oh i love the car by the way and Civic ownership is the all we want, its just that one minor detail.

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This thread is about: Ok panics setting in (Petrol vs Diesel), it's in Buying, Dealers and Servicing at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Well we have a beautiful NHB Type S GT ordered for Saturday 23rd June, Its been registered (apparently) and i now have my Honda 7 ...

21st June 2007, 08:49	#2 (permalink)
binchy Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 13th June 2007 Location: Sheffield Posts: 119 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi, I know how you feel because I couldnt make my mind up between petrol and diesel. I test drove them both and was more than happy with the responsiveness and speed of the petrol. I might be slightly biased as ive always been a petrol head. My petrol is ordered and im waiting delivery!! I doubt you will dissapointed.

21st June 2007, 09:13	#3 (permalink)
adamski Valve Cap Join Date: 16th March 2007 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 26 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	The 1.8 is great - you wont be dissapointed i have no doubt the diesel is great too, but was just a bit out of my price range, i wanted an EX with 18" wheels and couldnt afford that in the diesel

21st June 2007, 09:29	#4 (permalink)
mrcol Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 14th June 2007 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I test drove both too. The low down torque of the diesel is very good, its a great drive. I went for the petrol though which is also very good. I did that because my mileage per year is low. I could not justify spending around £1300 extra on the car and then the extra for servicing. I do less than ten thousand miles a year, sometimes as low as five. I got the Honda happiness servicing pack on the petrol, which is £500, on the diesel its £850. If you do plenty miles get the diesel, i am sure you wont be disappointed with either engine, i certainly am not.

21st June 2007, 09:38	#5 (permalink)
pjr Type S(cotland) Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 24th March 2007 Location: Perth, Scotland Posts: 556 Thanks: 9 Thanked 18 Times in 16 Posts iTrader: (0)	You'll be fine with the 1.8 - You certainly need to rev it a bit to get the best out of it, and be prepared to drop 2 or 3 gears to get true performance (e.g. 6th to 3rd). The claims from Honda about the 1.8 having the performance of a 2.0 and the economy of 1.6 also hold true. Like the other posters, I couldn't justify the extra £1300 for the mileage I do.

21st June 2007, 10:47	#6 (permalink)
spsducati Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 28th February 2007 Posts: 100 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Did you drive either of them? If you haven't driven the diesel don't let it worry your head!! The diesels don't rev so high but have a lot of low down shove. I've just gone from a diesel to a petrol and the vtech on the petrol is worth having!!

21st June 2007, 10:49	#7 (permalink)
chriswarwick Wheelnut Join Date: 24th November 2006 Location: A village near Warwick Posts: 64 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Have had 2 Civics, both petrol. Have driven other [non Honda] diesels and found them heavy when pressing the clutch and accelerator. They also ran out of revs at 4,400, crying to be released from revving at 4,000! There may well be others on this site who will say the Civic diesel is better than that but for me the 'acid test' was overtaking. With the petrol in 3rd, you just floor it to 6500 revs. No need to think about changing gear whilst your on the 'wrong' side of the road - just floor it, get back to your side of the road then think about changing gear. I reckon your missus will probably never forgive you if you change!

21st June 2007, 11:08	#8 (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)	We drove both and recently bought the diesel Ex. Both were lovely to drive don't worry about it. We do a lot of motorway miles between us, so for us the diesel was a no brainer.... Stick it in 6th with cruise on and the torque means you never have to change gear, even when overtaking. For us, the clincher was MPGs, but if you are not doing the milage then stick to the petrol!

21st June 2007, 12:25	#9 (permalink)
St3ph3n Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 8th June 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 118 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Keep the revs high and the petrol will fly <3 VTEC

21st June 2007, 13:19	#10 (permalink)
steeeveee Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 4th December 2006 Location: Bristol / Bournemouth Posts: 102 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I chose the diesel, more for economy than anything else. They're both, diesel and petrol, lovely engines with totally different characteristics, so the best way to decide is try before you buy. PS. If you drive abroad a lot, the diesel is a no brainer as in most countries diesel is quite a bit cheaper than petrol! Apart from USA (no problem), Switzerland and of UK

21st June 2007, 13:20	#11 (permalink)
Obo Rusty Nut! Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th March 2007 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 614 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I test drove the diesel and bought the petrol cos I dont do massive milage and I too have always owned petrol cars although driven diesels for work. Although the diesel is nice and so quiet for a diesel I dont think you'll regret getting the petrol its a lovely car! Just enjoy it and dont think about the diesel again, Im sure you wont once you drive away anyway.

21st June 2007, 13:36	#12 (permalink)
BAUK Valve Cap Join Date: 8th February 2007 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	The two cars are very different and I had to test drive the civic a number of times to make up my mind... In the end I went for the Diesel EX in NHB because it was more "fun" to drive I thought. The steering was heavier and this added to the driving experience. The Petrol was a great drive as well but like what most people say you have to rev it hard to match the performance of the diesel. I hardly do much driving but when I do I rather enjoy that experience which is why my head said petrol but my heart said diesel. Also I believe that the diesel is more likely to retain most of its value. Unfortunately I don't own my civic anymore as I ended up having a continuous fault from within the first week of buying the car. So after months of not being able to drive the car I got my money back. I wish it would have worked out... I'd have enjoyed the civic for sure... would I still go for the diesel now? Maybe.... although I am now a lot more keen on the petrol 1.8 i-shift as I drive a jazz with this feature during those months...

21st June 2007, 13:48	#14 (permalink)
elfa7 Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 8th May 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,699 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I don't do a big mileage, but I love the diesel . You "pays your money and takes your choice". .

21st June 2007, 13:57	#15 (permalink)
Egbert Valve Cap Join Date: 20th June 2007 Posts: 36 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the encouraging words i guess the general concensus is that basically the performance is the same you just have to work a little harder to get at it. We only do around 6k a year and being honest we are stretching ourselves cost wise as it is, so from an cost point of view the petrol is the wiser choice. I just didnt want to be bitterly disappointed, but that doesnt sound like it will be the case now. So i just need to source bubble wrap for the bonnet now and bullet proof glass for the fog lights... oh and armour plating for the dash hehe i bet it will all be fine. Cheers all Rick

21st June 2007, 15:14	#16 (permalink)
Obo Rusty Nut! Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th March 2007 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 614 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Dont panic Rick you will love the car regardless of any worries you have honestly it's a great car I worried I would hanker after the diesel but Ive not given it a second thought since I picked up my 1.8 I absolutely love it. If you've stretched yourselves financially anyway just think it was never an option to start with

21st June 2007, 15:34	#18 (permalink)
Obo Rusty Nut! Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th March 2007 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 614 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I've never had a brand new car before and the excitement of seeing just 5 miles on the clock was lovely, I think you made the right choice and once you get it you and Mrs Egbert will love it

21st June 2007, 16:07	#20 (permalink)
Obo Rusty Nut! Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th March 2007 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 614 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	WOO HOO get down there and get it then why are you on here? Off you go dont forget your civinfo checklist!