Auris owners and Civic

[meda]

If age matters ?
77-Year-Old Scooby Fan Buys His 6th Sporty Subaru

[Korkut Varol]

Originally Posted by meda

If age matters ?
77-Year-Old Scooby Fan Buys His 6th Sporty Subaru

WOW!!! Good man! Same spirits, even though the cars are different physically.

[coolice]

Originally Posted by TTDegs

Celtic do a remap via the ODBC port in the car
plug in their laptop, send off the results, get new map, apply

engine / drivetrain warrenty is then gone, but this is true for the tuning box method too...

insurance - get a quote first, but shouldn't result in a huge hike

Hey,

Thanks for the reply mate.

Ah, it is through the ODBC diagnostic port in the car which will invalidate the warrenty accordingly. In this instance I'd be more inclined to go with a box in the warrenty period as it could be removed without trace and is less of a risk in that your not physically re-programming the cars ECU from factory spec.
Of course once the warrenty is up it's game on

Insurance is obviously the killer to, age and no claims helps to a degree so should be reasonable for me at 33 and fully protected NCB.

Ian

[TTDegs]

welcome Ian

just bear in mind that in theory, a box could invalidate your warrenty too...

Without wanting to get into the whole debate about false claims under warrenty if your engine goes pop, these are some things you might want to consider.

Remap
There is apparently a 'counter' somewhere in the ECU which keeps a record of how many times the ECU has been changed.
Some companies claim to be able to reset the counter, so that the new map doesn't show here. Not sure if Celtic or SuperChip do this.
The map can be taken off (by the company) at any time (but see above about counter)
SuperChip include their own warrenty in the price of the map, but obviously you woulld need to see the small print and decide if this is of any use to you.

Box solutions:
typically increase power by increasing the amount of fuel being delivered.
Unlike the remap option, these boxes do not, and can not affect the turbo.
This is why they 'only' give 15-20bhp increase instead of the 40-45bhp a map can give.
Whilst you can indeed remove the box yourself (instead of the tuning co having to remove the map), it has not been proven whether or not a dedicated technician could spot the signs of one having been fitted.


horses for courses

[brooksm]

We looked at an Auris as an alternative to a Civic (thought that maybe we had given too much to Honda (see number of Civics post) and maybe we should change). Dealer we went to was indifferent at best, Auris was nothing special to drive and then they offered us 8K as px for an imaculate CR-V diesel.

You can guess what happened next, helped in no small part by the fact that Honda offered us 11k for the CR-V.

[ADT]

We went to Toyota looking at some pre-registered Celica GT's as a CTR alternative (our previous car was a well-loved Celica). Didn't notice the Auris at all. I searched it out on the interweb just now, and I've already forgotten what it looks like. Why is Toyota intent on selling only bland and faceless cars these days....

[/still annoyed they aren't replacing the Celica until 2010]

[coolice]

Originally Posted by TTDegs

welcome Ian

just bear in mind that in theory, a box could invalidate your warrenty too...

Without wanting to get into the whole debate about false claims under warrenty if your engine goes pop, these are some things you might want to consider.

Remap
There is apparently a 'counter' somewhere in the ECU which keeps a record of how many times the ECU has been changed.
Some companies claim to be able to reset the counter, so that the new map doesn't show here. Not sure if Celtic or SuperChip do this.
The map can be taken off (by the company) at any time (but see above about counter)
SuperChip include their own warrenty in the price of the map, but obviously you woulld need to see the small print and decide if this is of any use to you.

Box solutions:
typically increase power by increasing the amount of fuel being delivered.
Unlike the remap option, these boxes do not, and can not affect the turbo.
This is why they 'only' give 15-20bhp increase instead of the 40-45bhp a map can give.
Whilst you can indeed remove the box yourself (instead of the tuning co having to remove the map), it has not been proven whether or not a dedicated technician could spot the signs of one having been fitted.


horses for courses

Hello mate,

Thanks for welcoming us onto the forum.

Oh yes, as you say a box could easily invalidate any warrenty as well. My thoughts are with it being so easy to remove, come service time just whip it off and the car reverts to normal again.

As you point out the remap is by far the better option, in this case the changes are made to suit your specific car rather than a broad range of cars a box could be fitted to for instance.
Also as the way the turbo repsonds is alterted as well your effectively making sure of a more efficient running engine at the same time.

The possability of an inbuilt counter in the ECU is worrying with making changes in the warrenty period, ok we all hope for a pleasant time in ownership of a new car but there is always the possability of problems and hence the need to keep the warrenty intact.

In an ideal world the best thing to have would be one of those hand held Blue-Fin style devices which allows the owner to revert between fuelling maps in their ECU at any time.
I dont think anything like this is available for the Civic although I may be wrong.

It's a catch22 situation as you say, better performance gains doing it the proper way and definetly invalidate any warrenty as physical changes have been made. Or use the lesser box method and hope to keep your warrenty.

Thanks.

Ian

[uncler]

Originally Posted by ADT

We went to Toyota looking at some pre-registered Celica GT's as a CTR alternative (our previous car was a well-loved Celica). Didn't notice the Auris at all. I searched it out on the interweb just now, and I've already forgotten what it looks like. Why is Toyota intent on selling only bland and faceless cars these days....

[/still annoyed they aren't replacing the Celica until 2010]

So true! I used to love Toyota's (have owned lots over the years, in particular Corolla GTI's and Celica GT's). I've also always fancied a Mk2 MR2 and a Mk4 Supra. I too looked at getting a Celica before I bought the Civic, but wanted a new car, so opted for the CTR. If Toyota still made the Celica I quite possibly would have got one (love my Civic, though). They don't have any sporty cars any more - they are all faceless & bland. Lexus though, now I do fancy one of those!

The Auris is a disgrace - I was saying in another thread somewhere that I'm sure Toyota haven't sold many in the UK (think about it, how many have you seen on the roads compared to the Civic). I then considered I probably had seen some, but either hadn't noticed or thought it was a Corolla.

I have no idea what Toyota were thinking when they scrapped the Corolla. They say it was because it was associated with being dull & boring. So what do they do? Get rid of one of the biggest and well known car models in the world and replace it with something that looks almost exactly the same, but without the reputation the Corolla name had previously built up. Bananas!

[Boozyjunior]

We also looked at the Auris looks good on the outside but the inisde is plain and boring, then to the honda garage accross the road and the inside just lit up and looked amazing.

I love my civic 5 months old now and it's going great just over 5000 miles

[mike20]

I've posted before regarding my choice between Civic and Auris so I won't go on too long, other than to say I looked at both in detail, Auris was the better deal financially (they were virtually thrusting money at me to take one) but I went for what I liked best that was the Civic.

By chance though, my wife's just got an Auris as a company car so I've been able to spend more time to compare them. They are similar specs, both diesels.
Firstly, I don't like the Auris handbrake position at all. Its got a cowl round it and I keep hitting my hand on it. The path between gearstick and handbrake should be clear.
The seating position is very high in the Auris and the dashboard isn't wrap-around like the Civic and I just don't feel the same synergy with the Auris.
The drive is OK, but I don't think the engine pulls as well as the Civic. Its a different sound, I think the Auris's engine is noisier. The gearchange on the Auris is very good though, very smooth, I find the Civic a bit notchy at times.
The trip computer is pants on the Auris, you have to reach around the steering wheel to press small buttons sticking out of the dashboard, almost dangerous. Plus the clock is the same display as the computer, so you can't display the clock and the computer at the same time. Very bad!

AND - The Auris has broken down twice in the first month. Firstly it was just dead one morning. Turned out to be a loose earth cable, and secondly the throttle pedal was sticking open.
I had a Toyota previously and I was very happy with it, but I for one am glad I bought the Civic rather than the Auris.

[simon1]

Originally Posted by meda

If age matters ?
77-Year-Old Scooby Fan Buys His 6th Sporty Subaru

This was weird: After reading this article today I saw on the road two Subara WRX's. One had the number plate SC03YDO with the 3 like a B. Then the other one had a transfer of Scooby Doo on his rear spoiler!!

[coolice]

Hey All,

Ok, I get it forget the Auris LOL

You are all correct though, the Civic is a much more sleeker and more inviting car thats for sure. A few gripes, but then again what car doesn't have silly issues we all have to live with.

Keep the constructive critisms coming though guys

Ian

[marcink137]

I haven't driven Auris but I saw it's interior and agree with all complaints about it. Plastics are very cheap looking, hard and prone to scratch. In addition glove box cover and instruments' hood moves when you push it with your hand (the same situation was in Corolla - both cars new at dealer). Seats are strangely soft and made from rough material. Design is also not to well... It's enough for me to not buy Auris or new Corolla and frankly speaking I'm little upset because I've always liked Toyota, now I'm driving with Corolla E11 which is really good one, build quality is great, dashboard and seats look like almost new in seven years old car. I don't understand why Toyota abandon name "Corolla" (only sedan nowadays) which was always symbol of quality and reliability. I think they shoot their own knee. In Poland there are also more Civics than Auris on the streets, I think...

Regards
Marcin

[Eddie]

Originally Posted by jazzman

Look at the Auris website and you will read moans about brakes, handbrakes releasing, "crap" mileage, etc etc , all sound familiar

Hello again Jazzman,

I just popped on to the Civic site for a laugh and a 'There but for the grace of God go I' booster and there you are again - your loyalty to Honda knows no bounds. Does your Guide Dog not get fed up feeding you just the good news. I see the same owner problems being repeated over and over - tonight one unfortunate guy needing a front re-spray after 5 months which is appalling unless he lives in Basra. Are you sure you have the current Civic model and not the previous trouble free machine?
Have a heart to heart with the dog - you need to know the truth!

Eddie the Jett.

[jazzman]

Originally Posted by Eddie

Hello again Jazzman,

I just popped on to the Civic site for a laugh and a 'There but for the grace of God go I' booster and there you are again - your loyalty to Honda knows no bounds. Does your Guide Dog not get fed up feeding you just the good news. I see the same owner problems being repeated over and over - tonight one unfortunate guy needing a front re-spray after 5 months which is appalling unless he lives in Basra. Are you sure you have the current Civic model and not the previous trouble free machine?
Have a heart to heart with the dog - you need to know the truth!

Eddie the Jett.

Dear Eddie
So good to hear from you again and hope you are enjoying your motoring. I am so sorry to disappoint you when I say that my spaceship is still fabulous in every respect and is soon coming up for its first service with not a thing wrong. I know you take great pleasure in lapping up the complaints on the forum but of course what you "forget" are the thousands of happy civic owners who don`t have complaints and are enjoying their wonderful spaceships.
Happy Honda Motoring

[Tony Fendall]

Auris styling, a very creditable re-vamp of the Fordson tractor of the 60's, high, blunt and determined looking.
I prefer low,sleek and fast with 42mpg driven hard.
Regards
Tony

[simon1]

Originally Posted by marcink137

I haven't driven Auris but I saw it's interior and agree with all complaints about it. Plastics are very cheap looking, hard and prone to scratch. In addition glove box cover and instruments' hood moves when you push it with your hand (the same situation was in Corolla - both cars new at dealer). Seats are strangely soft and made from rough material. Design is also not to well... It's enough for me to not buy Auris or new Corolla and frankly speaking I'm little upset because I've always liked Toyota, now I'm driving with Corolla E11 which is really good one, build quality is great, dashboard and seats look like almost new in seven years old car. I don't understand why Toyota abandon name "Corolla" (only sedan nowadays) which was always symbol of quality and reliability. I think they shoot their own knee. In Poland there are also more Civics than Auris on the streets, I think...

Regards
Marcin

Originally Posted by Eddie

Hello again Jazzman,

I just popped on to the Civic site for a laugh and a 'There but for the grace of God go I' booster and there you are again - your loyalty to Honda knows no bounds. Does your Guide Dog not get fed up feeding you just the good news. I see the same owner problems being repeated over and over - tonight one unfortunate guy needing a front re-spray after 5 months which is appalling unless he lives in Basra. Are you sure you have the current Civic model and not the previous trouble free machine?
Have a heart to heart with the dog - you need to know the truth!

Eddie the Jett.

Oh dear - the handbags are out.

[Eddie]

Originally Posted by jazzman

Dear Eddie
So good to hear from you again and hope you are enjoying your motoring. I am so sorry to disappoint you when I say that my spaceship is still fabulous in every respect and is soon coming up for its first service with not a thing wrong. I know you take great pleasure in lapping up the complaints on the forum but of course what you "forget" are the thousands of happy civic owners who don`t have complaints and are enjoying their wonderful spaceships.
Happy Honda Motoring

Hello Jazzman,
I seem to have your triangular exhausts quivering again I see - Going by the rapid response to my 'observations' you must be a man of leisure and I recall that you mentioned your 'elderly' status in an earlier reply. So you are one of the 'Grey Vote' members of the community, if so, join the club. I am in my 70th year and I have avoided revealing this, as no doubt the Acne brigade would sieze on my very advanced years to ridicule my attitude to the new Civic. My baseball cap was covered in cobwebs when driving the Civic and even with all windows open, I just could'nt get get up enough speed to blow them away. Now in my Jetta!!! - I have lost my wig and my baseball cap in one swell foop - mind you I was doing almost 30mph in the outside lane, a speed you can only dream about. The G force was incredible.

Cheers,

Eddie the Jett.

[jazzman]

Originally Posted by Eddie

Hello Jazzman,
I seem to have your triangular exhausts quivering again I see - Going by the rapid response to my 'observations' you must be a man of leisure and I recall that you mentioned your 'elderly' status in an earlier reply. So you are one of the 'Grey Vote' members of the community, if so, join the club. I am in my 70th year and I have avoided revealing this, as no doubt the Acne brigade would sieze on my very advanced years to ridicule my attitude to the new Civic. My baseball cap was covered in cobwebs when driving the Civic and even with all windows open, I just could'nt get get up enough speed to blow them away. Now in my Jetta!!! - I have lost my wig and my baseball cap in one swell foop - mind you I was doing almost 30mph in the outside lane, a speed you can only dream about. The G force was incredible.


Cheers,

Eddie the Jett.

Good to hear from you old chap. I assume your speeding antics were regarding your Zimmer frame, however how is the car going?
My CIVIC IS WONDERFUL.Popping up to London tomorrow to see the kiddywinkies and we shall glide up and back in comfort, quietness and smoothness and the usual 43mpg, great cars these Civics maybe you should try one

[TTDegs]

Originally Posted by coolice

Hello mate,

Thanks for welcoming us onto the forum.

Oh yes, as you say a box could easily invalidate any warrenty as well. My thoughts are with it being so easy to remove, come service time just whip it off and the car reverts to normal again.

As you point out the remap is by far the better option, in this case the changes are made to suit your specific car rather than a broad range of cars a box could be fitted to for instance.
Also as the way the turbo repsonds is alterted as well your effectively making sure of a more efficient running engine at the same time.

The possability of an inbuilt counter in the ECU is worrying with making changes in the warrenty period, ok we all hope for a pleasant time in ownership of a new car but there is always the possability of problems and hence the need to keep the warrenty intact.

In an ideal world the best thing to have would be one of those hand held Blue-Fin style devices which allows the owner to revert between fuelling maps in their ECU at any time.
I dont think anything like this is available for the Civic although I may be wrong.

It's a catch22 situation as you say, better performance gains doing it the proper way and definetly invalidate any warrenty as physical changes have been made. Or use the lesser box method and hope to keep your warrenty.

Thanks.

Ian

Very welcome Ian

I've made enquiries about the Blue Fin (yep, best of all worlds! ), but unfortunately SuperChip have no plans for it at the moment