Should I move to the darkside???

welshtom · 31st May 2007, 09:12

Hello All!

On the weekend I had a test drive of the Civic (both petrol and diesel variants) and I LOVED it

So hopefully have an order in before too long once I feel I have sniffed out a good enough deal. However before I take the plunge I have a couple of questions I hope people could answer.

The main debate I am having with myself is petrol / diesel. I test drove both - but was for such a short period of time and with the sales rep in the back I was too nervous to give it any stick so didn't get a proper feel of either engine (other than the obvious that both felt very smooth etc). So I am looking for peoples feedback on which unit they feel is the best and why (can of worms now fully opened!) In particular I would very much welcome any comments from people who used to drive petrol engined cars that now have the diesel. I am not so much concerned with MPG and BHP figures I want the engine that is the most 'fun' and engaging to drive - I am nervous that the diesel while it may be the sensible option might not be as enjoyable a drive as the petrol units I am used to (or is this now a completely untrue statement with the progress in diesel technology?)

Secondly if I opt to upgrade to some 18"s with my order will I still recieve the 17" type S alloys that come with the car as standard (could then sell these on to recoup some costs).

Finally if anyone has any recomendations on places to purchase the car then please feel free to give me the details.

Many thanks,
Tom

Pottsy · 31st May 2007, 09:35

My advice would be to drive both again, for longer. It's important to get it right! Dealers put a mark-up on cars to pay for this service, so go and get your money's worth.

Some reading:
http://www.civinfo.com/forum/showthr...2949#post22949

If the wheels are an upgrade, then no, you don't get the originals.

Dealer advice here:
http://www.civinfo.com/wiki/index.ph...rship_feedback

allan40alt · 31st May 2007, 09:39

Sounds like you want to drive and have fun. Try the 1.8 i-Shift. Brilliant with the steering wheel paddle shift!! (Once mastered!).

Pottsy · 31st May 2007, 09:57

You see, I would say diesel manual! Which goes to show we should all just test drive and choose what floats our individual boats.

I was unsure after my test drive, and so I went back to the dealer and told him I was unsure (after a short drive with a salesman). So they asked my to sign a form and told me to take the car away for as long as I liked (all day if needed). An hour later I was sure.

tweedie · 31st May 2007, 10:01

I must say that i love my diesel car (2.2Ltr) - the turbo and the mpg is fantastic (at least in my case)! Every time I put my foot down - I always shout "feel the force" (sad I know!) and have a grin like a chester cat because thats how I feel!

I drove a petrol civic not so long ago (whilst my car in for a repair), whilst it was alright, it wasn't as exciting as my diesel and really missed my car!

As a long time petrol user - I never regret going diesel. Don't forget, this civic diesel is slightly faster then petrol (something like 0.5 secs for 0-60mph, but hey who is counting - my point is that diesel is still enjoyable to drive in terms of its speed)

At first, its kinda weird when the turbo kicks in, but you will get over it quite quickly!

Like pottsy said, test drive both again - after all, its your money you are spending. Enjoy it.

welshtom · 31st May 2007, 10:05

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like a trip back to the dealers is going to be required to get a better feel. Out of interest can anyone advise on the difference in servicing costs between the two?

panasony · 31st May 2007, 10:17

Hi there

Here is my 2 pence worth , i have a 2.2 diesel civic which is my first diesel ever the one thing i cant get use to with a diesel is the engine noise when you first start up rather than a purr of a petrol engine it has a rattle niose which is not as sexy, my next door neighbour has just got the 1.8 vtech civic and there car when they start up has a lovley purr to it and it is very quiet to but does a 100 less miles than a diesel on a full tank, but the other hand the power the diesel has when the turbo kicks in is fantastic, so like everyone on here says its all about personal taste, my last car was an mx5 and that was fun all the way but the civic is more an alrounder, the only reson i got a diesel was for economy if i wasnt worried about that then i would problaby gone for the petrol

Type S Bournemouth · 31st May 2007, 10:32

This is the first diesel car i have ever owned and to be honest I dont see myself ever going back to petrol. Well not unless I win the lottery and could run a ferrari or something. lol

The performance on the diesel is superb and apart from when you start the engine you can hardly tell its a diesel.

But if I was you id make sure to give them both a test drive. I test drove both versions for 2 hours. I test drove the petrol first which was nice but when I got into the diesel my mind was made up almost instantly.

Foggy69 · 31st May 2007, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by welshtom

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like a trip back to the dealers is going to be required to get a better feel. Out of interest can anyone advise on the difference in servicing costs between the two?

The Honda Happiness scheme for 5 years servicing is £500 for the petrol and £850 for the diesel.
Coupled with the fact that diesel is £1300 more expensive to buy, more expensive to fill up and for me was more expensive to insure. So unless you drive a lot of miles, is going to be more expensive to run.
And to confuse you more, as Allan said, try the i-Shift, a great box coupled with a great engine.

Decisions, decisions.

Pottsy · 31st May 2007, 11:24

How much do I like the engine? I will try and rank, in order (best first) how much I have enjoyed the following engines (all cars I have done significant mileages in). Just the engine, not the car:

Porsche 993 (air cooled)
350Z
Porsche 968 CS
BMW M3
Honda 2.2 (chipped)
2CV
Porsche 996
Boxster
Rover V8
Golf 1.9 Tdi 150 (chipped)

All the above I enjoyed, I won't bother to include the ones I haven't enjoyed, but they include the Audi 2.5 V6 TDi, all Ford engines, all Vauxhall engines, and all the small VW petrol engines.

TTDegs · 31st May 2007, 11:36

I took the 1.8 on a 24hr test drive, and loved it

Then I took the 2.2 for a quick spin round the block, and loved it even more

For me, it was an easier choice. Being a company funded car, the price difference per month was just a few quid, and combined with better MPG, that money difference came down even further

And then, on top of that - the 2.2 has a turbo, which meant that tuning was a possibility (and turned out to be a reality)

Bungle · 31st May 2007, 11:50

Nice to see one of my old threads again

After a drive with both, I was sure about the 1.8.

It really is a personal thing. I prefer the long rev-range of the engine and the steady surge of acceleration it gives, and coupled with that sound it is unbeatable as it nears 6000 rpm with the orangle lighs starting to come on.

The diesel feels more powerful beacuse of the torque, but I found that as soon and the engine gets going, it needs a new gear immediately. It felt impressive, but really sounded like a thrashed diesel, wich to me is never a nice sound.

And I must admit I don't like seeing big clouds of black smoke when I accelerate.

As others have said, try them both again. Drive on familiar roads where you can open the engines up a little and let that help you decide what is more enjoyable to drive.

TBH, you can not really make the wrong decision. They are both extremely good engines!

sfboy · 31st May 2007, 12:18

As has been said, they are both really good engines. The reason I went for the 2.2 was the torque and improved acceleration. Like many others, I first drove the 1.8 sport and loved it. I then test drove a 2.2 es and loved it even more. The grunt when you put your foot down is reassuring and beats the slightly revvy 1.8. I personally found the steering had a bit more weight. When it came down to the crunch I had the opportunity to buy a 06 1.8 Ex or a 55 2.2 sport (both with storms and fogs). The 1.8 dealer was a lot nearer so I initially went to buy the Ex and had another test drive (this was after driving a 1.8 sport, a 2.2 es, a ford focus 1.6 sport (which was good value for money IMO) and a kitted out 2.0 tdci focus titanium (crap engine)), but found I couldn't do it, the 2.2 really did have the edge for me and was worth sacrificing the Sat Nav, Handsfree and other gadgets I love.

JohnH · 31st May 2007, 12:38

We ordered a 1.8ES after the test drive and then I read Honest John http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/index.ph...ycar/index.htm who recommends 17" wheels and the diesel ! I think you'll find similar recommendations elsewhere (Channel4 4Car for instance).

I'd driven the Accord 2.2 iCTDi and knew it to be a fantastic engine so we changed our order to a 2.2 iCTDi Sport (to contain costs). It gives the 17" wheels and the HID headlamps (looks like an EX too if that's important to you), only misses the cruise control from the spec we really wanted.

We're really happy with this car, Honest John points out that it cruises more quietly (due to higher gearing) and has better in gear performance, and you'll get at least 40mpg, might have marginally better residuals too but who knows? Having said that if you like revs get a VTEC.

Obo · 31st May 2007, 16:38

I test drove a diesel but bought a petrol. I dont do that many miles a year roughly 7-8k so for me I would never recoup the extra cost of a diesel in fuel costs. I've always had petrol but have driven several diesels through work and have to admit if I was doing thousands more miles I probably wouldve gone for the diesel as it was the most quietest nicest running one I'd driven. (Rose coloured specs perhaps)

One good thing about my test drive was the salesman put me completely at ease, which is something you dont always get, you sometimes feel like your driving is being tested. He also encouraged me to put my foot down in it to see what it was capable of, as coming from a focus ST170 I was concrened I wouldnt find anything with the same poke.

I love my 1.8 though I havent driven it properly yet only had it 2 weeks but I think you should probably take both out again, theres nothing worse than buying something and constantly wishing you'd gone for the other option. I was gonna go foran ES then when I thought about it I knew I'd always be slightly disappointed I'd not gone for the EX so I got that instead! I dont feel that way over the engine though I'm more than happy with the petrol and as coming from an ST it's very similar

panasony · 31st May 2007, 17:05

the thing is though diesel and petrol are the same price per ltr now which is 95p

czechplastik · 31st May 2007, 17:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweedie

Every time I put my foot down - I always shout "feel the force" (sad I know!) .

Very sad!

civie · 31st May 2007, 18:07

Hi There my friend, I have owned both varients of the civic (1.8 se i-vtec ) for 1 year, then changed to the 2.2 i-ctdi sport approx 2 months ago, I must say my personal preference has to be the Diesel,
More mpg
Slightly more accelleration,
Far better ride on the std 17" and handling.

Whichever you choose, you won't be dissapointed.
Enjoy.

welshtom · 31st May 2007, 18:37

I think I am more confused than before I ask the question now - lol! I will definitely be trying to get hold of both the petrol and the diesel for a longer test run.

Thanks again for all the replies and advice

3rd Honda · 31st May 2007, 19:11

The advice to test drive both petrol and diesel is good advice. For me - the very torquey and flexible diesel won hands down over the peppy petrol. MUCH nicer in everyday use in my view.

See if you can try 18" wheels - as they do degrade the ride - which is already not the Civics strongest point in many peoples opinions. In my view 17" ride slightly less well that 16", and I'm told 18" are a lot less compliant and considerably more given to following the camber. These are characteristics that not everyone likes.

31st May 2007, 09:12	#1 (permalink)
welshtom Valve Cap Join Date: 30th May 2007 Location: Costa del Cardiff Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Should I move to the darkside??? Hello All! On the weekend I had a test drive of the Civic (both petrol and diesel variants) and I LOVED it So hopefully have an order in before too long once I feel I have sniffed out a good enough deal. However before I take the plunge I have a couple of questions I hope people could answer. The main debate I am having with myself is petrol / diesel. I test drove both - but was for such a short period of time and with the sales rep in the back I was too nervous to give it any stick so didn't get a proper feel of either engine (other than the obvious that both felt very smooth etc). So I am looking for peoples feedback on which unit they feel is the best and why (can of worms now fully opened!) In particular I would very much welcome any comments from people who used to drive petrol engined cars that now have the diesel. I am not so much concerned with MPG and BHP figures I want the engine that is the most 'fun' and engaging to drive - I am nervous that the diesel while it may be the sensible option might not be as enjoyable a drive as the petrol units I am used to (or is this now a completely untrue statement with the progress in diesel technology?) Secondly if I opt to upgrade to some 18"s with my order will I still recieve the 17" type S alloys that come with the car as standard (could then sell these on to recoup some costs). Finally if anyone has any recomendations on places to purchase the car then please feel free to give me the details. Many thanks, Tom

31st May 2007, 16:38	#15 (permalink)
Obo Rusty Nut! Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th March 2007 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I test drove a diesel but bought a petrol. I dont do that many miles a year roughly 7-8k so for me I would never recoup the extra cost of a diesel in fuel costs. I've always had petrol but have driven several diesels through work and have to admit if I was doing thousands more miles I probably wouldve gone for the diesel as it was the most quietest nicest running one I'd driven. (Rose coloured specs perhaps) One good thing about my test drive was the salesman put me completely at ease, which is something you dont always get, you sometimes feel like your driving is being tested. He also encouraged me to put my foot down in it to see what it was capable of, as coming from a focus ST170 I was concrened I wouldnt find anything with the same poke. I love my 1.8 though I havent driven it properly yet only had it 2 weeks but I think you should probably take both out again, theres nothing worse than buying something and constantly wishing you'd gone for the other option. I was gonna go foran ES then when I thought about it I knew I'd always be slightly disappointed I'd not gone for the EX so I got that instead! I dont feel that way over the engine though I'm more than happy with the petrol and as coming from an ST it's very similar Last edited by Obo; 31st May 2007 at 16:40.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads for: Should I move to the darkside???
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
email on the move...	TTDegs	Any non Civic chat here please!	7	26th September 2007 01:08
from rubbish megane to revolutionary civic in one swell move	tommohawk20	Introduce yourself	6	5th March 2007 18:39
Windows Opening the window makes the door move	sonicsteve	Bugs, faults and irritations	8	28th July 2006 08:53
Move complete	Pottsy	Site suggestions, feedback and rules	0	22nd May 2006 08:21


This thread is about: Should I move to the darkside???, it's in General Discussion at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Hello All! On the weekend I had a test drive of the Civic (both petrol and diesel variants) and I LOVED it So hopefully have ...

31st May 2007, 09:35	#2 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo master Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 5,441 Thanks: 22 Thanked 158 Times in 95 Posts iTrader: (0)	My advice would be to drive both again, for longer. It's important to get it right! Dealers put a mark-up on cars to pay for this service, so go and get your money's worth. Some reading: http://www.civinfo.com/forum/showthr...2949#post22949 If the wheels are an upgrade, then no, you don't get the originals. Dealer advice here: http://www.civinfo.com/wiki/index.ph...rship_feedback

31st May 2007, 09:39	#3 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	Sounds like you want to drive and have fun. Try the 1.8 i-Shift. Brilliant with the steering wheel paddle shift!! (Once mastered!).

31st May 2007, 09:57	#4 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo master Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 5,441 Thanks: 22 Thanked 158 Times in 95 Posts iTrader: (0)	You see, I would say diesel manual! Which goes to show we should all just test drive and choose what floats our individual boats. I was unsure after my test drive, and so I went back to the dealer and told him I was unsure (after a short drive with a salesman). So they asked my to sign a form and told me to take the car away for as long as I liked (all day if needed). An hour later I was sure.

31st May 2007, 10:01	#5 (permalink)
tweedie Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 20th February 2007 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I must say that i love my diesel car (2.2Ltr) - the turbo and the mpg is fantastic (at least in my case)! Every time I put my foot down - I always shout "feel the force" (sad I know!) and have a grin like a chester cat because thats how I feel! I drove a petrol civic not so long ago (whilst my car in for a repair), whilst it was alright, it wasn't as exciting as my diesel and really missed my car! As a long time petrol user - I never regret going diesel. Don't forget, this civic diesel is slightly faster then petrol (something like 0.5 secs for 0-60mph, but hey who is counting - my point is that diesel is still enjoyable to drive in terms of its speed) At first, its kinda weird when the turbo kicks in, but you will get over it quite quickly! Like pottsy said, test drive both again - after all, its your money you are spending. Enjoy it.

31st May 2007, 10:05	#6 (permalink)
welshtom Valve Cap Join Date: 30th May 2007 Location: Costa del Cardiff Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies. Sounds like a trip back to the dealers is going to be required to get a better feel. Out of interest can anyone advise on the difference in servicing costs between the two?

31st May 2007, 10:17	#7 (permalink)
panasony Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 21st January 2007 Posts: 152 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi there Here is my 2 pence worth , i have a 2.2 diesel civic which is my first diesel ever the one thing i cant get use to with a diesel is the engine noise when you first start up rather than a purr of a petrol engine it has a rattle niose which is not as sexy, my next door neighbour has just got the 1.8 vtech civic and there car when they start up has a lovley purr to it and it is very quiet to but does a 100 less miles than a diesel on a full tank, but the other hand the power the diesel has when the turbo kicks in is fantastic, so like everyone on here says its all about personal taste, my last car was an mx5 and that was fun all the way but the civic is more an alrounder, the only reson i got a diesel was for economy if i wasnt worried about that then i would problaby gone for the petrol

31st May 2007, 10:32	#8 (permalink)
Type S Bournemouth Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 3rd October 2006 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 976 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	This is the first diesel car i have ever owned and to be honest I dont see myself ever going back to petrol. Well not unless I win the lottery and could run a ferrari or something. lol The performance on the diesel is superb and apart from when you start the engine you can hardly tell its a diesel. But if I was you id make sure to give them both a test drive. I test drove both versions for 2 hours. I test drove the petrol first which was nice but when I got into the diesel my mind was made up almost instantly.

31st May 2007, 11:24	#10 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo master Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 5,441 Thanks: 22 Thanked 158 Times in 95 Posts iTrader: (0)	How much do I like the engine? I will try and rank, in order (best first) how much I have enjoyed the following engines (all cars I have done significant mileages in). Just the engine, not the car: Porsche 993 (air cooled) 350Z Porsche 968 CS BMW M3 Honda 2.2 (chipped) 2CV Porsche 996 Boxster Rover V8 Golf 1.9 Tdi 150 (chipped) All the above I enjoyed, I won't bother to include the ones I haven't enjoyed, but they include the Audi 2.5 V6 TDi, all Ford engines, all Vauxhall engines, and all the small VW petrol engines.

31st May 2007, 11:36	#11 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,638 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I took the 1.8 on a 24hr test drive, and loved it Then I took the 2.2 for a quick spin round the block, and loved it even more For me, it was an easier choice. Being a company funded car, the price difference per month was just a few quid, and combined with better MPG, that money difference came down even further And then, on top of that - the 2.2 has a turbo, which meant that tuning was a possibility (and turned out to be a reality)

31st May 2007, 11:50	#12 (permalink)
Bungle Rocketship door handle Join Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: SE London/Kent Posts: 1,220 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Nice to see one of my old threads again After a drive with both, I was sure about the 1.8. It really is a personal thing. I prefer the long rev-range of the engine and the steady surge of acceleration it gives, and coupled with that sound it is unbeatable as it nears 6000 rpm with the orangle lighs starting to come on. The diesel feels more powerful beacuse of the torque, but I found that as soon and the engine gets going, it needs a new gear immediately. It felt impressive, but really sounded like a thrashed diesel, wich to me is never a nice sound. And I must admit I don't like seeing big clouds of black smoke when I accelerate. As others have said, try them both again. Drive on familiar roads where you can open the engines up a little and let that help you decide what is more enjoyable to drive. TBH, you can not really make the wrong decision. They are both extremely good engines!

31st May 2007, 12:18	#13 (permalink)
sfboy Wheelnut Join Date: 8th January 2007 Location: UK Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	As has been said, they are both really good engines. The reason I went for the 2.2 was the torque and improved acceleration. Like many others, I first drove the 1.8 sport and loved it. I then test drove a 2.2 es and loved it even more. The grunt when you put your foot down is reassuring and beats the slightly revvy 1.8. I personally found the steering had a bit more weight. When it came down to the crunch I had the opportunity to buy a 06 1.8 Ex or a 55 2.2 sport (both with storms and fogs). The 1.8 dealer was a lot nearer so I initially went to buy the Ex and had another test drive (this was after driving a 1.8 sport, a 2.2 es, a ford focus 1.6 sport (which was good value for money IMO) and a kitted out 2.0 tdci focus titanium (crap engine)), but found I couldn't do it, the 2.2 really did have the edge for me and was worth sacrificing the Sat Nav, Handsfree and other gadgets I love.

31st May 2007, 12:38	#14 (permalink)
JohnH Valve Cap Join Date: 22nd April 2007 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	We ordered a 1.8ES after the test drive and then I read Honest John http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/index.ph...ycar/index.htm who recommends 17" wheels and the diesel ! I think you'll find similar recommendations elsewhere (Channel4 4Car for instance). I'd driven the Accord 2.2 iCTDi and knew it to be a fantastic engine so we changed our order to a 2.2 iCTDi Sport (to contain costs). It gives the 17" wheels and the HID headlamps (looks like an EX too if that's important to you), only misses the cruise control from the spec we really wanted. We're really happy with this car, Honest John points out that it cruises more quietly (due to higher gearing) and has better in gear performance, and you'll get at least 40mpg, might have marginally better residuals too but who knows? Having said that if you like revs get a VTEC.

31st May 2007, 17:05	#16 (permalink)
panasony Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 21st January 2007 Posts: 152 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	the thing is though diesel and petrol are the same price per ltr now which is 95p

31st May 2007, 18:07	#18 (permalink)
civie Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 5th March 2007 Location: north east Posts: 208 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi There my friend, I have owned both varients of the civic (1.8 se i-vtec ) for 1 year, then changed to the 2.2 i-ctdi sport approx 2 months ago, I must say my personal preference has to be the Diesel, More mpg Slightly more accelleration, Far better ride on the std 17" and handling. Whichever you choose, you won't be dissapointed. Enjoy.

31st May 2007, 18:37	#19 (permalink)
welshtom Valve Cap Join Date: 30th May 2007 Location: Costa del Cardiff Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I think I am more confused than before I ask the question now - lol! I will definitely be trying to get hold of both the petrol and the diesel for a longer test run. Thanks again for all the replies and advice

31st May 2007, 19:11	#20 (permalink)
3rd Honda Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 24th July 2006 Location: Tewkesbury Posts: 375 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts iTrader: (0)	The advice to test drive both petrol and diesel is good advice. For me - the very torquey and flexible diesel won hands down over the peppy petrol. MUCH nicer in everyday use in my view. See if you can try 18" wheels - as they do degrade the ride - which is already not the Civics strongest point in many peoples opinions. In my view 17" ride slightly less well that 16", and I'm told 18" are a lot less compliant and considerably more given to following the camber. These are characteristics that not everyone likes.