Bye Bye Civic as well!

Hartside · 12th December 2007, 19:04

Well, the Civic finally goes tomorrow!

Dealer and Honda UK finally win, they had my money, made a profit and couldn't fix my continually faulty car!

Flashing glow plug light (reset ecu)
Flashing check system light (reset ecu)
Flat Battery x2
Faulty satnav - 7 visits, still not fixed
Knocking rear suspension - 4 visits, still not fixed
Aircon smell - deoderised, 1 week later, stinks again
Aircon goes red hot before controlling - fixed for 1 year then system deoderised, faulty again! ("can't find anything wrong sir!")
Boot struts - 2 visits ("it's a design feature - to let the water drain!") - not fixed
Dodgy Handbrake - next owner will get the fix!

What a shame as I really liked the car, it's looks and the huge boot etc, but I just cannot be bothered with the constant too and fro to the dealership. HUK have been as useful as chocolate fireguards when I've contacted them! The whole experience has been totally spoiled by a shoddy product (in my case) and deplorable service.

This experience has probably put me off Honda for life now. When I bought it I sat and spoke with my wife about the renowned engineering and reliability Honda were famous for. I even spoke about keeping the car beyond my normal 3 years with a car. Well, bye bye Honda and Civic after 19 months - it has really hurt the purse strings!

I would like to say a fond farewell though as this site has been a great resource and help. A special thanks to Pottsy for starting and keeping this great site going. I wish you all well!

Jack The Lad. · 12th December 2007, 19:19

Come back and tell us which car you finally decide upon Hartside.
Best wishes mate.

Bog · 12th December 2007, 19:46

Starting to become a common story! It seems the dealers have alot to answer for!

If Honda do look at this, they should take note and get their heads out of the sand and do something about their appalling customer service.

Pottsy · 12th December 2007, 20:13

Hartside, good to have you here for the duration. Dare I ask what's replacing it?

Munro · 12th December 2007, 20:29

Sounds like you had bad luck with your car - maybe it was a Friday afternoon special.

If anything serious goes wrong with a car I am always sceptical about car dealers ability to fix properly.

Good luck with your next choice.

Topcat · 12th December 2007, 20:53

That is a shame Hartside but I can understand why.

If you do say what you are replacing it with your will get a whole load of posts telling you how bad it will surely be so I wouldnt bother saying if I were you.

I am quite sure no matter what you get will never be as bad as your civic - good luck

Brodick · 12th December 2007, 21:14

I suppose I would be doing the same if we had as many problems as that
though don't think I would never buy another Honda somwhere down the line
especially as our 2007 CR-V is solid

Good Luck with whatever you get

Pottsy · 12th December 2007, 21:23

I think 2 good options are a Golf GTi or the new Focus. Better is some ways, worse in others. Yes, it's easy to lay into any car, but we are more grown up than that!

Topcat · 12th December 2007, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pottsy

Yes, it's easy to lay into any car, but we are more grown up than that!

Some are, some are not

3rd Honda · 12th December 2007, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hartside

Dealer and Honda UK finally win, they had my money, made a profit and couldn't fix my continually faulty car!

What a shame as I really liked the car, it's looks and the huge boot etc, but I just cannot be bothered with the constant too and fro to the dealership. HUK have been as useful as chocolate fireguards when I've contacted them! The whole experience has been totally spoiled by a shoddy product (in my case) and deplorable service.

I know exactly how you feel. The only difference in my case has been a helpful dealer - who seem to have little or no support from Honda UK.

I still have my Civic - but have been out and bought another car, and currently run the two, the Civic at least having the merits of being economical and nippy. However it is also/has also;
Noisy (road noise)
Poor ride
Poor heater (very slow to warm)
Poor radio
Poor hands free
Useless voice control
Generally poor build and materials
And likes to spend its time in the dealers

Nothing major has gone wrong, but it has had a load of minor faults, is underdeveloped, poorly built, and has poor materials that give a cheap feel to it.

Unless Honda really pull their socks up - I will be a previously loyal customer that defects next buy. I have previously strongly recommended Honda to people ...... now my advice would be ..... go elsewhere. - they are not the quality company that they were.

minisweeper · 12th December 2007, 22:09

I'm not sure I can agree with the road noise thing. After going to liverpool and back in a petrol car today (previous model golf)....christ was I glad to get out and get back into my lovely quiet diesel. 3.5-4.5krpm at motorway cruising speed just provides a constant drone where i'd be doing 2-2.5krpm and not even be able to hear the engine over the stereo (on volume 10). I also find the hands free much better since I updated my phone. Heater is average I would say and the rest I have no real trouble with.
Sorry to hear about all your faults!

3rd Honda · 12th December 2007, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by minisweeper

I'm not sure I can agree with the road noise thing. After going to liverpool and back in a petrol car today (previous model golf)....christ was I glad to get out and get back into my lovely quiet diesel.

I agree the engine is quiet (diesel very quiet, petrol so-so), but the tyre noise/road roar is poor - certainly much poorer than my two previous Hondas

smb09_1999 · 13th December 2007, 14:40

People, I work with Hartside and I know how sad he is to see the car go. Hes replacing it with a 1.9 diesel Alfa Romeo GT Blackline.

I'm looking forward to seeing it!

montana · 13th December 2007, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by smb09_1999

People, I work with Hartside and I know how sad he is to see the car go. Hes replacing it with a 1.9 diesel Alfa Romeo GT Blackline.

I'm looking forward to seeing it!

Beautiful car.

But the reliability better than a Honda, even a Friday afternoon one?

DeanFYoung · 13th December 2007, 16:15

Is that the special edition one? They look nice

Koen · 13th December 2007, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by montana

Beautiful car.

But the reliability better than a Honda, even a Friday afternoon one?

If it was a company car, I wouldn't mind it being an Alfa. Great cars, good value for money, pretty good engines (but nowhere near a Honda 2.2), and fabulous looks!
But indeed, I think they only work on fridays at Alfa Romeo...
On the other hand some of our fellow civic owners probably think the same about Honda, going by their personal experience.

K.

Jack The Lad. · 13th December 2007, 20:15

It's been pretty much set in stone over the years that - " One buys an Alfa with ones heart and not ones head".
Think its about time that they got their act together now though, as I have been tempted with a few, starting with the GTV and up to the present.
Just can't make the step, as the build and reliability is so bad in my O.

Hartside · 13th December 2007, 21:46

Quote:

If you do say what you are replacing it with your will get a whole load of posts telling you how bad it will surely be so I wouldnt bother saying if I were you.

You were right TC

Difference for me is that I am entering the world of Alfa expecting niggles, whereas I entered the world of Honda expecting none! Brought the Alfa home tonight and I love it, time will obviously tell though! Build quality on it is superb though and the finish excellent. And that Bose sound system...........ahhhhhhh

cb550 · 14th December 2007, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hartside

You were right TC

Difference for me is that I am entering the world of Alfa expecting niggles, whereas I entered the world of Honda expecting none! Brought the Alfa home tonight and I love it, time will obviously tell though! Build quality on it is superb though and the finish excellent. And that Bose sound system...........ahhhhhhh

Fancying the 16v diesel,and the promise of something a little different,I too bought my 147 with my eyes fairly wide open-result? easily one of the best cars I've owned;Rock solid feel/ build quality.The car cost me 2 annual services for 2 and a bit years of motoring.

The GT is a fantastic looking car

-hope you enjoy it

l-noel · 14th December 2007, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hartside

You were right TC

Difference for me is that I am entering the world of Alfa expecting niggles, whereas I entered the world of Honda expecting none! Brought the Alfa home tonight and I love it, time will obviously tell though! Build quality on it is superb though and the finish excellent. And that Bose sound system...........ahhhhhhh

Harstide,

You could have made a worst choice

... The Alfa GT was my other choice, but my wife prefer the Civic and the price was lower. Alfa quality (construction and reliability) has made huge progress during the last decade. You could always find a lemon like with any other manufacturer.

In my case Honda win the game and I dont regret it. But I still look at the Alfa GT when I cross one on the road

12th December 2007, 19:04	#1 (permalink)
Hartside Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 4th May 2006 Location: Northumberland Posts: 549 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Bye Bye Civic as well! Well, the Civic finally goes tomorrow! Dealer and Honda UK finally win, they had my money, made a profit and couldn't fix my continually faulty car! Flashing glow plug light (reset ecu) Flashing check system light (reset ecu) Flat Battery x2 Faulty satnav - 7 visits, still not fixed Knocking rear suspension - 4 visits, still not fixed Aircon smell - deoderised, 1 week later, stinks again Aircon goes red hot before controlling - fixed for 1 year then system deoderised, faulty again! ("can't find anything wrong sir!") Boot struts - 2 visits ("it's a design feature - to let the water drain!") - not fixed Dodgy Handbrake - next owner will get the fix! What a shame as I really liked the car, it's looks and the huge boot etc, but I just cannot be bothered with the constant too and fro to the dealership. HUK have been as useful as chocolate fireguards when I've contacted them! The whole experience has been totally spoiled by a shoddy product (in my case) and deplorable service. This experience has probably put me off Honda for life now. When I bought it I sat and spoke with my wife about the renowned engineering and reliability Honda were famous for. I even spoke about keeping the car beyond my normal 3 years with a car. Well, bye bye Honda and Civic after 19 months - it has really hurt the purse strings! I would like to say a fond farewell though as this site has been a great resource and help. A special thanks to Pottsy for starting and keeping this great site going. I wish you all well!

12th December 2007, 21:14	#7 (permalink)
Brodick Perfect Guy! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 2nd December 2006 Location: Central Scotland Posts: 1,651 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I suppose I would be doing the same if we had as many problems as that though don't think I would never buy another Honda somwhere down the line especially as our 2007 CR-V is solid Good Luck with whatever you get Last edited by Brodick; 12th December 2007 at 21:31.

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This thread is about: Bye Bye Civic as well!, it's in And goodbye at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Well, the Civic finally goes tomorrow! Dealer and Honda UK finally win, they had my money, made a profit and couldn't fix my continually faulty ...

12th December 2007, 19:19	#2 (permalink)
Jack The Lad. Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 28th August 2007 Location: ENGLAND Posts: 1,421 Thanks: 0 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Come back and tell us which car you finally decide upon Hartside. Best wishes mate.

12th December 2007, 19:46	#3 (permalink)
Bog Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 5th October 2006 Location: Romford, Essex Posts: 886 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Starting to become a common story! It seems the dealers have alot to answer for! If Honda do look at this, they should take note and get their heads out of the sand and do something about their appalling customer service.

12th December 2007, 20:13	#4 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo guru Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 4,760 Thanks: 7 Thanked 61 Times in 32 Posts	Hartside, good to have you here for the duration. Dare I ask what's replacing it?

12th December 2007, 20:29	#5 (permalink)
Munro Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 10th August 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,027 Thanks: 20 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	Sounds like you had bad luck with your car - maybe it was a Friday afternoon special. If anything serious goes wrong with a car I am always sceptical about car dealers ability to fix properly. Good luck with your next choice.

12th December 2007, 20:53	#6 (permalink)
Topcat Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 11th May 2006 Location: Middlesex Posts: 2,738 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	That is a shame Hartside but I can understand why. If you do say what you are replacing it with your will get a whole load of posts telling you how bad it will surely be so I wouldnt bother saying if I were you. I am quite sure no matter what you get will never be as bad as your civic - good luck

12th December 2007, 21:23	#8 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo guru Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 4,760 Thanks: 7 Thanked 61 Times in 32 Posts	I think 2 good options are a Golf GTi or the new Focus. Better is some ways, worse in others. Yes, it's easy to lay into any car, but we are more grown up than that!

12th December 2007, 22:09	#11 (permalink)
minisweeper Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 23rd June 2007 Posts: 190 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm not sure I can agree with the road noise thing. After going to liverpool and back in a petrol car today (previous model golf)....christ was I glad to get out and get back into my lovely quiet diesel. 3.5-4.5krpm at motorway cruising speed just provides a constant drone where i'd be doing 2-2.5krpm and not even be able to hear the engine over the stereo (on volume 10). I also find the hands free much better since I updated my phone. Heater is average I would say and the rest I have no real trouble with. Sorry to hear about all your faults!

13th December 2007, 14:40	#13 (permalink)
smb09_1999 Nneeaawwwwwwww Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 15th February 2007 Location: North East Posts: 367 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	People, I work with Hartside and I know how sad he is to see the car go. Hes replacing it with a 1.9 diesel Alfa Romeo GT Blackline. I'm looking forward to seeing it!

13th December 2007, 16:15	#15 (permalink)
DeanFYoung Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 19th June 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 473 Thanks: 6 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Is that the special edition one? They look nice

13th December 2007, 20:15	#17 (permalink)
Jack The Lad. Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 28th August 2007 Location: ENGLAND Posts: 1,421 Thanks: 0 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	It's been pretty much set in stone over the years that - " One buys an Alfa with ones heart and not ones head". Think its about time that they got their act together now though, as I have been tempted with a few, starting with the GTV and up to the present. Just can't make the step, as the build and reliability is so bad in my O.