My Test Drive

TB1 · 15th April 2007, 14:12

Just been back from my test drive of the Type S GT (Petrol)

We were able to take it out for a hour without the Dealer with us which was really nice because on all the other cars I have test driven just lately someone always has to come out with you and I find that it puts me off a bit as my driving is under scrutiny

Anyway, this was my first ever time driving a Honda and I really liked it, the gearbox was smooth and a joy to use, the climate control was nice and cold evan after 1hr as I know through having a good read of the posts on this site that it can be an issue.
The petrol cap worked

..there was a rattle from the rear which turned out to be the back seat not clicked back into postion from being folded down. The black dash had a few faint scratches, that was the first thing I noticed.

The quick right look over your shoulder when pulling out to another lane is not that good, I'm used to seeing a clear view from the side windows and this was a minus point against the car, that and from my seat postion the top of the middle section of readouts ( rev counter) was obscured by the top of the steering wheel. However I should imagine that I would soon adjust to a better seat postion if I bought the car.

One thing I have decided on that is it won't be a GT spec, I'm not keen on the glass roof and the Sun just pinged in and annoyed me when the blind was opened, the cruise control I know I wouldn't use ( something about a car that can drive itself! worries me..Herbie all over agian LOL, but thats just me I'm afraid

)..so it would be a the normal Type S spec.

I will take the Deisel version out at some point and do them both back to back for comparaison. ATM I'm in no rush to make a final decsion until the end of May

This site though is great for info, forarmed is forwarned

Brodick · 15th April 2007, 15:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB1

ATM I'm in no rush to make
a final decsion until the end of May

Good to hear you enjoyed your first new civic experience!!

You say you are in no rush - bare in mind that depending on your
colour choice, engine choice, options etc your car could take anything
for 7 days to 8 weeks - if not more

Type S Bournemouth · 15th April 2007, 15:03

i have the glass roof and thinks its amazing. Have no problem with the sun as its tinted anyway and blocks the sun.

Think you need to change your seat position. But i am 6ft 2 so thats probably why i dont have a problem.

I take it you went to horizon poole?

TB1 · 15th April 2007, 16:02

Yes,I went to Horizon Poole. They are only a few minutes walk away from where I live which is handy.
I'm 5ft 3 which may be my problem with the seat postition

The colour options I like are the NHB and SBlue, have been told thats its around 4 weeks ish, which is fine, I'm willing to wait evan if its 12 weeks as I've been looking at cars since last August LOL

czechplastik · 15th April 2007, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB1

Yes,I went to Horizon Poole. They are only a few minutes walk away from where I live which is handy.
I'm 5ft 3 which may be my problem with the seat postition

The colour options I like are the NHB and SBlue, have been told thats its around 4 weeks ish, which is fine, I'm willing to wait evan if its 12 weeks as I've been looking at cars since last August LOL

Wow that's thorough! What other cars have you looked at?

Type S Bournemouth · 15th April 2007, 16:22

horizon christchurch i found alot better than horizon poole.

stew190864 · 15th April 2007, 16:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB1

Just been back from my test drive of the Type S GT (Petrol)

Just ordered my TypeS GT 2.2 in NHB with SATNAV and it's a 13 week wait at the moment.

Like you, i'd like to have it without the sunroof as it looks to me that it adds a lot of unnecessary weight but want the other GT options too much!

Type S Bournemouth · 15th April 2007, 18:05

once you have to roof you will realise how good it is

Dawson · 15th April 2007, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type S Bournemouth

once you have to roof you will realise how good it is

I'm not convinced. What exactly do you use it for?

TB1 · 15th April 2007, 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by czechplastik

Wow that's thorough! What other cars have you looked at?

Bearing in mind its a 3 door car I'm after as we already have a 5 door car.
Criteria:
Access to get a 2.5yr old in the back easily is a must.
Good on fuel, anything over 30mpg is good compared to our Subaru.
Nippy, but not stupidly fast ( see above)
Needs to look good but not to much attention seeking

So I have looked at

Golf GT.. Handles really well, chuckable, very quick as its super and turbo charged. Not really easy access for rear passengers as the seat can be stiff to push back. Good standard spec although some not necessary.

Golf Sport .. Slower version of the above and cheaper.

Audi A3.. Again seat action for rear passengers not that good but then its the same as the Golf inside nearly. Really like this but very expensive and I would have to spend nearly 20k to get a nippy one

Mazda 3.. Cheap looking interior compared to other cars of its class, I know its a 5 dr but I've owned Mazda's before in the past so I thought I would take a look. Not on my shortlist.

Corsa / Astra the new shape, look very nice but the seat action was complete full stop and back wards on both cars, if it takes me longer than a few seconds to figure it out and get it working its no good, evan the Salesguy had a problem trying to get the seat to slide forward.

Other half says there isn't a car thats been made for me yet LOL, but I think the Honda may be the one.
Its very easy to get into the back seats, plenty of room from the passenger side to strap a kiddie in the back ( more room than all the cars above) and it ticks all the boxes in other areas for me

I'm, probably more picky this time round as I used to have a MINI, that had more warranty work in 12 months than I had hot dinners and was glad to see the back of it, never again BMW!

Thanks for reading and for all your helpful info and advice

czechplastik · 15th April 2007, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB1

Bearing in mind its a 3 door car I'm after as we already have a 5 door car.

The 5 door has the looks of a 3 and is more practical, don't know why you are ruling it out.

TB1 · 15th April 2007, 18:53

Probably because I'm blonde, a girl and a bit daft

czechplastik · 15th April 2007, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB1

Probably because I'm blonde, a girl and a bit daft

I guess that's a pretty good excuse!

Type S Bournemouth · 15th April 2007, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by czechplastik

The 5 door has the looks of a 3 and is more practical, don't know why you are ruling it out.

cant agree that the 5dr has the looks of the 3 door.

Type S Bournemouth · 15th April 2007, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawson

I'm not convinced. What exactly do you use it for?

makes the car feel bigger, allows more light in and just makes it feel extra special when sat inside.

czechplastik · 15th April 2007, 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type S Bournemouth

cant agree that the 5dr has the looks of the 3 door.

Thats not what I said.

Compared to other cars.

Pottsy · 15th April 2007, 19:39

TB1, welcome!

The three door is excellent for the little fella/lady in the back - having discussed and tried both the 3 and 5 door with a friend, it's possibly easier to do the strapping in with the 3 door. The 3 door handles better, and possibly looks a little sharper too.

The steering wheel adjusts up and down (as well as in and out), specifically so you can position the top of the rim where it doesn't obscure anything.

The big visibility problem is the A pillar - and I find it at its worst when going round roundabouts. But you get used to it. The wing mirrors are excellent, but need to be positioned correctly and the correct position isn't the obvious one. They need to be out and down more than you think, and this removes the need for most over the shoulder glances. In fact, looking over the shoulder is often a bit duff, given that the C pillars are wide enough to obscure an entire planet...

I would strongly suggest you drive the diesel before you decide - it has a wonderful silky smooth engine, and a really light and precise gearbox. I love it (and I come from a world of German cars).

Finally, cool username. We are overrun with Thunderbirds here, and the little lad (4) knows all the episodes.

Pottsy

Obo · 15th April 2007, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB1

Bearing in mind its a 3 door car I'm after as we already have a 5 door car.

Welcome TB1
The above comment completely confused me why do you want a 3 door? Given the choice if you had the exact criteria you were looking for but had to choose between a 3 door and a 5 door both exact same spec (on any car not just the civic) why would you want a 3 door when you have a small child?

Pottsy · 15th April 2007, 20:30

Because the seats on a 5 door don't come forward. When you put the child in in the 3 door, you create the space you need in front of the child, to plonk him in and strap him up. The 5 door (mine) has a narrow aperture and everything is done from the side.

I didn't believe this until MC Hammer (and MCH junior) did a little demo for me. I also felt down because MCH junior has a rather upmarket seat with wrap around headphones, whereas our tiny navigator just gets a regular Britax.

Attachment 1028 (Britax)
Attachment 443 (Funky ICE seat - on left)

Obo · 15th April 2007, 22:48

I have 2 nephews aged 5 and 7 and regularly take them and their seats in and out of the car I find it much easier getting them in and out of a five door car as opposed to a 3 door (my mum has had 2x 3 doors since they've been around). obviously Ive not got the civic yet but time will tell on this I guess.

The worse thing of all with a 3 door is getting the mother in law in and out you can guarantee she'd scratch and scuff the seats and door trims with her hoofs!

15th April 2007, 14:12	#1 (permalink)
TB1 Join Date: 7th April 2007 Location: Poole, Dorset Posts: 13 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	My Test Drive Just been back from my test drive of the Type S GT (Petrol) We were able to take it out for a hour without the Dealer with us which was really nice because on all the other cars I have test driven just lately someone always has to come out with you and I find that it puts me off a bit as my driving is under scrutiny Anyway, this was my first ever time driving a Honda and I really liked it, the gearbox was smooth and a joy to use, the climate control was nice and cold evan after 1hr as I know through having a good read of the posts on this site that it can be an issue. The petrol cap worked ..there was a rattle from the rear which turned out to be the back seat not clicked back into postion from being folded down. The black dash had a few faint scratches, that was the first thing I noticed. The quick right look over your shoulder when pulling out to another lane is not that good, I'm used to seeing a clear view from the side windows and this was a minus point against the car, that and from my seat postion the top of the middle section of readouts ( rev counter) was obscured by the top of the steering wheel. However I should imagine that I would soon adjust to a better seat postion if I bought the car. One thing I have decided on that is it won't be a GT spec, I'm not keen on the glass roof and the Sun just pinged in and annoyed me when the blind was opened, the cruise control I know I wouldn't use ( something about a car that can drive itself! worries me..Herbie all over agian LOL, but thats just me I'm afraid )..so it would be a the normal Type S spec. I will take the Deisel version out at some point and do them both back to back for comparaison. ATM I'm in no rush to make a final decsion until the end of May This site though is great for info, forarmed is forwarned

Similar Threads for: My Test Drive
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Test Drive	Essexboy	General commercial posts	14	30th August 2007 11:49
Transmission Test drive	SuprUsr	Engines and Transmission	8	30th July 2007 23:18
test drive	shrimpman	Type-R	9	8th April 2007 23:09
Test Drive!!	Twinkle	Introduce yourself	18	15th March 2007 19:51
test drive	vtech15	General Discussion	8	12th December 2006 00:09

15th April 2007, 15:03	#3 (permalink)
Type S Bournemouth Supporter Join Date: 3rd October 2006 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 1,040 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	i have the glass roof and thinks its amazing. Have no problem with the sun as its tinted anyway and blocks the sun. Think you need to change your seat position. But i am 6ft 2 so thats probably why i dont have a problem. I take it you went to horizon poole?

15th April 2007, 16:02	#4 (permalink)
TB1 Thread starter Join Date: 7th April 2007 Location: Poole, Dorset Posts: 13 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Yes,I went to Horizon Poole. They are only a few minutes walk away from where I live which is handy. I'm 5ft 3 which may be my problem with the seat postition The colour options I like are the NHB and SBlue, have been told thats its around 4 weeks ish, which is fine, I'm willing to wait evan if its 12 weeks as I've been looking at cars since last August LOL

15th April 2007, 16:22	#6 (permalink)
Type S Bournemouth Supporter Join Date: 3rd October 2006 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 1,040 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	horizon christchurch i found alot better than horizon poole.

15th April 2007, 18:05	#8 (permalink)
Type S Bournemouth Supporter Join Date: 3rd October 2006 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 1,040 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	once you have to roof you will realise how good it is

15th April 2007, 18:53	#12 (permalink)
TB1 Thread starter Join Date: 7th April 2007 Location: Poole, Dorset Posts: 13 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Probably because I'm blonde, a girl and a bit daft

15th April 2007, 19:39	#17 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Car: Jag XF 3.0 Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 12,337 Thanks given: 127 Thanked 2,268 Times in 775 Posts iTrader: (0)	TB1, welcome! The three door is excellent for the little fella/lady in the back - having discussed and tried both the 3 and 5 door with a friend, it's possibly easier to do the strapping in with the 3 door. The 3 door handles better, and possibly looks a little sharper too. The steering wheel adjusts up and down (as well as in and out), specifically so you can position the top of the rim where it doesn't obscure anything. The big visibility problem is the A pillar - and I find it at its worst when going round roundabouts. But you get used to it. The wing mirrors are excellent, but need to be positioned correctly and the correct position isn't the obvious one. They need to be out and down more than you think, and this removes the need for most over the shoulder glances. In fact, looking over the shoulder is often a bit duff, given that the C pillars are wide enough to obscure an entire planet... I would strongly suggest you drive the diesel before you decide - it has a wonderful silky smooth engine, and a really light and precise gearbox. I love it (and I come from a world of German cars). Finally, cool username. We are overrun with Thunderbirds here, and the little lad (4) knows all the episodes. Pottsy

15th April 2007, 20:30	#19 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Car: Jag XF 3.0 Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 12,337 Thanks given: 127 Thanked 2,268 Times in 775 Posts iTrader: (0)	Because the seats on a 5 door don't come forward. When you put the child in in the 3 door, you create the space you need in front of the child, to plonk him in and strap him up. The 5 door (mine) has a narrow aperture and everything is done from the side. I didn't believe this until MC Hammer (and MCH junior) did a little demo for me. I also felt down because MCH junior has a rather upmarket seat with wrap around headphones, whereas our tiny navigator just gets a regular Britax. Attachment 1028 (Britax) Attachment 443 (Funky ICE seat - on left)

15th April 2007, 22:48	#20 (permalink)
Obo Rusty Nut! Join Date: 15th March 2007 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 614 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I have 2 nephews aged 5 and 7 and regularly take them and their seats in and out of the car I find it much easier getting them in and out of a five door car as opposed to a 3 door (my mum has had 2x 3 doors since they've been around). obviously Ive not got the civic yet but time will tell on this I guess. The worse thing of all with a 3 door is getting the mother in law in and out you can guarantee she'd scratch and scuff the seats and door trims with her hoofs!