Opinions on the Civic 1.6i VTEC Sport please

kPATm

kPATm

kPATm

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Im thinking of getting a 1.6i VTEC as my previous car ( Subaru Legacy GX) was written of at the beginning of the year

Now I dont know much about these cars at all. My uncle has one and I really like the look of them so I have a few questions if you dont mind

I know its a Honda but just how reliable are these 1.6i VTEC's? Is there anything/things that are prone to failing?

What are the running costs and repair/spairs costs like?

I like to have the timing belt on my new cars changed if there is no proof that it already has, so how much is a timing belt/water pump change on these cars?


I have seen this

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-civic-sport-16-vtec-2003-03-plate/100610568


I have a budget of about £2k that I MAY be able to push to £2.5k

Thanks for the help
 
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Note that the "Sport" name is simply a trim level, it's not a higher performance derivative.

Generally a very reliable car with low running costs. Engine is a Honda D16 variant so very strong and reliable. The engine has a timing belt with a change interval of 72k miles or 8 years, so it should have been done on the example you are looking at. No idea on costs, but it's not a hard engine to work on, so it shouldn't be ridiculous.

The gearboxes suffered from noisy bearings in some cars, so make sure there are no nasty noises when driving it.

An older chap at work has had a non-sport 1.6 from new and treats it like ****, barely a straight panel on it and is hardly ever serviced yet is still soldiering on with 160k miles on it.
 
If you have a look here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18270944

There is nothing but praise for the 1.6 version apart from a few small common issues.

One thing to note is your trim level - the vtec sport is the one with the side skirts, rear spoiler(I think) and twin tailpipes that makes it look a little closer to a Type-R thus more desirable for younger folks.
Watch out for any mayo under the oil cap or any other signs of it being thrashed within an inch of it's life!

Good luck buying one, they are great little cars.
 
I have owned my sport ep2 for 2 and a half years now, I have not had a single problem with it, its currently on 78k on the clock. And hasnt cost me a penny other then servicing and petrol. Its not the fastest car on the road, but does look very very good imo, and only reason i could see to get rid of it would be for the type R, as i absolutely love mine, just wish it had some more power.

Having said that though, mine is not your average car, its got full honda service history (9) stamps, totaly scratch and dent free, and has been looked after to a very high standard. So as for the one you are looking at, i cannot say but if its anything like mine you cant go wrong.

Mine is the facelift version on a 55 plate, which was one of the last one of these to be made, which look a lot better imo then the one you are looking at, if you can stretch a bit more get the facelift version, as they are more desirable.

I paid £6500 for mine 2.5 years ago from a honda main dealer with 1 owner, but i wanted the best example i could find, and that was it, for now, i guess i would be looking at around £3.5k - £4k private, and £2.8k - £3k trade in so i have lost a fair bit but im still enjoying the car so cant complain!
 
Spunkey said:
^ The TypeR style side skirts/spoiler etc Sport only applies to the 04-on facelifted version.
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I believe the only difference style wise between the type r and sport, is the alloys, and spoiler, even the pre facelift sport had the body kit and side skirts, just lacked the type r alloys and spoiler.
 
Some good info there thanks a lot. So does £2.2k sound a good price for a 1.6i with 116k sound ok providing its in good condition of course?
 
It doesn't look a bad price, i'm sure you'll get it for £2k if it's suitable too. A friend has a 5 door 1.6 and it's a good car if pretty uninspiring, always been impressed with it overall.
 
I wouldn't be offering 2.2k for it;)

I will probably try and get it for £1800/£1900 IF I like it
 
kPATm said:
I wouldn't be offering 2.2k for it;)

I will probably try and get it for £1800/£1900 IF I like it
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Ditto, not worth 2.2k IMO, I'd be happy to pay around 1800, but I'd like at the same era Toyota Corolla, they look nicer, but generally similar to each other, good alternative.
 
I have one of these currently (2005 1.6 Sport), have done since October 2007.

I've done 50k miles in it (now upto 85k) and other than replacing an indicator relay its just cost me petrol and servicing (did the came belt and major service last year for under £600 - got the main dealer to match a local garage price on it)... nice little car - other than getting a bit bored of it now (would like some more power) its a great little run about.

just get one which has been service regularly and had the cam belt done and you should be all good!
 
Can anyone tell me if a double din can fit in the dash of one of these without any fuss?
 
What generation is the car I linked to?

Ah I think its a 7th Gen?
 
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Fair enough.

OK not long until I see the car. So is the fact it has done 116k not really a problem providing it has been well looked after?
 
kPATm said:
Fair enough.

OK not long until I see the car. So is the fact it has done 116k not really a problem providing it has been well looked after?
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Not at all. I have a Civic Sport 04 plate with 111k on it and the engine is fine. The gearboxes can be an issue with people finding it difficult to change between 1-2 and a whirring sound when the clutch is up, the whirring is not much of a problem but if you find it difficult to change gear then walk away.

In general though the 1.6 civic has solid build quality, nice ride quality and looks really good, especially for a young lad like my self :)

As for price 2.2k would be good for this
 
kPATm said:
Wow. Nearly £50 for what is a bit of plastic. Nothing cheaper about?
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It's not just a bit of plastic, it's the metal cage to hold the head unit. Granted it's not cheap, but that's economies of scale as I doubt they sell many of these.

If you search for the Autoleads part number (DFPK-15-03S) there are a few slightly cheaper places, e.g. £40 here, or you can get the fascia and the wiring adapters (Civic wiring loom doesn't have DIN connectors) for £45 on eBay.
 
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