Civic for the wife

BinnsY

BinnsY

BinnsY

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Joined
19 May 2009
Posts
1,511
Location
Nottingham
Hi All,

So its finally time for my wife to change her car from her aging 2005 Nissan Micra that shes had for over 5 years and was also her first car.

We've already taken a tour of a car supermarket and done lots of digging on auto trader to work out what cars she likes and we are ultimately set on the 2009+ Honda Civic. She has tried things like the Ford Focus and ultimately prefers the Civic so other models aren't really a consideration at this point.

I've been trawling the spec lists and trying to work out what variant we should go for and I've decided that our ideal model is probably an EX GT as these have everything, but in truth the ES GT would also do the job. We are open to the idea of having a non GT variant as well but it isn't the top preference as the better stereo and other bits would be a nice bonus.

We are planning to have a look at this one this weekend and I was wondering what others thoughts are?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201610148784019

In terms of usage she probably does around 10-12000 miles a year which is mainly on 70mph A roads so the diesel certainly isn't a necessity (and in truth I'm a big petrol fan) but I'm under the impression that the diesel engine in the Civic is probably a better option than the equivalent 1.8 petrol. (And trying to find petrol EX GT's seems impossible).

Is there anything obvious I should be looking for on these? I understand clutches are a weak point but is there anything else I've missed or should be considering?

Thanks
 
Clutch definitely a weak point. Prices range from 400-1300 depending on what (clutch/DMF combo or clutch only) and who did the job. Mine costed 1300 for clutch/DMF by a dealer. Probbly too expensive but its done now.

Since you are looking at ES/EX models, the roof shade can sometimes get stuck when opening and closing. Seems to be a defect in the rails or something. Pain to replace according to the guides I have been reading so I just 'help' the mechanism by pushing or pulling it.

Hesitation on some diesels might be caused by a clogged EGR valve. Can be DIY'd

Aircon might stop working due to a fault relay.

Reversing takes time to get used to. Should not be a problem on EX as that has sensors.

Thats some of the issues I have encountered on my 2010 civic ES

Have a read on this forum http://www.civinfo.com/ very good resources for the 8g Civic
 
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Thats great, thanks very much.

Is the roof slide automatic and when you say help you just give it a little nudge? If so that doesnt sound like the worst thing in the world but I'll definitely give it a double check.

I've had to deal with EGR valves on an Astra in the past and that was a bit frustrating but good to know it can be DIY'd at least.

I'll make sure to give the Aircon a test as this was on my list as well.

When you say reversing takes time to get used to I assume that's because of the split rear windscreen you mean?
 
Yea the split screen rear window is a bit awkward at first but you will get used to it.

Yea I just nudge the roof shade a bit to help it.
 
I have the 1.8 petrol. It is very efficient at motorway speeds at part throttle. I have gotten a calculated 50+MPG on longer motorway journeys with only me in it.

Check the folding door mirrors work, although that is a very cheap fix.
 
You don't need a diesel so avoid it if you want to avoid diesel engine related issues!

The 1.8 is a lovely trouble free engine and will be perfectly fine for her use and can average real world 45mpg.
 
lemonade said:
You don't need a diesel so avoid it if you want to avoid diesel engine related issues!

The 1.8 is a lovely trouble free engine and will be perfectly fine for her use and can average real world 45mpg.
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Whilst I generally agree with this it seems that in the real world the Diesel is the better option of the non Type-R civic from this era? I understand it's a slightly older design and doesnt have many of the same pitfalls as most modern diesels?
 
BinnsY said:
Whilst I generally agree with this it seems that in the real world the Diesel is the better option of the non Type-R civic from this era? I understand it's a slightly older design and doesnt have many of the same pitfalls as most modern diesels?
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Depends on type of driving. Short trips, the 1.8 will have better MPG.

The 2.2 can do 60mpg on a motorway run. I've had mine for 4 years for 30k miles (now on 75k miles) and it's only needed servicing. No clutch issues.
 
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BinnsY said:
Whilst I generally agree with this it seems that in the real world the Diesel is the better option of the non Type-R civic from this era? I understand it's a slightly older design and doesnt have many of the same pitfalls as most modern diesels?
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I can give another thumbs up for the 1.8 petrol, I get ~55 mpg (from trip computer) on long motorway runs, and usually average around 40-45 on my mixed commute.

When I was doing my research, it appeared that there wasn't much in it between the engines, the diesel is marginally faster, and obviously gets better economy, but potentially can have clutch issues. Equivalent age/mileage/spec/condition diesels were also about 20% more expensive than petrol when I was looking
 
I had a 07 2.2 CDTI ES, was nice except the clutch slip. Reading the forums it is a case of when not if the clutch (caused by flywheel) will go in these.

Also the diesel can suffer from cracked manifold (expensive).

Also, if getting the panoramic roof be aware that after a while it is just a gimic and seems to make the car get hot in the summer (cover doesn't really stop the heat that well), also if you get a stone chip it costs a fortune to replace and often isn't covered under cars windscreen cover.
 
I think the manifold issue was resolved from 2009 or was it 10 onwards. I remember reading for signs about it.

Strong diesel fumes inside were one of the obvious ones
 
Richard_16v said:
Also, if getting the panoramic roof be aware that after a while it is just a gimic and seems to make the car get hot in the summer (cover doesn't really stop the heat that well), also if you get a stone chip it costs a fortune to replace and often isn't covered under cars windscreen cover.
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Can't say I've had that issue, but it can make carrying bikes on the car a pain, as I believe you can't use the rear carriers due to the boot lid being plastic
 
Get the petrol, the clutch on the diesel isn't worth the trouble, the performance difference is nill. I only got 3 years of driving like a saint before mine gave up and needed replaced, it had a brand new clutch and flywheel from the dealer when I bought it too.
 
100% check on civinfo mate :) nice bunch on there

I was looking at the Type S GT, nice cars.
the one thing that always put me off was the rear windo looking absolutley cack.
However, after driving one, it's of no concern whatsoever.

the 2.2 does indeed map well and I think apto 170-180 before an uprated clutch is needed. I drove botht eh 1.8 and the 2.2 and must say I far preferred the 2.2

I also test drove a Mazda 2 2.2, the Sport 185bhp version.
Felt absolutely gutless compared to the 2.2 civic.

Look for as close to 09 as possible and you should be able to get one with the newer clutch, a few facelift bits n bobs, colour coded body work and Avoid the DPF.

The GT was my preferred trim too as the GT-T replaced the head unit and moved the satnav too far down the dash for my liking.

Plenty toys and you should be able to pickup a decent example quite cheap, with high mileage examples as long as they have FSH then I'd not be toow ary of the mileage.
The type S has a wider track iirc and different suspension, do test drive it first as at times they can be a bit crashy
 
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~Divine~Wind~ said:
The type S has a wider track iirc and different suspension, do test drive it first as at times they can be a bit crashy
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This is a good point actually - a lot of stuff I read online recommended the smaller 16" wheels as the ride can be pretty harsh otherwise - got to agree with that, bigger potholes feel like driving on solid wooden wheels sometimes!
 
My mum has had a 1.8 from new ~5 years ago, MPG is around 42 on average for her. Mostly B and A roads. With occasional motorway driving.
 
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