Honda Civics. Hmmm..
When my friend said he was putting his 1997 1.4i 3door Civic in as part-exchange for his new MG (boy racer!) and did I want to buy it.. I thought "but isn't that just an old-man car?".
At the time, I was 22, driving a 5 door non-turbo diesel Escort (biggest mistake ... Read review
Advantages: Comfort, standard options are often additional extras on other vehiclesother Disadvantages: Service costs and lack of boot space!
Honda Civics. Hmmm..
When my friend said he was putting his 1997 1.4i 3door Civic in as part-exchange for his new MG (boy racer!) and did I want to buy it.. I thought "but isn't that just an old-man car?".
At the time, I was 22, driving a 5 door non-turbo diesel Escort (biggest mistake of my car-owning history) and looking to change cars. I'd just moved nearer work and didn't want the smokey diesel any more, ... ...my Escort, my basic 1.4i Honda Civic is equipped with (extra to the Escort):
Electric windows
Remote Central Locking
Immobiliser
Electric Sunroof
Electric wing mirrors
All very nice things to have, I'm sure you'll agree.
A quick search on the Parker's Owner's Guide gave me the vital information I needed: the insurance group was an insurance group 7 - which may have been a little high ... more
Honda Civics. Hmmm..
When my friend said he was putting his 1997 1.4i 3door Civic in as part-exchange for his new MG (boy racer!) and did I want to buy it.. I thought "but isn't that just an old-man car?".
At the time, I was 22, driving a 5 door non-turbo diesel Escort (biggest mistake of my car-owning history) and looking to change cars. I'd just moved nearer work and didn't want the smokey diesel any more, so I agreed to have a look.
As far as 3door hatchbacks go, it's a beauty.. it's low (which gives it that sporty feel), it has a rear spolier as standard and although mine is one of the most basic models, it's got a lot to offer. One thing my father mentioned to me when I said I was thinking of going Japanese was "you get a helluva lot of extras as standard".
He wasn't wrong.
In comparison to my Escort, my basic 1.4i Honda Civic is equipped with (extra to the Escort): Electric windows Remote Central Locking Immobiliser Electric Sunroof Electric wing mirrors
All very nice things to have, I'm sure you'll agree.
A quick search on the Parker's Owner's Guide gave me the vital information I needed: the insurance group was an insurance group 7 - which may have been a little high given that a Vauxhall Astra 1.8i or 2.0 DTI is classed in the same category. However, with 4years NCB and no accidents, my fully-comprehensive insurance came out at £460 (NCB protected).
In other reviews I've seen, the general consensus is that these cars are very low. I quite like being low to the ground (I drove around in a 1990 Mini Cooper for some time!).. but why these cars are favoured by old men baffles me - surely they'd struggle getting in and out? Oh well, each to their own.
The interior is fairly basic - but everything you need is within reach and easy to use. I particularly advocate Honda's use of buttons to select the air flow - all other cars I've seen use silly dials that take ages to fiddle with. One press of the button and you've got the "blowers" (technical term, that) directing wherever you want. The speedos etc are very clear and easy-to-read.
One thing that Honda did improve is their habit of changing the indicators around to the standard English way. Another friend of mine has a 1995 Honda Civic (the shape prior to mine) and the indicators are on the right stalk which is a little odd. Honda saw fit to change them back to the left hand side by the 1996 overhaul of the Civic. The right stalk doesn't move (odd) - and the windscreen wipers are controlled by two twisty switches on the end of the right stalk, which can get irritating at times, but you get used to it!
My only gripe is my lack of boot space, but there again I was going for a Hatchback so I knew that I'd reduce my boot space from previous cars. It's not all bad - the parcel shelf pops out easily and the back seats fold down so its easy to carry bigger items.
Performance, well, I can't complain really for the 1.4i - It's pretty quick off the mark and willing to accelerate happily when you want it to. It doesn't really complain on large hills (except when carrying 5 people when it can struggle) but all in all it's pretty damn fine.
As with all Hondas - the servicing costs are expensive, so I've opted to get mine serviced at a local garage for a little less. The service intervals are a little niggly too - interim services every 6000 miles and majors every 12 means that with me covering around 12K a year I'm paying out at least twice a year in servicing.
That said, I've not had to pay anything else out, other than the usual tyres and exhaust. Another factor in me considering the Honda was their reputation for reliability and I have to say that I cannot fault the car in any aspect whatsoever.
A year down the line and I'm coming up for my second insurance renewal. Initial prices so far for me with full NCB is looking to be £400-450 again, but over this last year I've fallen in love with my Civic and I'm prepared to pay for the pleasure of owning him!
I've also got my sights set on the new three-door Civic, I see that Honda have finally released a Diesel version so my cash is being stashed for an upgrade to either the Diesel or the 1.6SE in a few years' time. That said, I'm also sorely tempted by the Type-R...
What I would say to any potential buyers is - have a look, take it out for a drive and enjoy the car. Don't worry about the old-man image, it can serve to aid you in that potential thieves are deterred from owning an 'old man car'. Things are changing though - when I bought mine there weren't many on the road, but now I seen plenty of them, including the souped-up Boy Racer versions of the 1.6 Vtec! ;-)
I have to say though - now I've turned Japanese; I won't be turning back!!
Advantages: Very reliable, good engine, comfortable ride, good interiors, looks good, holds value reasonably well Disadvantages: Some see as 'old persons' car, can be too low for some people, expensive services from Honda garages
...we came across a blue Honda Civic 1.4 16v on a private sale from an honest looking couple. Now I thought 'Bit of an old mans car to be fair' - and I could not have been more wrong! The curves of the Civic are very aesthetically pleasing and the test drive put my thoughts to shame! The engine was quiet, the ride was smooth and the interior was comfortable and clean. I was also shocked by the kick of the small engine - aided by the 16v - and all in ... ...with the Civic are the expensive Honda services - I was once recently quoted £256 for the full service before they even thought about doing anything else on the car if need be. But I guess if the cars never go wrong then they need the money from somewhere!! ...
Dickie_3_quiffs 26.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Honda Civic 1.4i
Advantages: Attractive style, nice revisions Disadvantages: A bit too conservative
...and say "Andy, what do Honda make?" I would same "Motorbikes, silly!" I would not automatically say "Cars". I was watching a programme last night and discovered they are the leader in the Outboard boat engine market too! Honda claims not to do things by halves - and it's hard to argue. Some Manufacturesrs build sports coupes, Honda makes the legendary NSX supercar. Where others provide diesels, Honda has VTEC petrol power and where others offer small ... ...is quite a long time.
Honda has recently introduced a new Sport trim grade for the three-door hatch. It now has alloy wheels and a leather-rimmed steering.
As mentioned earlier, equipment levels are good, with all models featuring driver and passenger airbags and seatbelt pretensioners as well as an immobiliser. Anti-lock brakes, electric windows, air conditioning, a sunroof and power steering are standard on most models too. The prices remain ...
andycharger 06.02.2002 (18.11.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Honda Civic 1.4i
Advantages: Build quality, economy, perky engine Disadvantages: small glove box, non colour-coded exterior parts
Having bought a Honda civic 1.4 E from new, having had a vauxhall corsa 1.2 beforehand, I was extremely excited at the prospect of Honda ownership. In terms of looks, the civic is a great looking car and at a very reasonable price of £10,500 (pre-registered with delivery miles) I was very happy to be signing on the dotted line.
The car itself is a nippy little number - significantly more so than the corsa 1.2 I had previously. The engine likes to ... ...the highly capable technicians at Honda and there were no related problems thereafter. Honda delaers, or at least those I've dealt with, are generally good in terms of price and customer service, however, if you can find a private garage authorised to stamp your service book, you'll save loads - guaranteed!
Before fitting aftermarket wheels, I found the standard wheels to be great at soaking up bumps and pot holes on the road and road noise was ...
The_Honest_Truth2006 03.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Honda Civic 1.4i
Advantages: Good sporty look, Reliable and stylish interior Disadvantages: Really big doors!
I recently purchaseda Haond Civic 1.4 Vision which had been kitted out by the dealer to look like a R Type.
When in the showrrom I actually though it was a R Type and coulnt believe the price (£11999) Ex Demo Model. This was great as although I would love an R Type my bank-manager wouldnt!
The Model I puchased was from teh Vision Range, 3 Door, 1.4 engine.
Since tehn (about 2 years ago) I have seen Honda's sold as Civic SPORTS, which are basically ... ...on the back.
The car is fantastic and the cental gear stick on the dash is really easy to use, if a little strange at first. Handles really well , not to light, not too heavy. Im not a car nut and so dont know the specifics of the car but did enquire as to what the change in looks would cost if requested on a normal 1.4 civic Vision?
£1500 was the answer I recieved and this includes, skirts, spoiler, low front bumper. Also 17" wheels, Fox evo 4's ...
wompie99 26.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Honda Civic 1.4i
Advantages: Reliability and comfort come as standard Disadvantages: relatively expensive dealer services
...I bought a 1999 Honda Civic 1.4i in June after owning my previous car, a Vauxhall Astra for 5 years. I paid £7995 for an ex management vehicle with just 13,000 on the clock. It was in near A1 condition, both inside and outside. I was also given a full 3 year guarantee.
I had never previously thought of buyng a 'Foreign' car, but an offer by my local dealer made me take a look. I was certainly impressed by what I saw. The car was clean, well equipped ... ...was impressive to say the least. I had never driven in such comfort and was surprised at how quiet the car was. My mind was made up and I decided to go ahead with the purchase.
5 months and 10,000 miles later, the car still runs as it did on the first day. It has been very reliable with no problems. I have returned the car to the dealer once due to a slight rumbling noise. They knew exactly what was the cause and within one hour, I was back on the ...
WFCfan 11.11.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Honda Civic 1.4i
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Advantages: Loads of information Disadvantages: Not easy to find information which you are looking for
In my pursuit to locate a user manual for my hondacivic1.4 Lsi Automatic, I finally located it on the honda website. The URL is
http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/CivicManual/index.html
The home page contains links for cars, motorcycles, power equipment, news, store, corporate, racing. You can book a service on this site, test drive, request brochures, and search for dealers near your location.
I have not used the authorised dealer for servicing my car, since its always expensive. Even the honda parts are expensive but like all other japanese cars they are very reliable.
Recalls and Updates
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In this section, you can enter your VIN or vehicle information number and find out whether there are any identified manufacturing defect for your vehicle which have been recalled by the company. I tried this out ...
bpg2504 26.02.2005 (27.02.2005)
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Advantages: Fuel Economy, Overall Engine Performance Disadvantages: Estra Cost over standard unleaded
I have recently bought the new HondaCivic 2006 (1.8 SE I-Vtec).
Since march the first I have filled up the tank about 4 times (using standard unleaded - mostly from Sainsbury's!!!)
My father in law suggested trying out Optimax when I next fill up (he drives a BMW 320 SE). The main reason was to help maintain the engine - he suggested every 3 re-fills fill up with optimax. We both didnt envisage any performance enhancements by using optimax.
However,
When I usually fill using "normal" unleaded, the tripp computer notifies me that I have about 390 miles to my next fill up (after about 5 miles driving). But by the time iI got to work yesterday, the trip computer was saying I had 449 miles till my next fill up!!!
Also, around town Im averaging 40mg as opposed to approx 36mpg with the normall unleaded.
Hopefully ...
