2006/2007 Honda Civic

Rigador

Hi all,

I haven't posted in the motor thread before and so someone who doesn't know a lot about cars, I am looking for some advice regarding a prospective car purchase

Have set my eyes on a Honda Civic, but I find that when I try to research the car online, I can't find much about the specifications for Irish models of the car - the specs are all UK/USA and sure what I'm looking at might not necessarily be available here.

From what I can gather, the 1.4 is standarly lower spec than the 1.8. Is this correct?? Had a spin in a 1.8 and fell in love with it, but am thinking of going for the 1.4 as it would more friendly on my pocket, or so I'm told.

If I went for the 1.4, what would I have to sacrifice in terms of standard specifications?

Also - has anyone driven both the 1.4 and 1.8 and if so, how drastic is the difference in fuel consumption? I will be driving a round trip from Citywest to the Airport 5 days a week in it so want something that's going to move when I need it to but worried the 1.8 will work out too expensive on fuel.

Any advice anyone has as regards either model would be much appreciated!

Thanks folks!

si_guru

My sister-in-law has a 2008 1.4 Civic and it is lovely.

It has AC and what I think is Alcantara trim and from what I can see only misses alloys (meh) and the triangle exhausts.

Rigador

I could have sworn any of the 1.4's I've looked at online have the triangle exhausts?? Must double check that so! Thanks a mill!

The alloys would actually be a big thing for me - the standard ones that come with the 1.4's are a bit naff looking, in my own personal opinion So I want to be sure I get decent looking ones if I can. I plan on this car lasting as long as possible so want to spend the time and find the best value for my money.

Thanks so much for your help!

EPM

There's a big difference in power between the 1.4 and 1.8, with the 1.8 having about 70% more which is pretty significant. If you want it to move like you say you're probably better off with the 1.8. I can't see there being a huge penalty in fuel consumption with the 1.8 tbh.

si_guru

Her car looks just like this.

si_guru

See the "triangle-less" exhaust version here:

http://www.autospies.com/images/users/speedspies/Honda-Civic-SE-Plus[1].jpg

Rigador

si_guru wrote: »

See the "triangle-less" exhaust version here:

http://www.autospies.com/images/users/speedspies/Honda-Civic-SE-Plus[1].jpg

Thanks for that!! The ones I've looked at definitley have the triangle exhaust - so there must be some sub variations within the 1.4 models??

Thanks again!

Rigador

EPM wrote: »

There's a big difference in power between the 1.4 and 1.8, with the 1.8 having about 70% more which is pretty significant. If you want it to move like you say you're probably better off with the 1.8. I can't see there being a huge penalty in fuel consumption with the 1.8 tbh.

Hmmm, would definitley fancy the 1.8 alright! At the moment I drive a '03 1.4 Astra and I put €65.00 per week into it. So in monetary terms, how much extra you reckon I'd be paying for fuel in the 1.8 Civic?? Bear in mind that my Astra is not exactly the most efficient of cars, it's a heap of junk owing to major problems with it over the years - I'm hoping the fact that the Civic has a good reputation for fuel economy, the extra money on petrol wouldn't be too much of a sting

si_guru

Have a browse here:

http://www.actualmpg.com/MPG_For/HONDA/Civic_06/

http://www.fuelly.com/car/honda/civic/2007

Tea 1000

Rigador wrote: »

Hi all,

I haven't posted in the motor thread before and so someone who doesn't know a lot about cars, I am looking for some advice regarding a prospective car purchase

Have set my eyes on a Honda Civic, but I find that when I try to research the car online, I can't find much about the specifications for Irish models of the car - the specs are all UK/USA and sure what I'm looking at might not necessarily be available here.

From what I can gather, the 1.4 is standarly lower spec than the 1.8. Is this correct?? Had a spin in a 1.8 and fell in love with it, but am thinking of going for the 1.4 as it would more friendly on my pocket, or so I'm told.

If I went for the 1.4, what would I have to sacrifice in terms of standard specifications?

Also - has anyone driven both the 1.4 and 1.8 and if so, how drastic is the difference in fuel consumption? I will be driving a round trip from Citywest to the Airport 5 days a week in it so want something that's going to move when I need it to but worried the 1.8 will work out too expensive on fuel.

Any advice anyone has as regards either model would be much appreciated!

Thanks folks!

The 1.8 is very light on fuel, not much between them at all. Go for it, far better engine. And you can bargain more off the price of a 1.8 cause Irish folk are terrified of "massive" petrol engines!

Rigador

Tea 1000 wrote: »

The 1.8 is very light on fuel, not much between them at all. Go for it, far better engine. And you can bargain more off the price of a 1.8 cause Irish folk are terrified of "massive" petrol engines!

That's what I wanted to hear So how exactly is it to my advntage as regards bargaining potential then? Do you mean dealers will be more likley to get shut of a 1.8 because people are less likely to buy?

thirtythirty

Rigador wrote: »

Hmmm, would definitley fancy the 1.8 alright! At the moment I drive a '03 1.4 Astra and I put €65.00 per week into it. So in monetary terms, how much extra you reckon I'd be paying for fuel in the 1.8 Civic?? Bear in mind that my Astra is not exactly the most efficient of cars, it's a heap of junk owing to major problems with it over the years - I'm hoping the fact that the Civic has a good reputation for fuel economy, the extra money on petrol wouldn't be too much of a sting

I've owned a 1.8 since Feb and absolutely love it.

Mileage wise on the 1.4 vs 1.8, this is indicative of the difference:



So mileage is very similar. Tax for a pre '08 1.8 is only €220 more than on a 1.4....but for the 140bhp you get out of virtually the same mileage I think it's money well spent! The 2.2 diesel has vastly better mileage and torque than the 1.8 mind you, but tax is €800 vs €550 (vs €333 for 1.4).

Check out civinfo.co.uk for loads of info - particularily the wiki.

Quality car overall though - the bench seats in the back are so handy for bulky items, massive boot for the size of the car, and all are spec'd very well. If you could find an ES or EX variant then you get all the bells and whistles like cruise control and reversing cameras.

bazz26

2006 and early 2007 Civic hatchbacks had minor reliability problems, they had a few recalls afaik. Something to be aware of.

colm_mcm

The triangle exhausts aren't connected to the exhaust, its just plastic.

They were optional

Green Hornet

I had the 1.8 saloon for a couple of years and the fuel economy was fantastic for a 1.8.

Measured 43mpg on 80 mile per day round trip. Good poke too. The 1.4 is very dead but they changed to 1.4 VTEC over the last couple of years to improve the power.

As I said, mine was the saloon so the hatch could be even better mpg as it's lighter weightwise I'd imagine.

Rigador

Thanks for all the replies - after much research last night, have decided to definitley go with the 1.8.

Now to find a decent one - the search begins!!!

Thanks again everyone!!!

thirtythirty

Rigador wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies - after much research last night, have decided to definitley go with the 1.8.

Now to find a decent one - the search begins!!!

Thanks again everyone!!!

Good decision!

Here's two tippy top spec ones (EX) to get you started:

Silver

Black

Keep an eye out for panorama roof too - I don't have it on mine, but they were an additional spec on ES, EX, and Type S so you might find one

robbie_998

I have the 1.4 first car. Love it

Just one thing to check is if your looking at one is to get the reg plate and ring Honda and they'll give you any details of recalls and work done and the likes

Mine is back in again today for power steering (eps control unit was replaced by my dealer under my warranty but cost him over €400)

Other than that it's perfect !

A lady who owned a 1.8 hatch was telling me they have problems with suspension because of the 1.8 !

Other than that their a fantastic car.

My own fuel economy is averaging about 50 miles to gallon .. And I can pull that off at 100 km/h too !

Rigador

spottyelephant wrote: »

Good decision!

Here's two tippy top spec ones (EX) to get you started:

Silver

Black

Keep an eye out for panorama roof too - I don't have it on mine, but they were an additional spec on ES, EX, and Type S so you might find one

Had seen both of those while I was searching the net yesterday - they look like nice clean cars alright! Will be heading out to have a look at a few in the next week or so - will definitely pay those ones a visit if they're still around. Can't wait to get my hands on one! Cheers!!

Rigador

robbie_998 wrote: »

I have the 1.4 first car. Love it

Just one thing to check is if your looking at one is to get the reg plate and ring Honda and they'll give you any details of recalls and work done and the likes

Mine is back in again today for power steering (eps control unit was replaced by my dealer under my warranty but cost him over €400)

Other than that it's perfect !

A lady who owned a 1.8 hatch was telling me they have problems with suspension because of the 1.8 !

Other than that their a fantastic car.

My own fuel economy is averaging about 50 miles to gallon .. And I can pull that off at 100 km/h too !

Thanks so much for that! Will definitley check up on the reg before buying - thanks for the tip!!