Civic V Mazda 6

Barr

Hi All




I am looking at changing this year and have narrowed down my search to the above two cars. I am looking at 2009 models which is the maximum I can stretch price wise.



The version I am looking at both is the 1.8 petrol.



The car does less than 8k km a year so looking for petrol only.


Which one would be a better overall car?


What are they like for reliability and economy considering they are fairly big cars.



The civic seems to fetch more money and not sure why that would be.



I look forward to hearing your opinions.



Thanks
Barr

MuppetCheck

The civic has more power, will be more economical and have a slight edge on spec. But the Mazda is much more comfortable, the interior is better screwed together and it's a low quieter.

Space wise there isn't a lot in it and the civics boot will be easier for awkward loads. Both are very reliable so whichever you prefer tbh.

Barr

MuppetCheck wrote: »

The civic has more power, will be more economical and have a slight edge on spec. But the Mazda is much more comfortable, the interior is better screwed together and it's a low quieter.

Space wise there isn't a lot in it and the civics boot will be easier for awkward loads. Both are very reliable so whichever you prefer tbh.

Great synopsis , makes choosing between the two even harder :pac:

JohnBoy26

The civic is from the class below the 6 and would be more of a competitor to the Mazda 3. Still in saying that I'd have one any day of the week over a 6 or a 3 for that matter.

Panrich

Have to day that we've had 5 Mazdas and 3 Hondas in our extended family over the past 10 years and for reliability it's a definite win for the Honda on our small sample size.

Barr

Is there any truth that the mazda 6 is prone to rust ?

Asmooh

civic has vtec (i hope for you) which sounds cool for honda kiddies

bazz26

Asmooh wrote: »

civic has vtec (i hope for you) which sounds cool for honda kiddies

I doubt the OP is buying a Type R. The standard i-VTEC engines are designed for fuel economy rather than hitting 7000 rpms.

JohnBoy26

Barr wrote: »

Is there any truth that the mazda 6 is prone to rust ?

Yes.

Barr

Doing a bit of research at a dealership. It seems it’s only the previous model suffered rust. The 2009 model should be ok.

Asmooh

bazz26 wrote: »

I doubt the OP is buying a Type R. The standard i-VTEC engines are designed for fuel economy rather than hitting 7000 rpms.

if the OP is not getting a Type-R why getting a civic in the first place? lol

bazz26

Asmooh wrote: »

if the OP is not getting a Type-R why getting a civic in the first place? lol

Not everyone wants or needs a Type R. Some people just want a reliable and practical car.

Barr

Asmooh wrote: »

if the OP is not getting a Type-R why getting a civic in the first place? lol

The eye watering price for starters , must admit I lol'd thinking someone would pay €20k for a 2008 Civic :eek:



http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/type-r/9137039?offset=23

Outkast_IRE

Have you test driven both ?

You really should, i currently drive a Focus and test drove a Civic recently i loved it but its definetly a lower driving position, some may not be mad about it.

JohnBoy26

Barr wrote: »

Doing a bit of research at a dealership. It seems it’s only the previous model suffered rust. The 2009 model should be ok.

They all suffer from rust, even that model. A civic will be much better lasting In this regard if you plan on keeping it for awhile

colm_mcm

Barr wrote: »

The eye watering price for starters , must admit I lol'd thinking someone would pay €20k for a 2008 Civic :eek:



http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/type-r/9137039?offset=23

One fella asking big money for a model thst wasn't actually sold new in Ireland is hardly indicative of anything.

Barr

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

They all suffer from rust, even that model. A civic will be much better lasting In this regard if you plan on keeping it for awhile

Grrr that's a bit of a shame , I was hoping to hang on to it for about 5 years. Looks like a civic it is.

Barr

colm_mcm wrote: »

One fella asking big money for a model thst wasn't actually sold new in Ireland is hardly indicative of anything.

It’s the only one I came across in my search criteria for the year model I was looking.


I have no idea what they make generally, it could be a bargain for all I know about type R’s.

colm_mcm

There was an 08 type r hatch up for €10k recently

Barr

colm_mcm wrote: »

There was an 08 type r hatch up for €10k recently

Do saloons of that variant make more ?

colm_mcm

Yeah, they weren't sold here and are superior to the hatch version. They have hydraulic power steering and independent rear suspension which the hatch hasn't. You have to get them from Japan, which inflates the price.

Barr

I must admit, I do like how it looks (especially in white)

colm_mcm

Regular Saloon civics usually go for less than hatches though, like for like.

Barr

colm_mcm wrote: »

Regular Saloon civics usually go for less than hatches though, like for like.

Good news for me as I'm after a saloon.

I like the look of this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-1-8i-vtec-se-s-mint-condit/8823984?offset=8

colm_mcm

I wouldn't buy an air freshener from that garage.

Barr

What about importing one from Japan - maybe this would be more cost effective.

The arse seems to be gone out of Jap imports into Ireland though. They seem few and far between.

colm_mcm

Nah. Anyway, insurance is silly enough without giving them another reason to screw you.

JohnBoy26

Barr wrote: »

Grrr that's a bit of a shame , I was hoping to hang on to it for about 5 years. Looks like a civic it is.

If you manage to get a rust free example you could waxoil the chassis which would go a long way to prolonging the cars life. Finding a 6-7 year old rust free example mightn't be that easy though.

The honda would still be a better option at the end of the day though imo.

Barr

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

If you manage to get a rust free example you could waxoil the chassis which would go a long way to prolonging the cars life. Finding a 6-7 year old rust free example mightn't be that easy though.

The honda would still be a better option at the end of the day though imo.

Is it underneath they rust ? Would it need to go on a ramp to check for corrosion.

I'm amazed that cars that are 6 years old are prone to rust. I thought those days were long gone.

It really is very poor from Mazda as I always thought they were a great brand.

5500

0.02c that white fd2 on done deal sold within a few days of going up, not sure why the add is still there but it went for close to asking. Very hard to find a good grade fd2 from Japan and have it on the road in Ireland for under 20k, even sourcing one imported via the UK is as costly.

The sister 1.8 saloon civic 3 years now and never had a days trouble with it. Pokey and comfortable enough, I never had any bone rattling on backroads with it and other than regular services there's been no suprises.

JohnBoy26

Barr wrote: »

Is it underneath they rust ? Would it need to go on a ramp to check for corrosion.

I'm amazed that cars that are 6 years old are prone to rust. I thought those days were long gone.

It really is very poor from Mazda as I always thought they were a great brand.

Underneath yes, arches also. Tbh they must have one of the worst rust protection of any modern car imo. It's not a new problem either. It's an issue that has plagued most of their cars since the around the mid 90's. It's unclear yet if they have addressed anything in their most recent models. Time will tell I suppose.

A ramp would be a big help in checking but you could take a look under without one too but you will not be able to see as much of the undercarriage.

Special Circumstances

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Underneath yes, arches also. Tbh they must have one of the worst rust protection of any modern car imo. It's not a new problem either. It's an issue that has plagued most of their cars since the around the mid 90's. It's unclear yet if they have addressed anything in their most recent models. Time will tell I suppose.

A ramp would be a big help in checking but you could take a look under without one too but you will not be able to see as much of the undercarriage.

I'd hazard a guess that any search of boards for "rusty mazda" would return with over 90% of the posts being from you or a reference to you.

There was an issue with some. None that I had but some models. By boards threads alone it would appear to be vanishingly vanishingly small in comparison to vag oil pump , injectors, conrod, exhaust valves or bmw flaps, turbo, timing chains. And shur they're the best thing since sliced bread!

alan partridge aha

If its comfort you are after don't go for a civic.

JohnBoy26

Special Circumstances wrote: »

I'd hazard a guess that any search of boards for "rusty mazda" would return with over 90% of the posts being from you or a reference to you.

There was an issue with some. None that I had but some models. By boards threads alone it would appear to be vanishingly vanishingly small in comparison to vag oil pump , injectors, conrod, exhaust valves or bmw flaps, turbo, timing chains. And shur they're the best thing since sliced bread!

Some? Which ones were they then? From my experience almost all from the mid 90's on have rust issues.

If you think this problem is small and confined to some then you obviously have no real experience with this brand. How many of these have you seen on a ramp?

If none then just look at all the threads on the net regarding people having rust issues with this brand of car and draw your own conclusions,

As for doing a search on boards, I'm sure you'll find that I am not the only one mentioning this problem. Maybe you should of done that first instead of trying to be smart. At the end of the day I'm only trying to help the op and I'm sure now they will be more aware of the rust issues if they are viewing these cars

JohnBoy26

alan partridge aha wrote: »

If its comfort you are after don't go for a civic.

Saloon civic is what the op is looking for. Comfort isn't bad in these. The hatch is known to be a bit firm though.

alan partridge aha

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Saloon civic is what the op is looking for. Comfort isn't bad in these. The hatch is known to be a bit firm though.

A bit, that's an understatement.

colm_mcm

The hatch isn't uncomfortable though.

pajosjunkbox

Bought a 2006 1.8 civic hatch back in November 14. 113 miles on clock with 1 owner and FSH from Honda. Have to say I love it. Nice power, handles well, feels well built and everything works.
They can be great value due to perceived high tax.
Lovely little car for small money !

alan partridge aha

colm_mcm wrote: »

The hatch isn't uncomfortable though.

It's dreadful if your a passenger in the rear.

colm_mcm

I'm usually in the front haven't had anyone complaining though. What's dreadful in the back?

alan partridge aha

colm_mcm wrote: »

I'm usually in the front haven't had anyone complaining though. What's dreadful in the back?

Brother has diesel 09 now, had 07 1.8 petrol previous and he loves them. I have been in the back on a few journeys and they are just so uncomfortable. Even he admits it, it must be the way they are set up I think.

colm_mcm

lucky I sit in the front so I guess

alan partridge aha

colm_mcm wrote: »

lucky I sit in the front so I guess

Agreed, I drove both and are very good, if a bit tinny.

JohnBoy26

alan partridge aha wrote: »

Agreed, I drove both and are very good, if a bit tinny.

Then what's your point regarding your original post? Not trying to be smart here but the op is hardly going to be driving the car from the back seat

Panrich

alan partridge aha wrote: »

Agreed, I drove both and are very good, if a bit tinny.

My wife has one from new in 2007 and it's been great. Yes suspension is firm on bad roads but thats to aid cornering. You can't have it both ways unfortunately.
It's certainly not tinny though. I reckon it would be as heavy as something like a Golf. It's a very solid car.

alan partridge aha

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Then what's your point regarding your original post? Not trying to be smart here but the op is hardly going to be driving the car from the back seat

Because Mazda 6 would be far more comfy in front rear boot etc.

JohnBoy26

alan partridge aha wrote: »

Because Mazda 6 would be far more comfy in front rear boot etc.

Having good experience of both I disagree tbh. Still doesn't explain why you'd warn someone off a car because of backseat comfort whilst saying the same car is "very good" to drive.

alan partridge aha

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Having good experience of both I disagree tbh.[/QU

Ok no bother we will agree to differ, having experience myself.

Barr

My search is continuing and didn’t want to start a new thread.


Something else that caught my eye is the S40 1.8


Admittedly I know nothing about Volvo.


What would this be like compared the Civic and Mazda.


Something like this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-s40-price-negotiable/8877052?offset=10

kennethsmyth

Hi wife has 2007 1.8 saloon civic, have to say its very comfortable in the back - thick velour seats that are lovely. Maybe the hatch is hard but the saloon has no issues. Great drive also - kinda nick it on her from time to time. The dash is weird but good weird, you get used to it and its got a spaceship theme to it.

We had the 1.8 s40 as a company car - terrible fuel consumption approx 27mpg even though it was a flexifuel! additionally had a hard starting problem.

Seriously - civic no issues, good drive and sharp look - gets same if not better to my crv 2.2 diesel mpg which is approx 7.8L per 100km and i drive hard.

kennethsmyth

Probably looking like a honda head at this point but also the saloon comes in good spec with electric sunroof and 6 disc in dash cd player and cruise control even on manual.