Another quiet month for the Civic but plenty more to talk about now after a few weeks in the job. Specifically there are two things; how we use our own cars, and the appeal of something older in a world of box fresh press cars.
Upgrade this or move on? Matt has a dilemma
Following some track tuition with Mark Hales and then a day competing in the
Toyota Sprint Series
, I may have been bitten by the circuit driving bug.
Is the Civic the car to explore this new-found passion though? Whilst the engine still feels fantastic and the brakes are far stronger than I expected (the kerbweight is identical to a GT86, which must help slightly), the other components feel tired. The suspension is crying out for a refresh, with some rather disconcerting creaks and general feel of sogginess permeating every corner. Some better tyres would surely help too.
I have no doubt the Civic could perform on track with some investment, particularly with that LSD as standard. However, there seems little point in throwing money at upgrading it when there are already track-prepped cars for sale with some useful modifications. You can see where this is going...
No amount of money can improve the looks!
In an ideal world, this would mean 'proper' cars with modern creature comforts for weekday work duties and then a little plaything for the weekend and hopefully some track work. Budget is still TBC at present as accommodation is a more immediate priority, but c. £3K opens up some interesting opportunities. See this
Mk2 Golf
for example, or this rather alluring
Clio 172
But the Civic continues as mine for now, and is still an enjoyable reminder of a simpler time of motoring when efficiency was mentioned in the small print rather than the sales pitch. Whether I remain so keen after the looming MOT remains to be seen.
And any tips on track projects will be happily received!
Fact sheet
Run by: Matt Bird
Bought: May 2013
Mileage: 87,400
Purchase price: £795
Last month at a glance: The track day bug has bitten; could the Civic be out?