Opinions on 06 Honda Civic

[Rickyy]

Time for a change, getting very fed up of putting endless diesel in my Grand Vitara.

Had a quick look at 56 plate Civic today, very pleased with looks and the feels of it.

What is the real world fuel consumption of the 1.8 petrol like? Book figure is 44mpg combined, can I expect 40mpg in reality?

I know they aren't that inspiring to drive, but I just need a practical family car that doesn't cost a fortune to run, isn't painfully slow and will be dependable.

Is the Civic the car for me?

[danlightbulb]

Too small for a family car.

I get spot on the combined mpg value in my accord, but it depends on your mix of driving types.

[Rickyy]

It'll be more than big enough for what I need. I've had several Focuses and a 1 series, size isn't the issue, it's the fuel consumption that is important.

[Deerfoot]

You should get 40mpg according to owners figures.

I'd have thought that it's be plenty big enough..

[MrAverage]

we looked into getting a civic and from my research it seems like that 40mpg figure is realistic.

being a honda it should prove a reliable motor. engine is a very well proven unit so no worries there. i don't think they are without standard wear and tear issues so i'd be checking tyres, suspension and service history.

we were very close to buying one but instead opted for a mercedes (huge mistake). id avoid the diesel which you are by the looks of it, the semi-auto is also meant to be a bit crap.

Edited by MrAverage on Thursday 12th October 09:02

[Rickyy]

That's reassuring. That'll be 10mpg up from what I'm getting now from a diesel.

[Integroo]

I had the 1.8 in the slightly newer shape. I averaged 38mpg with a relatively heavy right foot; driven sensibly, you should easily average 42-44. As high as 52 cruising at 58 on the motorway. The 2.2 diesel is the better engine, and you could probably average 45-50, even going as high as 60+ mpg, though it won't be as reliable.

[Rickyy]

I looked at the diesel and decided against it. I'm not looking to spend much, I can get lower mileage and better spec for the same price with a petrol.

Plus, it will go through periods of doing short journeys, which isn't really suitable with a diesel.

[Djw John]

I've got one just now as a bit of a stop gap. So far done about 1500 miles in just over a month and 40mpg is no bother at all. Edinburgh to Inverness and back 4 up with luggage saw 47.7mpg, the average speed cameras on the A9 helped that figure but I wasn't driving for economy.

Seems quite spacious although the ride quality is piss poor for what it is, genuinely stiffer than a lowered clio but it is on accord wheels with 225/45/17 tyres just now, will see if the drop down to the winter 16s will help with that.

Its too sensible for me really so aiming to keep it 6 months and get saving for a megane r26 or similar but it should do me just fine until then.

[Integroo]

Rickyy said:

I looked at the diesel and decided against it. I'm not looking to spend much, I can get lower mileage and better spec for the same price with a petrol.

Plus, it will go through periods of doing short journeys, which isn't really suitable with a diesel.

Fair enough, I know the 2.2 commands a premium ... though I am pretty sure it doesn't have a DPF, so the short journeys thing is not an issue.

[HJMS123]

Integroo said:

Fair enough, I know the 2.2 commands a premium ... though I am pretty sure it doesn't have a DPF, so the short journeys thing is not an issue.

The 2.2 chews through cluthes/DMF's though ... it's quite well documented. A friend of mine has had the same issue and if you check on the owners forum it seems to be quote a common issue

[Integroo]

HJMS123 said:

Integroo said:

Fair enough, I know the 2.2 commands a premium ... though I am pretty sure it doesn't have a DPF, so the short journeys thing is not an issue.

The 2.2 chews through cluthes/DMF's though ... it's quite well documented. A friend of mine has had the same issue and if you check on the owners forum it seems to be quote a common issue

True, my Dad has one, and had to replace his clutch at I think around 70k miles.

[Rickyy]

Do they suffer with terminal rot? I've looked at one that is nice and straight, but has an advisory for surface corrosion to the rear underside.

Common issue or over cautious tester?

[Ej74]

I picked up a 07 Civic Petrol
Its really does achieve around the 40 mpg even with my lead feet

Echo the comments that its not really big enough to be a comfortable long trip family car

[Frankthered]

I had an 06 1.8 "Sport" from new - kept it for 8 years. From memory39-40 mpg was the norm without too much effort. Only issue size-wise from my perspective is headroom in the rear due to the sloping roof and even that's not so bad once you're in - did have a few people bang their heads getting in and out though!

All the "Sport" option means is 17" wheels and Xenons and if I were to get another, I'd try to avoid the 17" wheels - as an earlier poster observed, the ride is awful - probably the worst feature of the car.

Lack of a rear wiper is a little irritating!

[Rickyy]

I say family car, there is only three of us. We've managed with a Puma, 1 series and a 3 door C1. A Civic is cavernous in comparison!

I'm sold on them, going to take the OH to look at one this weekend.

[Integroo]

Rickyy said:

I say family car, there is only three of us. We've managed with a Puma, 1 series and a 3 door C1. A Civic is cavernous in comparison!

I'm sold on them, going to take the OH to look at one this weekend.

They're pretty sizeable on the inside tbh, you'll get on grand.

[LHRFlightman]

Last tank was 460 miles, average 48.2 mpg, M3 dual carriage way and Heathrow perimeter road commute.

Honda reliability, comfy, toys, great car.

[Croutons]

Sold a 2006 1.8 ES with the optional heated leather after 9 years ownership! Fab interior, worth holding out for one with cow, it's really good stuff. ES was well spec'd but lack of cruise a pain. Came standard on mid and top models. Look for 56/06 cars as apparently Honda overbuilt the boggo one so put the leather in to try and shift them.

Petrol is a saver over derv as no cambelt, long-term average in ours 42.2mpg, mainly town driving. Heavy, limited suspension travel, 3k.rpm at motorway speed becomes wearing on long journeys. Honda fit Bridgestone turanzas rare and crap. Anything else better. Stone chips easily with curved front. Rear doors still surprise passengers with "hidden" handles and the small, curved entry point they create is a PITA, esp if trying to get kids in car seats. Expect adults to bump head on the way out and curse you for it.

Service it at Honda for £180 or so and get AA cover specific to the car included so pays for itself.

[Djw John]

Thought I should come back in here and update now that I've done some actual maths the computer on mine anyway overreads by 6mpg. Realised when I did 420 miles on a tank and it took 10 gallons to fill but said I'd done 48mpg.

Still good just not as good as claimed.