Honda Civic 2011 Mk8, any issues as first car?
Discussion
Looking for different choices for sons first car and a few of these have popped up around. Used car prices keep going up but there seem to be a few for 3-5k.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175075081596?hash=item2...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224791671182?hash=item3...
Seem to be quite a few with low mileage, 1.4 engine makes it safe enough but 5 doors a bit more practical and its a bit more interesting that a Fiesta or 307 for him. I need something the wife can drive at the same time while he has lessons and gets used to it, so would have to be reliable but not a rocket. Insurance seems OK, just wondering if they are prone to any rust issues or engine problems?
Any other thoughts?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175075081596?hash=item2...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224791671182?hash=item3...
Seem to be quite a few with low mileage, 1.4 engine makes it safe enough but 5 doors a bit more practical and its a bit more interesting that a Fiesta or 307 for him. I need something the wife can drive at the same time while he has lessons and gets used to it, so would have to be reliable but not a rocket. Insurance seems OK, just wondering if they are prone to any rust issues or engine problems?
Any other thoughts?
Luckily I dont need to worry about this for 17 years.
I found my FN2 to be a great practical car. Even in Type R form.
There's plenty of space, its comfortable and will see your son brake a tonne in reasonable time, even in 1.4 guise. (I think we are all kidding if we expect him not to do this, at least once.)
I found my FN2 to be a great practical car. Even in Type R form.
There's plenty of space, its comfortable and will see your son brake a tonne in reasonable time, even in 1.4 guise. (I think we are all kidding if we expect him not to do this, at least once.)
Have owned a few Civics of this era, plus I used to work for Honda for many years and had a lot of these as company cars. Views based on the 1.4:
1. This engine is pretty good in terms of reliability, however somewhat gutless on the motorway/hills. The 1.4 engine is originally from the Jazz, and the civic is fairly heavy, hence slightly underpowered, however considering its your sons first car, that might be fine. Might be worth considering the 1.8 version which is a far better engine as an all rounder, I don't think the insurance is that much more from a 1.4 - worth researching that further.
2. Air con condensers are a popular issue with these, so if you view one, ensure the air con is working properly. If they say it just needs a regas, its highly unlikely its just that. The condensers easily break where stones hit them in the lower front bumper.
3. The digital dash where the radio and climate control is displayed are prone to failing, where bits of the lcd part starts to disappear. Still usually works, just won't be able to see whats displayed properly.
4. Common issue with suspension shocks failing easily (lots with MOT advisories with this) but probably more so at 80k plus miles.
5. If you leave the car stationary for 2 weeks or more, its highly likely that the battery will go flat. There's a known issue where the immobiliser drains the battery during that time. Honda UK know about it, however refuse to do anything about it.
6. When replacing brake discs and pads, don't use cheap rubbish aftermarket ones. Common issue that they constantly squeal and wear out incredibly quickly. The original OEM ones from Honda are slightly dearer, but last much much longer.
5. These don't come with a spare wheel. The space saver was an option when new. There is space in the boot, so worth looking at buying that separately if it doesn't have it. The standard fit is tyre goo and a compressor and its just rubbish. Space saver wheels on ebay etc for around £50.
6. They don't have Bluetooth on the Si and SE spec (as per the ones you're looking at). But they do have an odd USB socket at that age (2009 onwards) in the armrest. There should be an adapter cable in the armrest which has a USB port at the end of it. If not, they're about £30 from Honda. Works fine for music on an iPhone, but not compatible with Android.
7. Rear visibility isn't that great as no rear wiper and the bar in the middle of the rear screen, but you do get used to it. If your son is learning to drive in this, be careful with the large blind spot in the rear C pillars.
8. Common issue with the fuel filler flap not opening properly. There is a fix involving a bracket from Honda. When viewing one, check that it opens properly.
9. Another common issue is a squeaky clutch pedal. Lots of owners have tried various fixes which have ended up being short term fixes. Either live with it, or have to replace the entire pedal box.
All cars have there common issues, so don't panic about the number of issues above. Its perfectly normal.
If there's any other advice you need, do get in touch.
1. This engine is pretty good in terms of reliability, however somewhat gutless on the motorway/hills. The 1.4 engine is originally from the Jazz, and the civic is fairly heavy, hence slightly underpowered, however considering its your sons first car, that might be fine. Might be worth considering the 1.8 version which is a far better engine as an all rounder, I don't think the insurance is that much more from a 1.4 - worth researching that further.
2. Air con condensers are a popular issue with these, so if you view one, ensure the air con is working properly. If they say it just needs a regas, its highly unlikely its just that. The condensers easily break where stones hit them in the lower front bumper.
3. The digital dash where the radio and climate control is displayed are prone to failing, where bits of the lcd part starts to disappear. Still usually works, just won't be able to see whats displayed properly.
4. Common issue with suspension shocks failing easily (lots with MOT advisories with this) but probably more so at 80k plus miles.
5. If you leave the car stationary for 2 weeks or more, its highly likely that the battery will go flat. There's a known issue where the immobiliser drains the battery during that time. Honda UK know about it, however refuse to do anything about it.
6. When replacing brake discs and pads, don't use cheap rubbish aftermarket ones. Common issue that they constantly squeal and wear out incredibly quickly. The original OEM ones from Honda are slightly dearer, but last much much longer.
5. These don't come with a spare wheel. The space saver was an option when new. There is space in the boot, so worth looking at buying that separately if it doesn't have it. The standard fit is tyre goo and a compressor and its just rubbish. Space saver wheels on ebay etc for around £50.
6. They don't have Bluetooth on the Si and SE spec (as per the ones you're looking at). But they do have an odd USB socket at that age (2009 onwards) in the armrest. There should be an adapter cable in the armrest which has a USB port at the end of it. If not, they're about £30 from Honda. Works fine for music on an iPhone, but not compatible with Android.
7. Rear visibility isn't that great as no rear wiper and the bar in the middle of the rear screen, but you do get used to it. If your son is learning to drive in this, be careful with the large blind spot in the rear C pillars.
8. Common issue with the fuel filler flap not opening properly. There is a fix involving a bracket from Honda. When viewing one, check that it opens properly.
9. Another common issue is a squeaky clutch pedal. Lots of owners have tried various fixes which have ended up being short term fixes. Either live with it, or have to replace the entire pedal box.
All cars have there common issues, so don't panic about the number of issues above. Its perfectly normal.
If there's any other advice you need, do get in touch.
Edited by ads_4116 on Sunday 13th February 20:16
ads_4116 said:
Have owned a few Civics of this era, plus I used to work for Honda for many years and had a lot of these as company cars. Views based on the 1.4:
1. This engine is pretty good in terms of reliability, however somewhat gutless on the motorway/hills. The 1.4 engine is originally from the Jazz, and the civic is fairly heavy, hence slightly underpowered, however considering its your sons first car, that might be fine. Might be worth considering the 1.8 version which is a far better engine as an all rounder, I don't think the insurance is that much more from a 1.4 - worth researching that further.
2. Air con condensers are a popular issue with these, so if you view one, ensure the air con is working properly. If they say it just needs a regas, its highly unlikely its just that. The condensers easily break where stones hit them in the lower front bumper.
3. The digital dash where the radio and climate control is displayed are prone to failing, where bits of the lcd part starts to disappear. Still usually works, just won't be able to see whats displayed properly.
4. Common issue with suspension shocks failing easily (lots with MOT advisories with this) but probably more so at 80k plus miles.
5. If you leave the car stationary for 2 weeks or more, its highly likely that the battery will go flat. There's a known issue where the immobiliser drains the battery during that time. Honda UK know about it, however refuse to do anything about it.
6. When replacing brake discs and pads, don't use cheap rubbish aftermarket ones. Common issue that they constantly squeal and wear out incredibly quickly. The original OEM ones from Honda are slightly dearer, but last much much longer.
5. These don't come with a spare wheel. The space saver was an option when new. There is space in the boot, so worth looking at buying that separately if it doesn't have it. The standard fit is tyre goo and a compressor and its just rubbish. Space saver wheels on ebay etc for around £50.
6. They don't have Bluetooth on the Si and SE spec (as per the ones you're looking at). But they do have an odd USB socket at that age (2009 onwards) in the armrest. There should be an adapter cable in the armrest which has a USB port at the end of it. If not, they're about £30 from Honda. Works fine for music on an iPhone, but not compatible with Android.
7. Rear visibility isn't that great as no rear wiper and the bar in the middle of the rear screen, but you do get used to it. If your son is learning to drive in this, be careful with the large blind spot in the rear C pillars.
8. Common issue with the fuel filler flap not opening properly. There is a fix involving a bracket from Honda. When viewing one, check that it opens properly.
9. Another common issue is a squeaky clutch pedal. Lots of owners have tried various fixes which have ended up being short term fixes. Either live with it, or have to replace the entire pedal box.
All cars have there common issues, so don't panic about the number of issues above. Its perfectly normal.
If there's any other advice you need, do get in touch.
Thanks for the comprehensive rundown, I can fix most things and swapping the brakes and pads would be ok. Will look oujt for the rest of the stuff when we start looking and run a quote for the 1.8. Just don't want him to think its an R!1. This engine is pretty good in terms of reliability, however somewhat gutless on the motorway/hills. The 1.4 engine is originally from the Jazz, and the civic is fairly heavy, hence slightly underpowered, however considering its your sons first car, that might be fine. Might be worth considering the 1.8 version which is a far better engine as an all rounder, I don't think the insurance is that much more from a 1.4 - worth researching that further.
2. Air con condensers are a popular issue with these, so if you view one, ensure the air con is working properly. If they say it just needs a regas, its highly unlikely its just that. The condensers easily break where stones hit them in the lower front bumper.
3. The digital dash where the radio and climate control is displayed are prone to failing, where bits of the lcd part starts to disappear. Still usually works, just won't be able to see whats displayed properly.
4. Common issue with suspension shocks failing easily (lots with MOT advisories with this) but probably more so at 80k plus miles.
5. If you leave the car stationary for 2 weeks or more, its highly likely that the battery will go flat. There's a known issue where the immobiliser drains the battery during that time. Honda UK know about it, however refuse to do anything about it.
6. When replacing brake discs and pads, don't use cheap rubbish aftermarket ones. Common issue that they constantly squeal and wear out incredibly quickly. The original OEM ones from Honda are slightly dearer, but last much much longer.
5. These don't come with a spare wheel. The space saver was an option when new. There is space in the boot, so worth looking at buying that separately if it doesn't have it. The standard fit is tyre goo and a compressor and its just rubbish. Space saver wheels on ebay etc for around £50.
6. They don't have Bluetooth on the Si and SE spec (as per the ones you're looking at). But they do have an odd USB socket at that age (2009 onwards) in the armrest. There should be an adapter cable in the armrest which has a USB port at the end of it. If not, they're about £30 from Honda. Works fine for music on an iPhone, but not compatible with Android.
7. Rear visibility isn't that great as no rear wiper and the bar in the middle of the rear screen, but you do get used to it. If your son is learning to drive in this, be careful with the large blind spot in the rear C pillars.
8. Common issue with the fuel filler flap not opening properly. There is a fix involving a bracket from Honda. When viewing one, check that it opens properly.
9. Another common issue is a squeaky clutch pedal. Lots of owners have tried various fixes which have ended up being short term fixes. Either live with it, or have to replace the entire pedal box.
All cars have there common issues, so don't panic about the number of issues above. Its perfectly normal.
If there's any other advice you need, do get in touch.
Edited by ads_4116 on Sunday 13th February 20:16
Rust is becoming a problem on these now. I recently brought a 2011 and im not impressed with the underbody condition, rear arches and floor pan. Fuel tank is in the middle so the rear underbody is very exposed to the elements and very minimal rustproofing done at factory. Im faced with a load of graft scrapping it back and maybe finding holes or punting it on at a loss...
It's a Honda so terminal rust, knocking suspension and seized brake callipers are the norm.
I had the previous generation Civic in 2.0 Type S flavour, the corrosion underneath was pretty shocking. I really don't understand why people rate them, I thought it was utter junk and the Renaults I normally run feel far nicer to drive (and don't rust)
I had the previous generation Civic in 2.0 Type S flavour, the corrosion underneath was pretty shocking. I really don't understand why people rate them, I thought it was utter junk and the Renaults I normally run feel far nicer to drive (and don't rust)
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