I’m in the market for a new car and considering the Civic or the hybrid version. It’s easy to find all the positives, but I want to hear the downsides. Give me three reasons why I shouldn’t buy one…
Three reasons not to get a Civic? Tough one, but here we go. First, the 1.5T engine works well, but in really cold weather, it struggles to warm up, and the turbo runs pretty hot. Second, these cars have gotten so complex that it’s not as easy to do your own maintenance at home. Lastly, I’m still mad that Honda removed the LaneWatch camera in the newer models. That was such a useful feature.
@Fielder
By cold weather, I mean anything under -12°C. The engine takes way longer to warm up, even while driving. You can still work on it at home, but removing the under shield is a pain.
Fielder said:
@Fielder
By cold weather, I mean anything under -12°C. The engine takes way longer to warm up, even while driving. You can still work on it at home, but removing the under shield is a pain.
Yeah, I have a 2019 LX 1.5T, and you’re right. It takes a while for the RPMs to drop below 1,000 when it’s cold. Turbo’s solid, though… I’ve put a ton of miles on mine.
@Roy
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love the car too. But yeah, it takes forever to warm up, and I wish it had more power. Not even 220 HP? Meanwhile, the GR Corolla is pushing 300 HP with a 3-cylinder.
Fielder said:
@Roy
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love the car too. But yeah, it takes forever to warm up, and I wish it had more power. Not even 220 HP? Meanwhile, the GR Corolla is pushing 300 HP with a 3-cylinder.
Yeah, but a new GR Corolla is almost $10K more than a Civic. The Civic’s engine can safely hit 250 HP with a tune and intake, so it’s still decent for the price.
@Hadi
Fair point, my bad. But they should just make 250 HP stock. When I bought mine, I thought ‘Turbo = fast with cool sounds,’ but here we are.
Fielder said:
@Roy
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love the car too. But yeah, it takes forever to warm up, and I wish it had more power. Not even 220 HP? Meanwhile, the GR Corolla is pushing 300 HP with a 3-cylinder.
That’s why I got a downpipe and tune. I’m pushing over 230 HP now. The only reason it feels underpowered is because of the CVT. I think it’s rated for 250 HP max, so yeah… I was kinda dumb putting money into it, but the car’s been reliable. Just hoping the CVT holds up when I hit 200K km.
@Roy
Oh, so I can push 250 HP without messing up reliability?
Fielder said:
@Roy
Oh, so I can push 250 HP without messing up reliability?
Yeah, but you have to stick to a strict maintenance schedule. I never go past 4,500 km without servicing. If you’re tuned, you need to change the transmission fluid more often and keep an eye on the serpentine belt.
@Roy
So if I keep it at 220 HP, I should be good?
Fielder said:
@Roy
So if I keep it at 220 HP, I should be good?
Yep, you’ll be fine.
Fielder said:
@Roy
So if I keep it at 220 HP, I should be good?
Honestly, 200 HP is more than enough for a car this light.
Fielder said:
@Roy
So if I keep it at 220 HP, I should be good?
Honestly, 200 HP is more than enough for a car this light.
Yeah, good point. My old ‘04 Lancer Ralliart weighs about 2,889 lbs, and the Civic is around 2,997 lbs.
Fielder said:
@Roy
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love the car too. But yeah, it takes forever to warm up, and I wish it had more power. Not even 220 HP? Meanwhile, the GR Corolla is pushing 300 HP with a 3-cylinder.
Yeah, the Mazda 3 Turbo GT makes 250 HP stock. I think even the Elantra N-Line has more HP. But once you start modding, Honda has a lot of options.
@Roy
True. At least we’re not stuck with a Kia K4… that thing makes 190 HP from a 1.6T with a 7-speed auto.
I’m planning to buy a 2025 Civic this week. I’ve mostly seen good things. They seem really reliable.
Josh said:
I’m planning to buy a 2025 Civic this week. I’ve mostly seen good things. They seem really reliable.
They are! I’ve had mine for three years, and it’s been rock solid. Just keep up with maintenance, and it’ll last forever.
@Hart
Good to hear. I don’t really do my own maintenance, so hoping dealership servicing isn’t too bad.