Topic: Replacing 98 Civic with 300k

[sault]

Hi there,

Looking for input on a replacement for my current commuter car...it is time for a new timing belt (and all the costs with it) and am wondering if it wouldn't make more sense to replace it.  This would also give me a reason to put a manual transmission back into our garage.

Noticed that Honda had good rates for used Accords and Civics thought that might me an option.  Did see a 2006 Civic with 40K for $9995 and a 2006 EX-L Accord Sedan with 55k for $15000.  I do have two small kids (1 1/2 and 4) that need to be considered although that wouldn't convince me to stay away from a coupe.  Although there is  quite a difference between the prices above I did think that the difference in insurance bw a Civic and an Accord might cover some of the cost.

Main requirements are comfortable driving position (I drive approx 45 mins each way for work) and good fuel economy.  I did look at Fusions but they didn't seem that much cheaper than an Accord and used a little more gas.

Thanks

Charles

[johngenx]

You can't really go wrong with a low km used Civic or Accord.  They're both bullet-proof, though I'd give the nod to the Civic for lower operating costs.  Have you driven the 06- Civic?  Some folks hate the two-tier dash and I found the seats uncomfortable within about 15 minutes.

Try some cars out and see what you think...

[rrocket]

We have an Accord Coupe, and I'm pretty shocked at the room in the rear.  Plenty of rooms for kids back there.

[articsteve]

06 and up Civics carry heavy insurance surcharges in the GTA.  Check before buying.

[DKaz]

Have you driven the 06- Civic?  Some folks hate the two-tier dash and I found the seats uncomfortable within about 15 minutes.

WOW I'm not the only one! It was worse than my 08 Corolla, at least it only got uncomfortable after 45-60 minutes.

[johngenx]

I'm pretty bony (6' and 155lbs) but I usually like the firm seats of German cars.  I have no idea of why the Civic seats were so quickly uncomfortable, but they sure were.  We tried a couple different cars, and it's a design issue for me.

When I felt how soft the Corolla seats were, I was convinced that I would hate them.  Not sure if it's proportions or what, but I find the Corolla seats all-day comfy.

But, go back to the Recaro-made seats from my previous Mercedes 16V and Porsche 911, and they're still the best seats I've been in, period.  Insanely durable/high quality leather too.

[sault]

Thanks guys,

Looked into insurance and pretty much any car I choose is going to be the same price +/- $50 be it a coupe, sedan, used Civic, Accord or even new Veloster.

Thanks for the feedback on the Accord Coupe, nice to know that it is roomy and kid friendly.  I had hoped there would be enough of a difference insurance wise between the Cvic and Accord to equal out the operating costs but with my record it is a dead heat. 

Any manual transmission Accord drivers reading this would love to hear about mileage and the drive...might still be worth the upgrade.

Ultimately I am hoping that the old Civic keeps trucking on but a thread here has me thinking about other things aside from timing belts that might go wrong.

Thanks

[5 Wheel Drive]

That's a pretty good price for an '06 Civic with only 40k km's.  About a month ago I bought an '07 Mazda 3.  When I was shopping, any Civics I looked at that were around that price all had close to, or around 100,000km's on them.

[DKaz]

I'm pretty bony (6' and 155lbs) but I usually like the firm seats of German cars.  I have no idea of why the Civic seats were so quickly uncomfortable, but they sure were.  We tried a couple different cars, and it's a design issue for me.

When I felt how soft the Corolla seats were, I was convinced that I would hate them.  Not sure if it's proportions or what, but I find the Corolla seats all-day comfy.

But, go back to the Recaro-made seats from my previous Mercedes 16V and Porsche 911, and they're still the best seats I've been in, period.  Insanely durable/high quality leather too.

The 09+ seats seem to be a bit more supportive although I've never driven one. Perhaps I should take one for a test drive.

[Ice]

I'm pretty bony (6' and 155lbs) but I usually like the firm seats of German cars.  I have no idea of why the Civic seats were so quickly uncomfortable, but they sure were.  We tried a couple different cars, and it's a design issue for me.

When I felt how soft the Corolla seats were, I was convinced that I would hate them.  Not sure if it's proportions or what, but I find the Corolla seats all-day comfy.

But, go back to the Recaro-made seats from my previous Mercedes 16V and Porsche 911, and they're still the best seats I've been in, period.  Insanely durable/high quality leather too.

Same experience for me. The Civic was my first choice a year before the current gen of Corolla came out... but I held off on the purchase because I test drove the car three times and my leg cramped up each time in under 10 minutes. The Corolla did it to me as well but it would take much longer. Something about the ergonomics of the seating position.

[slybry]

Civics and Accords are good cars. I just sold a 2000 Accord last Dec that I had since new. Very roomy reliable car. The only problems I had was with links in suspension and frequent brake jobs. This car just ate brakes.

It would be nuts to buy a coupe with 2 kids. Silly... silly ....silly to buy one.

[Fobroader]

A freind of mine has a 2010 Accord sedan and the rear seats are unbearable, the wind noise is bad and hes had various little electronic niggles with it. Id give the Civic my nod for price, running cost and fuel economy. A Civic Si 4door would be fun as well.......

[caretaker007]

Knock on wood I have an 02 civic and it has 372kms on it.95% on highway.Great car,just running expense..brakes, oil changes,tires,etc.. Did have to replace oil pan as the salt ate away at that..

[richink]

Did have to replace oil pan as the salt ate away at that.

Noticed that lady leadfoot's SiR has surface rust all over the oil pan. I coated it in grease, hopefully that will extract another few years out of it.

[caretaker007]

Going to try a can of Rust Check on the new pan,hopefully I can get 500k on it.I seem to be burning a little oil now,about 3/4L over 8,000km...