Re: Buying used civic.
Guys I am looking to buy an used Honda civic. I want to know from you guys that what should be the checklist for used civic and from which city I would get good condition car. My budget is around 3lacs and want to buy 2006-2008 model.
3 lacs sounds like a very tight budget to get a good Civic. You might get 2006 models with 1L+ on odo for that range.
Apart from the usual used car checklist, here's what you should definitely check on a Civic:
- Since the GC is low and with longer wheelbase, the car scrapes everything if not driven carefully. So check for any underbody damages
- Suspension - both front and rear
- Power steering assembly for any leaks - this is a known issue with this gen Civic and was a fault from manufacturer. If it has leaks then it would cost like 80k-1L at Honda as they only replace stuffs and not repair it. But you can always repair the same from competent garages under 10K
- All wheel bearings and engine mounts
- Auto box and paddle shifts (if getting automatic variant)
And some general pointers to anyone looking for a used Civic:
The maintenance will be double or sometimes triple if you take it to Honda service center as they dont usually offer repairs and go for full replacement of parts. So if on a low budget find a good competent garage for repairs. Spare costs is in the same league as a Corolla, Cedia etc. There would be a 6-10 days delay in getting some spares but dont worry about parts unavailability with Civic because its an icon car and very famous all around the world
Never ever convert it into CNG or LPG. Its a pure performer and if you cant live with its fuel economy, then dont think about buying one. I have an auto Civic and gets 7-9 in city and 13-15 in long drives with 100% AC and for the performance and safety this car offers, its a good mileage
Dont be alarmed if the ones you see has lot of odo readings. This car just runs and runs forever as long as proper care was given in time by previous owner(s). Do service the car every 5K kms or 6 months whichever is earlier
The OEM Alpine head unit (pre 2009) doesnt come with usb port or pre-out for amb/sub and the cabin is pretty much isolated from boot in terms of NVH. So if you are an audiophile who wants to add "boom boom" inside the car, then it will become a bit more costly option to replace stock HU or seeking other expandability options. Not saying its difficult, just a bit costly to get additional converters
Interior plastics worn out faster on Civic so if it looks ugly dont think the car's being abused. You can polish it to OE finish for a few thousand bucks at any car detailing place
Dont use premium petrol, just normal fuel is enough for it and there is no noticeable difference in mileage or power other than a bigger hole in your pocket if you go premium way!
Pre 2009 models sold in India doesnt have steering audio controls or cruise controls by default which is a shame, as Honda choose to provide rear audio controls instead on a driver's car. But since these features were available on other markets, you can source the required parts and do a DIY job with a good auto electrician to fit cruise control. The light indications are already there in instrument cluster
With a huge fan following around the world and dedicated forums, you will never run out of modding and upgradation ideas on this car.
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