New Owners report: Honda Civic MT

tif0si · 7th December 2006, 16:54

hi everyone, finally my nighthawk black civic was delivered today.
just got a call from my parents saying that they have taken the delivery.
i will be in india by next week and then i shall post pics of my new baby.
for now i`ve got the rear trunk spoiler and front fog lamps. can`t wait to see her.

Caduceus · 7th December 2006, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by alankarm@sancha

Another thing that I dislike is that the Civic has a built in (behind the dash) 6 CD changer. Which, though very decent in itself, does not allow for an upgrade to DVD. If this can be done by a third party, without any warranty isuues, please let me know. And also which head unit systems can be installed in that case. I want LCD screens also to be installed. Going through the only dealer in Rajasthan may be very expensive.

it can be changed out...there is a dash kit out in the US, i dont know if its available in india or anywhere else in asia.

Vishal M · 9th December 2006, 10:20

Dear colleagues,

I have finally decided to buy Civic since Safari 2.2 is atleast 6 months away. I love the black colour, but I have always heard that black colour is very difficult to maintain. Can you please help me understand if this is a reality or a myth? Please correct me if I am wrong, some problems associated with black are:
1. Dust & scratches are very prominent
2. Cars gets really hot in summers

Does Anyone has a black Car? If yes what are the maintainance tips
Sorry if this is off tip

Thank You

Boom Shiva · 9th December 2006, 11:58

Sorry man, it's not a myth. Black really is the hardest colour to maintain. Every little scratch shows.

But if well maintained, black is also the best looking colour IMO, especially with cars like the Civic.

Beeman · 9th December 2006, 12:08

very true a lot of people are ditching skoda (diesel) and going in for a civic. My cousin just bought one and he's really satisfied and happy with it. The leg room, power, interiors (which are brilliant by the way!!) and decent average for a car this size...........all make for a good sales pitch!!!

iraghava · 9th December 2006, 12:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishal M

Dear colleagues,
I have finally decided to buy Civic since Safari 2.2 is atleast 6 months away.

Congratulations on the decision Vishal, it's a very good car!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishal M

I love the black colour, but I have always heard that black colour is very difficult to maintain. Can you please help me understand if this is a reality or a myth?

This is unfortunately a reality especially in our weather & dusty conditions, Black cars do require a bit more TLC than other colours.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishal M

Please correct me if I am wrong, some problems associated with black are:
1. Dust & scratches are very prominent
2. Cars gets really hot in summers

Yes on both points you're right. Scratches really stand out on Black cars & due to our harsh sun (esp in Delhi) the body tends to get pretty hot during the day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishal M

Does Anyone has a black Car? If yes what are the maintainance tips
Sorry if this is off tip

Here is an amazing thread by Rudra on car maintenance & also tips on what colours need what kind of TLC. And just for the record Rudra himself has two black cars so he explains it best

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...car-clean.html

crkishore · 9th December 2006, 12:18

Got my new BLACK Civic MT on 29th Nov, and i was in a funny trouble right from day 1. I wanted to take the car for my engagement in Kakinada on Dec 6th (1800kms to and fro) and so needed to complete the 1000kms over the same weekend, so that i could give the car for servicing. and hence made a trip to a place just before Calicut. I finished the calicut trip, gave the car for its first service in just 5 days, and then made the 1800 kms trip. Here are my notes :

1. the car is damn smoother than the older city, especially upto 140 kmph
2. curves and turns are handled with great comfort for both the driver and rear passengers.
3. the back suspension seems to give out a "thud" sound over small humps or pot-holes at speeds above 80-90 kmph. but the rear passengers denied feeling any uncomfortness.
4. the AC is really very quick.

One one -ve point :

I had received the car with mis-aligned wheels because of which the steering had bad vibrations at speeds above 110kmph. A mechanic at the service centre told me that this was the usual complaint from all Civic Owners. I wonder why they arent fixing it.

One doubt :

I didnt find any rear passenger AC ducts. Are they really there ? The dealer said that Civic doesnt have them, but then ST7677 shows the picture of them !!!!

Vid6639 · 9th December 2006, 14:31

weird why would they not balance the wheels. Are they misaligned or aot of alignment.

The rear ac ducts are below the front seats on the floor.

sandeep108 · 9th December 2006, 14:45

There are a lot of niggling problems with the civic. Granted it is a complete revamp, so there are bound to be some glitches. But surprisingly in spite of these, the car is selling very well. I guess indians have some faith in honda...

The rear passengers do not feel any discomfort (even though there may be some thumps) because there is very little body roll. It would certainly help a lot in reducing car sickness.

crkishore · 9th December 2006, 16:02

I dont know if i should call it as mis-aligned or out-of-alignment for a brand new car. The dealer got the problem fixed during the first service, and the car was pretty good at speeds upto 145kmph.

Any photos of Civic with a rear spoiler from Honda?

Any suggestions on modifications for the head-lights ? i was feeling that at speeds like 120+ kmph, i needed to see more.

And lastly, any pointers for viewing any of the "Mugen" material in bangalore ?

Vishal M · 9th December 2006, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by iraghava

Congratulations on the decision Vishal, it's a very good car!

Thank You. Team BHP has played a very big role in my decision.I would have bought the 3 lt Safari 2 months back had I not been a part of team BHP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iraghava

Here is an amazing thread by Rudra on car maintenance & also tips on what colours need what kind of TLC. And just for the record Rudra himself has two black cars so he explains it best

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...car-clean.html

This indeed is a very good thread. Actually now I am motivated to go ahead with the Black colour as I can use all the tips mentioned by Rudra to maintain it :o)

ST7677 · 13th December 2006, 19:32

Initial Quality survey...
"The Honda Civic on the other hand ranked highest in the premium midsize car segment, recording the fewest problem in the industry at 60PP 100. "

How does J D Power survey work?

Buying a car after so many years, I was expecting to be contacted by these guys for some kind of survey. None of the people I know of, who have bought a car recently have been approached for any such survey. So I am now wondering how does this thing work? Any ideas?

Jeeves · 17th December 2006, 09:18

I too faced this problem of vibration when I took a weekend drive to Mysore. Exactly around 100-110kmph.
When I took it for servicing a few days later it was diaganosed as wheel alignment problem.
A few weeks later on another trip to Mysore there was no vibration even at 140! (thats the max I am going to go anyway!)
As you can see I need very little convincing to take a long drive these days! This car is really good.

ST7677 · 17th December 2006, 19:18

This is true, lot of Civics have initial wheel alignment problem.
Even my car used to have steering vibrate at 70 kmph but got fixed during 1st service.

Now I write this message from Mysore, on way back from Kemmangundi. This is my second trip to Mysor this week. First one I did alone and clocked 170 kmph very easily, the car still had steam left for more.
This time I am with 5 people and a ton of Ice. But as this was at night and the car was fully loaded I kept myself below 150 kmph.
Imagine the car quietly does 120 kmph at 3K RPM, whereas the red line starts from 7K RPM!!!

The breaking is very stable at even those high speeds, but you really feel the need to upgrade the tires at those speeds.

The best part is that even at 140 kmph in overdrive gear, when you push the throttle you can feel the fresh burst of power coming in

sandeep108 · 18th December 2006, 11:29

I met a neighbour who has an AT civic (do not know him very well) and just casually asked what city mileage he was getting. When he said 12km/l my jaw dropped. He admitted maybe he was 'lucky' but did 40km each way. Perhaps he is not using AC (I think he is a smoker), but still 12 with AT?

My Swift is not giving me more than 11 with AC (but short drives).

7th December 2006, 16:54	#136
tif0si BHPian Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 52 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	hi everyone, finally my nighthawk black civic was delivered today. just got a call from my parents saying that they have taken the delivery. i will be in india by next week and then i shall post pics of my new baby. for now i`ve got the rear trunk spoiler and front fog lamps. can`t wait to see her.
	() Thanks

9th December 2006, 10:20	#138
Vishal M Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 15 Thanked: 0 Times	Which Colour Dear colleagues, I have finally decided to buy Civic since Safari 2.2 is atleast 6 months away. I love the black colour, but I have always heard that black colour is very difficult to maintain. Can you please help me understand if this is a reality or a myth? Please correct me if I am wrong, some problems associated with black are: 1. Dust & scratches are very prominent 2. Cars gets really hot in summers Does Anyone has a black Car? If yes what are the maintainance tips Sorry if this is off tip Thank You
	() Thanks

9th December 2006, 11:58	#139
Boom Shiva BANNED Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,044 Thanked: 19 Times	Sorry man, it's not a myth. Black really is the hardest colour to maintain. Every little scratch shows. But if well maintained, black is also the best looking colour IMO, especially with cars like the Civic.
	() Thanks

9th December 2006, 12:08	#140
Beeman BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Treasure island Posts: 335 Thanked: 2 Times	very true a lot of people are ditching skoda (diesel) and going in for a civic. My cousin just bought one and he's really satisfied and happy with it. The leg room, power, interiors (which are brilliant by the way!!) and decent average for a car this size...........all make for a good sales pitch!!!
	() Thanks

9th December 2006, 12:18	#142
crkishore BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 30 Thanked: Once	2800kms in one week Got my new BLACK Civic MT on 29th Nov, and i was in a funny trouble right from day 1. I wanted to take the car for my engagement in Kakinada on Dec 6th (1800kms to and fro) and so needed to complete the 1000kms over the same weekend, so that i could give the car for servicing. and hence made a trip to a place just before Calicut. I finished the calicut trip, gave the car for its first service in just 5 days, and then made the 1800 kms trip. Here are my notes : 1. the car is damn smoother than the older city, especially upto 140 kmph 2. curves and turns are handled with great comfort for both the driver and rear passengers. 3. the back suspension seems to give out a "thud" sound over small humps or pot-holes at speeds above 80-90 kmph. but the rear passengers denied feeling any uncomfortness. 4. the AC is really very quick. One one -ve point : I had received the car with mis-aligned wheels because of which the steering had bad vibrations at speeds above 110kmph. A mechanic at the service centre told me that this was the usual complaint from all Civic Owners. I wonder why they arent fixing it. One doubt : I didnt find any rear passenger AC ducts. Are they really there ? The dealer said that Civic doesnt have them, but then ST7677 shows the picture of them !!!!
	() Thanks

9th December 2006, 14:31	#143
Vid6639 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,689 Thanked: 44,148 Times View My Garage	weird why would they not balance the wheels. Are they misaligned or aot of alignment. The rear ac ducts are below the front seats on the floor.
	() Thanks

9th December 2006, 14:45	#144
sandeep108 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,052 Thanked: 315 Times	There are a lot of niggling problems with the civic. Granted it is a complete revamp, so there are bound to be some glitches. But surprisingly in spite of these, the car is selling very well. I guess indians have some faith in honda... The rear passengers do not feel any discomfort (even though there may be some thumps) because there is very little body roll. It would certainly help a lot in reducing car sickness. Last edited by sandeep108 : 9th December 2006 at 14:50.
	() Thanks

9th December 2006, 16:02	#145
crkishore BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 30 Thanked: Once	I dont know if i should call it as mis-aligned or out-of-alignment for a brand new car. The dealer got the problem fixed during the first service, and the car was pretty good at speeds upto 145kmph. Any photos of Civic with a rear spoiler from Honda? Any suggestions on modifications for the head-lights ? i was feeling that at speeds like 120+ kmph, i needed to see more. And lastly, any pointers for viewing any of the "Mugen" material in bangalore ?
	() Thanks

13th December 2006, 19:32	#147
ST7677 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,070 Thanked: 102 Times Infractions: 0/1 (7)	Initial Quality survey... "The Honda Civic on the other hand ranked highest in the premium midsize car segment, recording the fewest problem in the industry at 60PP 100. " How does J D Power survey work? Buying a car after so many years, I was expecting to be contacted by these guys for some kind of survey. None of the people I know of, who have bought a car recently have been approached for any such survey. So I am now wondering how does this thing work? Any ideas?
	() Thanks

17th December 2006, 09:18	#148
Jeeves BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 28 Thanked: 0 Times	Vibrations I too faced this problem of vibration when I took a weekend drive to Mysore. Exactly around 100-110kmph. When I took it for servicing a few days later it was diaganosed as wheel alignment problem. A few weeks later on another trip to Mysore there was no vibration even at 140! (thats the max I am going to go anyway!) As you can see I need very little convincing to take a long drive these days! This car is really good.
	() Thanks

17th December 2006, 19:18	#149
ST7677 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,070 Thanked: 102 Times Infractions: 0/1 (7)	This is true, lot of Civics have initial wheel alignment problem. Even my car used to have steering vibrate at 70 kmph but got fixed during 1st service. Now I write this message from Mysore, on way back from Kemmangundi. This is my second trip to Mysor this week. First one I did alone and clocked 170 kmph very easily, the car still had steam left for more. This time I am with 5 people and a ton of Ice. But as this was at night and the car was fully loaded I kept myself below 150 kmph. Imagine the car quietly does 120 kmph at 3K RPM, whereas the red line starts from 7K RPM!!! The breaking is very stable at even those high speeds, but you really feel the need to upgrade the tires at those speeds. The best part is that even at 140 kmph in overdrive gear, when you push the throttle you can feel the fresh burst of power coming in
	() Thanks

18th December 2006, 11:29	#150
sandeep108 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,052 Thanked: 315 Times	I met a neighbour who has an AT civic (do not know him very well) and just casually asked what city mileage he was getting. When he said 12km/l my jaw dropped. He admitted maybe he was 'lucky' but did 40km each way. Perhaps he is not using AC (I think he is a smoker), but still 12 with AT? My Swift is not giving me more than 11 with AC (but short drives).
	() Thanks