Used Honda Civic

What to know before buying: Honda Civic

From 4 video reviews and 1 forum thread · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The 2006 Civic's 1.8 petrol engine and six-speed manual were described as flexible and economical, returning about 7 l/100 km overall and 5.5 l/100 km on the highway.[5]one sourceCivic VIII
• The eighth-generation hatchback has a wide opening, 456-litre boot and a flat floor with the seats folded, making it more practical than its shape suggests.[3]one sourceCivic VIII
• A review of the base 2024 Civic praised its comfortable driving position, strong seat bolstering and engaging handling, but found performance from the 2.0-litre engine modest.[2]one source
• The tenth generation was described as generally reliable, lively and economical, although used examples warrant checks of the CVT, engine, suspension, electronics and corrosion.[1]one sourceCivic 10th generation

Typical faults

• Eighth-generation cars were reported to rust around saloon rear arches, the underside and beneath the upper windscreen seal; a 2006 owner also observed early rust.[3][5]Civic VIII
• On the eighth generation, the A/C compressor-clutch relay may fail after 6–7 years; hatchback heater-fan bushes can wear at a similar age, causing whining and eventually seizure.[3]one sourceCivic VIII
• The eighth-generation ignition-lock barrel can wear until the key no longer turns, potentially immobilising the car.[3]one sourceCivic VIII
• The tenth-generation CVT can overheat during aggressive driving, leading to juddering and premature wear.[1]one sourceCivic 10th generation
• The tenth-generation 1.5-litre turbo was reported to develop possible timing-chain trouble and oil leaks beyond 100,000 km.[1]one sourceCivic 10th generation

  100 000+ km · 1.5 turbo

• The tenth-generation naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine may develop increased oil consumption after 150,000 km.[1]one sourceCivic 10th generation

  150 000+ km · 2.0 naturally aspirated

• The L15B turbo oil-feed pipe contains a strainer that can clog; loss of lubrication may then destroy the turbocharger.[4]one source

  L15B

Which engine and version to take

• The eighth-generation 1.8-litre petrol is the preferred choice: the source calls it highly reliable and says its timing chain can last 300,000–350,000 km.[3]one sourceCivic VIII
• The tenth-generation naturally aspirated 2.0 was described as more dependable than the 1.5 turbo and capable of up to 300,000 km without overhaul, though oil use may rise after 150,000 km.[1]one sourceCivic 10th generation

What to avoid

• A tenth-generation 1.5 turbo without clear maintenance history is riskier: chain trouble and oil leaks were reported after 100,000 km, while poor fuel was linked to more frequent turbo failures.[1]one sourceCivic 10th generation

What to check at the inspection

• Put an eighth-generation car on a lift and inspect the underside, saloon rear arches and the area beneath the upper windscreen seal.[3]one sourceCivic VIII
• On an eighth-generation car, run the A/C and heater fan; confirm the compressor clutch engages and listen for fan whining.[3]one sourceCivic VIII
• On an eighth-generation car, turn the ignition key repeatedly and test the wipers and folding mirrors, as these mechanisms can seize or wear.[3]one sourceCivic VIII
• During a test drive of a tenth-generation CVT car, check for juddering and signs of overheating, especially after heavier use.[1]one sourceCivic 10th generation
• For a tenth-generation 1.5 turbo beyond 100,000 km, inspect for oil leaks, assess the timing chain and demand evidence of regular oil changes.[1]one sourceCivic 10th generation
• For an L15B engine, verify that the turbo oil-feed strainer has been checked, because blockage can starve the turbo of lubrication.[4]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]с пробегом — Honda Civic (10) недостатки с пробегом | Минусы и болячки авто · ▶ video
2. [2]AVAN Cars — 2024 Honda Civic - Review! Still the Best! But Why? · ▶ video
3. [3]Первый Видео Авто Рынок — Honda Civic VIII | Куда смотреть и к чему готовиться? · ▶ video
4. [4]PRIORITY AUTO - Авто из Японии, Кореи, Китая — АВТО ДЛЯ НОВИЧКА • ЕГО ПОКУПАЮТ КАК ПЕРВУЮ МАШИНУ • HONDA CIVIC · ▶ video
5. [5]iauto.lv — Honda CIVIC 2006.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum

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