Consumer Reports still shows recent Civics with a very low incidence of major engine-problems and good-to-excellent overall reliability. The 2006 models, as you noted, had a few more engine problems than in subsequent years....but, according to CR, not much since then. CR did, however, comment on the road noise and the 2012 model's cheapening compared to previous years.....on which I agree. But, for basic transportation, I don't think his daughter will have too much to complain about.....Heck, at that age, (18-19) I would have loved to have a new car (which I couldn't afford at the time).

 

i believe (could be wrong) that dealer margins on hyundais/kias are much lower than other brands which gives them less room to negotiate. so their 'firm' stance may have more to do with that than just thinking they're better.

and the accent is an excellent car. civic is good too, but i don't like the interior compared to an accent.

 

um, there's no way 10% of 2006 era civics had engine block cracks. that would have cratered the company.

 

Thats why I didnt say it was 10%, I said it was less than 10%.

It was enough for a TSB, but not a Recall.

 

I had a similar thought, a college kid will abuse a new car...but its hard to get a good deal on a low mileage used Honda.

 

Other then the fact that this Civic is 12 years newer and a bit bigger in physical size, how is it any different then the 2000 Integra that she doesn't like now?

Both are FWD, same 4 cyls power, all Honda cars pretty much feels the same

 

Well if you want to ask...1) The Integra has had a few problems including several accidents (it is a hand me down). 2) It is a sedan, which she prefers, 3) it gets much much better gas mileage (averaging around 34 as we speak), and 4) it is her own new from the start without an unknown history. That last comment too is like saying all Toycos are the same from Supras to Yaris.

 

OIC, that just means she prefer a new car vs. an old car, which is understandable.

My point was a brand new 2000 Integra drive and feels pretty much the same as a 2012 Civic.

I should have been a bit more specific, I should have said all Honda that are the same level feels the same. Like all Civic, ILX, Integra, TSX, RSX that came out in the last 10~15 years feels all the same to me. Like how the LS460 feels very similar to a LS430 to me. Or a TL is similar to an Accord. Supra feels the same as a SC300 to me if the suspension tuning is similar.

 

You sir, are a caring and thoughtful father.

Now that she's taken care of, let's get down to business and find you a real car. No more of this boring Civic talk. We here on Car Chat approve of the NSX, Supra, and the FR-S (although lots of kids will be driving that). Ixnay on the 328i.

 

Actually, I was the one that decided she should have a new car because I felt more comfortable with the reliability that comes with it (and her being on her own). I've never driven a Civic (well, before this one), but this car and the 'Teg are worlds apart. The 'Teg is much more sporty, noisy, and fun to drive. This Civic is lackluster in acceleration, very isolated, larger and serene in its nature (with great as mileage to boot). So no, I wouldn't necessarily say they are similar. JMHO

 

That sounds like a fun topic, especially for people nostalgic to the late 90's Japanese Super cars!

 

I don't know how great a deal you got the civic for. But I would probably go directly to the mid size sedan like Camry and Optima because I could get either one for under $19k and they are so much more roomier and feel safer to me. But Civic is still a great choice for a college student.