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Should I pick the Honda Civic 2.2 iCDTI or the 1.8 iVTEC?

I've been reading up about the Civic 2.2iCTDI on your website. It looks good, but the 1.8 iVTEC also looks good. I'm just wondering which one's going to end up costing the most to run with circa 20,000 miles a year? Fuel economy is important but not if servicing and repair costs get in the way. I'm looking at secondhand 2006 - 2007 models.

Asked on 14 December 2013 by CS, via email

Answered by Honest John
The 2.2iCTDI is pretty good as diesels go. It's chain cam, so no belts to replace every four years, and no diesel particulate filter to worry about. You'll probably get 5mpg better than the 1.8iVTEC. And, of course, more torque. So, if you're ever towing, no contest. Day to day, it's hard to call. The 1.8i handles better because the engine is lighter, so it's the sportier choice. What would do it for me would be the fact that the 1.8i comes about £1500 cheaper than the 2.2iCTDI.
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