Honda Civic (2001 - 2005)
1.6 EX automatic
Fanastic automatic
I was looking for an old school auto for my wife to learn in (doesn't like manuals). Bought from a Honda dealer in October 2012. Only had 25k miles on the clock - car was basically new. Nobody had sat in the passenger seats. Previous owner was a magistrate and he'd looked after the car impeccably.
Good points:
Brilliant reliability. Nothing has gone wrong and the car is getting on for 9 years old.
Lovely smooth torque converter auto. Does what is says on the tin.
The VTEC engine is a peach. It cruises quietly at 70 at 2800 rpm. Also goes like stink if you need a quick overtake.
Fuel economy is good for an auto.
Loads of space and storage.
Not so good:
Some of the trim and switchgear is very cheap.
A few mystery rattles, but not bad for 9 year old car.
Ride is very firm and noisy around town.
I take it to Independent Honda service station (ex main dealer: Saunders for Service in Chester) for servicing and repairs. They have told me never to sell it as it's a museum piece and will last forever.
Downside: my wife has passed her test and is now adopting the car. So that leaves me with a void - not sure what to fill it with. Toyota Avensis vmatic or Lexus IS250 auto?