Shopping for a Civic...Things to Look For

[saz468]

I've read about this issue. It seriously can't be all of them, though.

Mine doesn’t but I live in SW Florida and my daily commute is 20 miles mostly highway

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[Roykirk]

One small thing that's major to some is the fact that the 2019 and 2020 have a physical volume knob, as well as physical fan controls for heat/AC. 2016-2018 have neither of these, which many find inconvenient.

Last year I went in looking for a 2017-2018 used Touring sedan, and came home with a new 2019. The physical controls on the head unit were part of the reason, as was the paddle shifters. Convenience and features are always a big plus for me.

 

[dgordon7]

If buying used, avoid any car that has had any performance or electrical mods. Especially if they have a CVT.
They always seem to cause problems down the road and the drivers of these cars are harder on them.

Get the car analyzed at a Honda dealership to see if there has been any "reflash/tune" done to it and make sure that there is no exhaust/intake mods. Very often owners "flash back" to stock and replace exhaust/intake mods with stock parts to hide the damage that they have done.

The 2016 to 2018 Civics have flawed air conditioning systems that leak coolant and are very expensive to repair.
The infotainment system and the electronic safety features (like collision avoidance and lane keep assist) are clunky on all years.

I recommend that you buy new to avoid most problems.

Not sure if this applies stateside or not, I am sure it does as it was rolled out in the Great White North. Honda has provided a 10 year warranty extension on the air conditioning issue. I like some others also went purposely for a 2.0 LX for its simplicity, and I couldn't get a sedan model with a manual without going quite a bit higher in trim. Mine's an 18 and I enjoy it. Good luck in your choice!

 

[kwk1]

One small thing that's major to some is the fact that the 2019 and 2020 have a physical volume knob, as well as physical fan controls for heat/AC. 2016-2018 have neither of these, which many find inconvenient.

Not sure if it's trim dependant but my 17 LX has a physical dial for the fan speed.

 

[justasimpleman]

Went to look for/buy a used with low mileage civic this past weekend, prices are really not too far off from new to used. Not sure how it is in your area, but shop around... probably find the same as I did. I went with new.

you can also ask dealerships if they have brand new ‘19s still in stock.

 

[Axatax]

I like the presence of the physical knobs, but I think I use the steering wheel controls 99.9% of the time. I think I might have spun the volume knob maybe once or twice.

 

[justasimpleman]

I like the presence of the physical knobs, but I think I use the steering wheel controls 99.9% of the time. I think I might have spun the volume knob maybe once or twice.

Test drove an ‘18 yesterday, and hated the no volume knob. Not sure I could get used to that.

 

[shabadoo25]

I went with a new 2020 EX-L. Everyone's advice was much appreciated. There just wasn't enough price difference to get into the used world, at least from my POV.

 

[Mae22]

Not sure if it's trim dependant but my 17 LX has a physical dial for the fan speed.

Yep, it is trim dependent. The LX has a different infotainment system and the heat/AC controls aren't part of that, they are manual.

 

[kwk1]

Yep, it is trim dependent. The LX has a different infotainment system and the heat/AC controls aren't part of that, they are manual.

Actually, I'm in Canada and the LX here has the upgraded infotainment/hvac system. My car has auto climate control and a manual knob for the fan besides the fan control on the touch screen.

 

[Mae22]

Actually, I'm in Canada and the LX here has the upgraded infotainment/hvac system. My car has auto climate control and a manual knob for the fan besides the fan control on the touch screen.

Yep, I was assuming a US car, but definitely other regions have different standard equipment.

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