Honda Civic Hatchback (2006 - 2011) 1.8 i-VTEC SE (01/06-01/09) 5d Auto (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

...this is a tough question. I guess it say's I only want a very reliable, sporty-looking, well appointed and quality car and nothing less.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Friends like it a lot. My wife likes it (miracle).

Would you buy this car again and why?

I have only owned this car for about a week. I love it and almost certianly would. I admit I'd like the model up with sat-nav, dual climate control and electric mirrors.

What are you likely to buy next?

Depends on the lottery fairys, but being realistic I'd go for a Honda.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,500

When did you buy the car?

September 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I feel like I did. A one owner, FSH car (by that dealer) low miles - 6 years old with genuine 28k on the clock. Exterior looks almost mint and also excellent interior bar a few scratches on the drivers window/C/L/Mirror plate.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

From when they were first on the road, I always fancied one and finally got my chance when a low mileage model became available locally. Luckily, I was in the right place at the right time...

What was the dealer like?

From the moment I walked onto the forecourt he was excellent. Not too much pressure - if any - although I may have made that easy for him. However when I told him I liked the Focus Titanium he went into 'salesman mode' and then did a very cool job of 'selling' to me - but - I stress without pressure.

What's it like to drive?

Smooth as a baby's you know what. Some people have issues with entry and exit on slight inclines/declines (like my own driveway). I did once, and then I got used to it. The only other mention of worth with an i-Shift is the use of the brake pedal if you put the gearbox into neutral while (for example) waiting at a railway crossing for a longer than usual length of time. You MUST quickly depress the brake pedal BEFORE moving off again. This is a Honday 'fail-safe' -and clever- safety precuation. If you do not, the car will sit where it is until the end of time.

What's it like to park?

It's true there is a very limited rear view, and you have no rear wiper, but, if you can drive properly the large door mirrors are all you need.

Have you had any problems with the car?

A quick return to the dealer to replace the door mirror indicator/LED and all done. No major issue at all.

What's most practical about your car?

See 'Favourite option'. The i-Shift is brilliant for me - perhaps not for all so you must try one before buying. Also, I love the all-round size of the car, the MPG, the design, the insurance is reasonable and when Parkers quote, 'Bullet-Proof reliability' you know you're on to a likely winner.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I-Shift. I would say the quintessential you either love it or hate it. It works for me perfectly. I 'learned' it's idiosyncracies over one weekend and it drives like a 'true auto'. I can effortlessly shift from auto to manual and back again - and if I 'forget, it does it for me. I wish I could control my wife as easily!