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Honda Civic 2005 and earlier

4041 messages,  Last post on May 07, 2013 at 9:07 AM

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Messages Page 20 of 405

#185 of 4041 isellhondas.. by 96_i30_5sp

Jan 30, 2001 (1:15 pm)

Please don't downplay the importance of ABS in a Civic. I could have avoided an accident (and $3500 damage) if it had ABS. Back in 1996 Honda did list ABS as an option for the LX model, but the dealers couldn't locate any. We have had other problems (rattles, jerky throttle, fading center console, rust under the dashboard and trunk area come to mind) and were lured by the Honda "reputation" and our experience with an older style Prelude (much better quality car). Honda has been cutting corners for the last few years and this will come to haunt them as the cars age. We will not buy another Honda until the company changes its philosophy to what it made it a success 15 years ago.

#186 of 4041 UPDATE - 2001 EX: Gas milage by ejonavin

Jan 30, 2001 (9:13 pm)

Just to update everyone... it was a bit warmer the last week just below freezing (instead of WAY below freeze), and on my last tank I got about 32mpg (US) or 7.3L/100km in mixed driving (compared to 27mpg previously).
 
So how much does cold temperature affect your milage? BTW, even though it wasn't as cold I still used the same accessories (heated seats/mirrors etc...) for the same length of time. I never idle for more than 2 minutes, but it obviously take more time "driving like granny" for the car to warm up when it's colder.

#187 of 4041 5 mph bumper tests by oops13

Jan 31, 2001 (8:39 am)

Dateline did a special last night on 5 mph bumper testing. They had a wide variety of cars including the new civic. I was quite pleased to see that it suffered no body damage from the 4 different tests , however I found it to be odd that it did have an engine mount fail. I was suprised to see the new $14,000 Hyundai Elantra and Civic to be the best of the group that they tested and the $40,000+ Lexus and Mercedes do the worst. I guess you really can have your cake and eat it too. I believe it was Mercedes that replied back to Dateline stating that they designed for higher speed crashes and that they would have to compromise in that area to excel in the low speed tests. I guess someone forgot to tell Hyundai and Honda that they couldn't do well in both areas. Hyundai got 5 for both front and side impact at the higher speeds while Honda's coupe got 5's in both and the sedan got a 5 for front and a 4 for side. I just know that I can't help but laugh when I see some fool throwing good money away at the gas pump filling up their "super-safe" luxo-pig being while being excited that they broke 20 mpg. I just got 38 mpg ,in vey cold weather, on my last tank in my 5-speed LX

#188 of 4041 oops13 by justin

Jan 31, 2001 (9:15 am)

Well said! The one thing I wonder though is this:
 
If the car gets damaged, some say that is good because it has taken the brunt of the impact, not the passengers inside. Interesting...I don't know what to think.

#189 of 4041 Should I order or take what they have on the lot? by rls9

Feb 01, 2001 (9:15 am)

I am about to buy an EX Sedan with airbags,cassette, and security system. I have read that there has been a lot of trouble with the radio presets as well as with the PCM. Am I better off ordering it hoping that they have fixed the bugs rather than take my chances with what they have on the lot? Is the extra security system worth it? An internet manager quoted me a price of $17922 for all of the options above. I'm thinking that might be a bit too high....that dealer is an hour drive from me so I am thinking of taking that offer to a local dealer to see if they can match or do better! I really don't want to drive that far if I have problems later....
This is my first car purchase ever so I want to do it right!
Thanks for your input in advance!

#190 of 4041 96 I30 by isellhondas

Feb 01, 2001 (12:03 pm)

Well...you *might* have avoided that accident if you had ABS.
 
And on dry payment,having ABS can take you a greater distance to stop.
 
I'm not saying ABS is bad...it's not. We have two cars with ABS and one without.
 
Personally, I think they are equally as safe.
 
And...in 1996 ABS was never an option on an LX Civic. It was in some earlier years but was such a poor seller it was dropped.

#191 of 4041 #185 - Buying an EX by gasguzz

Feb 01, 2001 (12:16 pm)

I believe the EX comes with the CD. Yes, $17,922 seems high. Start with invoice and watch 'em sweat.
The security system need is relative. You can always add the factory alarm later, unless you get a good deal now.
Personally, I have not found the "Internet Dealers" to be advantageous. The local dealer can always match them, and you can see right away what you're getting. As far I'm concerned, we are all internet dealers/buyers using the same info base.
The key is to always scrutinize the numbers - they never lie. Remember also that you both have a business relationship - there is a FAIR price in there somewhere. When the time comes, never visit the dealer without a pre-approved loan (check out eloan.com).
Don't fall for $0 down deals or no Int/Payments for 2 years - you'll eventually PAY for it (again, the math/contract will show you that).
You never know either what the dealer order-of-the-day is. The dealer may make a deal on the remaining 5 Civics on the lot. Or, full msrp on the silver EX.
Good luck and enjoy.

#192 of 4041 ABS by vadp

Feb 01, 2001 (12:20 pm)

isellhondas,
"And on dry payment,having ABS can take you a greater distance to stop."
Care to explain?

#193 of 4041 a fact by justin

Feb 01, 2001 (2:41 pm)

on dry pavement, and in gravel, ABS causes LONGER stopping distances than with locked up non ABS brakes. That said - ABS is one of the best safety features to have I think. Right after the seat belt.

Messages Page 20 of 405

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