Honda Civic Hatchback 1.6 VTi 3d (1996/N) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
A good, quick and understated car for the money.
Costs
Being a top of the range model, a lot of parts have to be Honda main dealer which is expensive. Most work can be done on the car but be prepaired for hassel. Amazing MPG for a performance car when driven sensibly.
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On the road
Driving
Handles well with its double wish bone suspension. A bit noisy at motorway speeds though. Good brakes.
Performance
Having the VTEC is like having two engines. A normal one then a race engine above 5500rpm.
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Living with it
Reliability
Has been realiable, but any servicing need to be planned. Some common parts are Honda only. Watch for sticking rear calipers though. A common fault among these models.
Image
About average. Very subtle and understated GTi. They look nearly identical to the base models and many people dont know about the Vtec.
Comfort
A very comfy car to travel in with good supportive seats. Only four proper seats. It does get noisy at motorway speed though.
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Security and Service
Security
Can't really comment, but the immobiliser is a good thing. Shame it doesn't have deadlocks.
Service
Mostly very impressed. Apart from a closed part department at luch time in my local dealership.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None, though maintanence can be difficult due to lack of space. To remove the alternator, the driveshaft has to be removed.
Other
Rear calipers are prone to sticking on and there's no repiar kit for them.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes