Honda Civic Hatchback (2000 - 2005) 1.4i Max 5d (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I've brought that average Civic driver age down by 30 years

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

Huge back space, quite comfortable. Neighbours seem to keep denting and scratching it, but probably not out of jealousy

Would you buy this car again and why?

No - had the Honda disadvantages of expensive parts and servicing without the Honda advantages of full reliability

What are you likely to buy next?

Am fed up with boring practical cars, so I think a Lotus Elise!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£10,500

When did you buy the car?

July 2001

Did you get a good deal and why?

Pre-reg and with Max trim it was a lot cheaper than official list

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Pre-reg so a bit cheaper

What was the dealer like?

Friendly, was delighted with the quick sale

What's it like to drive?

Slow but safe I guess. Stock front tyres would slip and aquaplane a lot but that's been sorted since I got Michelin Energy replacements.

What's it like to park?

OK. No auto-adjusting wheel mirrors, but the shape is easy to guess and visualise

Have you had any problems with the car?

gearbox was in pieces at 50k miles. CD player broke multiple times. Air conditioning has a leak which the official dealer says it can't find or fix. Lightbulbs are expensive to replace

What's most practical about your car?

Huge back seats, easy motorway cruiser despite small engine

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Placement of gearstick