Overview

Honda wanted to attract younger buyers when it launched the Civic Mk8 in 2006. It’s a recurring theme, but the Japanese carmaker will tell you that it’s keen to lose the dull image of its previous car – and pick up a whole raft of more youthful buyers.

And every generation, the same buyers come back for more. That alone tells you all you need to know about the Honda Civic. Its customers are loyal because the cars are a known quantity, the dealers are good, and the reliability remains as strong as ever from generation to generation.

So, it might want style-conscious drivers millennial buyers, but the company ends up courting more senior drivers. And is that a bad thing? Of course not – especially from a used car perspective, because these are the perfect people to buy cars from.

Honda Civic Mk8: is it reliable?

Overall, the eighth-generation Honda Civic is an exceptionally reliable car with a few well-understood problems. Check out the recall data in our full review. Parkers readers report a few issues, such as excessive oil consumption, faulty oil level sensors and burnt-out glowplugs.

Honda Civic Mk8 (2006-2012) known faults and common problems

Buying guide – common issues, and what to look for if you’re looking at getting one.

1. OIL CONSUMPTION ON 2.2 iCDTi DIESEL

Honda originally specified a 0w/30 grade engine oil on the diesel engine. This was changed to a thicker 5w/30 grade to reduce a notable consumption of oil between servicing. If the level is low on inspection check to see if the correct procedures are being adhered to.

2. POOR STARTING (DIESEL)

Low mileage cars can foul their glow plugs causing poor starting when cold. Also ensure the correct heavy duty battery is fitted. Cold starting should be instant so be wary of an engine that’s been pre warmed by the vendor. Original parts are expensive but replacement for both is straightforward.

3. BRAKING SYSTEM

The Civic can be known for brake squeal and grumbling rear pads – especially if cheap aftermarket replacements have been fitted. Also make sure the handbrake doesn’t have excessive travel before holding the car firmly. The Civic has a trait for wearing out the rear pads quickly – so check.

4. BRAKES: HAS THE RECALL WORK BEEN DONE?

A recall was issued regarding a potentially faulty handbrake ratchet. Check the service book to be sure this has been attended to or go to the VOSA website.

5. INTERIOR RATTLING FROM THE ROOF AREA

This affects vehicles fitted with the panoramic roof. Poorly fitted roof linings can cause a rattling noise. A dealer fix was developed and most cars should be fixed by now. Curing it is simple but dealer labour rates are quite expensive.

6. MISTING UP LAMP CLUSTERS

Front and rear lamp units are known for misting up in damp weather. Headlamps point towards a defective bulb cap seal but rear units are only cured by the fitting of a later revised part with better breather tubing.

7. DOOR SWITCHES

Check all the buttons work on the driver’s door. Water or damp ingress can corrode the switch terminals causing windows to fail and mirrors to stop working.

8. PAINTWORK AND BODYWORK

Early cars were known for thin and low quality paintwork. Be aware of stone chip scars and badly touched up paintwork. Getting this put right to a decent standard isn’t cheap. Cracked or smashed front fog lamps are eye wateringly pricey from dealers and scarce at the breakers, so haggle accordingly.

9. TRASHED AND THRASHED SPORTING MODELS

Honda engines are robust but nevertheless avoid worn out Type S or Type R models that have been badly modified or accident damage repaired. Always remember – there is no such car as cheap Type R. Always look for a decent wedge of service history, evidence of lots of oil changes and walk away if it doesn’t look right. There are still plenty around.

10. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

By far the sweetest Hondas have three pedals, so we’d always recommend a manual over the auto. The 1.8 auto is difficult to like, as it’s very thirsty and will cost the earth in transmission repairs if it goes wrong.

But it’s the only poor model in the Civic range.

Other than that, the Civic gets a clean bill of health.

• Search for used Honda Civics on Parkers
• Read Honda Civic owners reviews on Parkers
• Check out the latest Honda Civic used car values on Parkers
• Buy an approved used Honda