Honda Civic Saloon ESi 4d (1993/K) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
They cost a small fortune when new and you can pick up a good one now for cheap money.
Costs
When I tell people to buy a Honda they say "I would but the parts are expensive". This is true, but how often does it need them! I have owned mine for 6 years, 105,000 miles original:- clutch, alternator, engine, shockers and it still starts 1st time.
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On the road
Driving
Handles well if good tyres are fitted, drives nice and smoothly.
Performance
Vtec comes in at 4700rpm on the SOHC vtec and when it does it goes like a rocket. You don't watch your speedo cos you can't believe the rev counter is at 7500rpm!
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Living with it
Reliability
Never let me down in over 60k miles; keep serviced at least every 6k; bottom bushes on lwr arms go and radiators rot for fun (they are too small), earthing problem apparently, dont replace - get it recored (save pounds).
Image
The 3 door is more desirable, but the 4 door looks better with alloys and a bodykit.
Comfort
Not as good as the 4 door VTi, but more than adequate. Grey dash and panels on models up to 94 and black after.
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Security and Service
Security
Doesn't have any!
Service
I'm biased. I worked for Honda in the parts department for 10 years. They will look after you.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Tappets rattle if not adjusted. They are not hydraulic like many other cars, this allows for fine tuning of the great VTec engine.
Other
3 radiators in 60k miles and lwr arm bushes. Got the radiator recored on all 3 occasions, new radiator costs over £100, recore £45 :-)
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