Thinking about purchasing a used Honda Civic Hybrid
Created December 11, 2007, at 12:49 am by CFused
Hi all,
I'm new to this forum and this is actually my first posting =). I have been in the market for a car these past few weeks. After doing some research, and reading forums, I have decided on a Honda Civic Hybrid. I just had a few questions I was hoping some of you guys could help me out with.
1) What are the differences between the 2003, 2004,......2007, 2008.
2) Are there any differences in performance as well between each model?
3) Is there any year that stands out in your mind as the best model for the HCH?
4) I have been reading about the tax rebates for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. Does this apply to purchasing a used hybrid?
5) Lastly, are there any suggestions or specific things I should look for when looking at used HCHs.
Thanks in advance for all the input! :D
Arthur
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4 years ago
Welcome to the forum !!! :)
First generation model (2003-2005)
Second generation (2006-2010)
Yes, the second generation is generally more improved in many areas. These are just some of them:
Performance
Fuel economy
Comfort, equipment & refinement
features & sophistication (EV propulsion, electric AC, etc)
Safety
Environmental performance and PZEV, Tier2/Bin2 pollution rating
Reliability
Pick the most recent as it benefits from the incremental improvements in the areas described above.
Nope. Used hybrids are not eligible.
Look for models that have a good maintenance history especially those performed at a Honda dealer. If it still has a good warranty left in it then it may be a good deal, but it all depends on how "Flinstone headed" the previous owners were. Also, have the car inspected by a Honda hybrid technician before buying it.
Avoid manual transmission gen 1 Civic Hybrids unless you're willing to drive them properly and it has a recently changed battery pack.
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
Take my advice... and WAIT until Honda improves the technology a little more. I am driving a 2006 Civic Hybrid, purchased in JUly 2006... first few months, great highway driving... 60+ MPG... after first service... guess what, I'm lucky if I get 35 MPG, combined highway/city. I did much better in my Honda Accord.
SEcondly, there's a lot of flaws in the car. I've had a 14 month problem with my driver's side window, coming off track, refusing to go up. Rain pouring in on the highway. Dealer says, "Oh, we'll lube it." Twice lubed, same problem. I've had 3 recalls, only one of which I received in the mail... made appt. went in... no parts.
Went in today, learned there's another recall... or computer upgrade which may improve gas-mileage. Had it done. Wait and see.
Servicing the Hybrid is 2 1/2 times the cost of a regular car...
I have 15, 800 kms on the car (<10,000 miles) and already frustrated. Can anyone relate? I'm unsure if the dealers service department even know a lot about this technology... because they can't answer a straight question!
4 years ago
Sorry to hear about your personal problems with your car Gman1964.
As I ponder about your issues I cannot help but to see your issues as mostly dealership related problems. Granted, the window track issues have happened to a fair number of people already even though there are many of us who really do not know what you are talking about. No worries.
Although it did not happen to me (I have 2 HCH's) I do know people/cases who've had the issue. The problem is that they've had their issue successfully looked at you have had no such luck with your dealership. Correct?
On that note: You service your HCH which includes an oil change, and then your mileage falls. I would venture to say that maybe your dealership failed to use the right oil? That kind of a mileage drop right after an oil change often points to the wrong oil being used. It is that simple.
On the issue of recalls:
Most of the recalls the gen 2 HCH had, were non critical recalls. I suggest you look at the average recall incidence in the first two years for the auto industry and you'll still find the HCH to be one of the most solid production designs on the market. It is all about perspective especially when you sample other models and makes.
Please look at the software updates as an added value for the owners. I certainly do.
About the servicing cost:
Again, it depends on where you service your car and on what is done. Again, most of us have a totally different experience. It becomes even more interesting if you consider that the oil changes occur less frequently that they would on other models and makes. Yes, you pay more per oil change but you also do it less often. To some of us it is a wash.
About your dealer:
Agreed. Bad dealers can really drive people mad. We see the exact same thing with Toyota hybrids as well. If you can, please considering visiting another dealer if at all possible and compare their knowledge and professional competency. In the end it is all about about much training they provide their people and most often than not, poorly managed service departments skimp on the training A LOT. The fact that they failed to order the right parts in for your recall shown how poorly run the outfit is. (this I know well) ;)
If you have any questions or issues please post them on this forum... Especially when you believe your dealer is not giving you straight answer. :)
BTW: Which province are you from (Ontario/Niagara region?)? Would you be willing to post the name of your dealership?
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
Thanks Santos for your insights. The dealership is: (removed for courtesy)
Can you imagine, from July 2006 to December 2007, I had difficulty driving at night because my low beam headlights were too low... the Honda Service Department told me in the fall of 2006 that this could not be adjusted. So, I had to use extra caution and stay on well-lighted highways and city roads. Finally this week, I found someone who could adjust them correctly.
4 years ago
Have you tried "Image Honda" in nearby Hamilton?
How about "Henley Motors Ltd" in your area?
I wish it was any different, but many Honda owners really have to look around a little in order to find the better dealer. Sometimes the better dealer is a little farther away.
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
MSantos, I'm wondering about:
"On that note: You service your HCH which includes an oil change, and then your mileage falls. I would venture to say that maybe your dealership failed to use the right oil? That kind of a mileage drop right after an oil change often points to the wrong oil being used. It is that simple."
myself. Just had the car in for "B" "1" "2" service: oil/filter change, front/rear brake inspection, and engine intake/cabin filter change.
Since, our mileage has gone from roughly 6 l/100km to 7 l/100km.
My first suspect was an overly tight parking brake lever, which I backed off to the spec'd. 8~10 clicks to full lock. But our mileage continues to suck. Was just thinking last night: maybe they put in 5W20?? Or?? :confused:
I'm not sure that they would pull a sneaky, but not sure. The bill says:
4 08798-8023C 4 OW20 GF4 1 LITER
Can you think of any (cheap) way to tell, short of some sort of viscocity test.
It could very well just be our short trips, getting into the wettest and coldest time of the year, but it really took a dip...
4 years ago
FWIW, just checked: the oil on the dipstick looks super thin, almost like oily water, and it's currently +3 centigrade (at the most) in our garage. The transmission fluid level is up to the top of the hot level, I'm guessing they topped that up, I don't recall it being that high before. Could that impact mileage?
4 years ago
Mendel:
You are absolutely right. Too much oil in the crankcase is not good for optimal FE at all. Usually Honda dealerships are pretty good and put only the right amount of oil. But could it be that they over filled it for you this time?
Based on what you see, I would say they did.
Sadly, I know of no cheap & sure way of verifying the oil short of doing a standard lab oil analysis.
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
I'm getting ready to trade-in a 2006 HCH... 9,600 miles! Fed up with low mileage, recalls, lack of service. Incompetent technicians. Just getting run arounds by the dealer. Honda is really goofing up on these hybrids.
4 years ago
Sorry about the bad dealer you've got. Any chance in visiting another dealer?
Here are a few additional questions:
Is your "poor" mileage something you're observing right now with this weather?
If so, then we're all in the same ship here. Cold temperatures will bring down the mileage for ANY car. The HCH is not an exception. What have your temps been recently?
Second question:
Do you use a block heater at all?
Third question:
How long are your drives?
Short drives where the car basically has no chance to warm up are absolute FE killers for any car. The HCH is no exception.
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
Poor mileage all year round... no block heater... car is in garage daily. Combination of long and short drives. Very confused.
4 years ago
Have you read Tarabell's article yet?
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
Yes, MSantos, I read the article and everything I can find. I am driving the car in a very conservative fashion... using Cruise on the highways, accelerating gently, warming the car up nicely in the mornings... don't know what else to do. Service dept. can't tell me what my gas mileage is??? Is there a way of knowing through the dealer, when they service the car, what the "actual" mpg is??? I happen to be a great mathematician... and on average, highyway, in city... my mpg is 35 and less... city only... 20's. My Accord far exceeded that. I was getting 42-48 MPG on highways using cruise. I'm at a loss.
4 years ago
Gman1964:
"Warming the car nicely in the mornings" ?
You mean, you warm the car by idling it before driving off ? If this is what you do then let me say that this is the absolute worst thing you can do. There's is absolutely no good reason to idle your car.
The best alternative is to get a block heater installed. I humbly suggest you do that if your temps even approach freezing.
No service department will tell you what your mileage is. The car's systems do not record a commutative mileage at all. Provided that the car's system check OK, the mileage you acquire is the direct result of:
There are two critical ways of determining your mileage:
- Use your instrumented trip meters as indicated in Tarabell's article and your owner's manual.
- Perform the mileage calculations at the time you fill your tank. This is the most accurate and reliable method.
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
Hi again MSantos... Yes, I start the car, let it sit a few short minutes, then back out of the garage. This is recommended according to the Manual.
SEcondly, the Manager of the Dealership told me clearly, "Oh yes, when the technicians plug in your car, they can tell via computer, your exact gas-mileage. Didn't they tell you what it was? I will have to speak to them." Now, I am so confused, and getting quite upset. Actually, livid.
4 years ago
Sorry to hear that Gman1964. I'm in northern Illinois and my mpg has dropped with the decreasing temp. I've done some of the tips suggested by MSantos (pipe insulation over air intakes and increased tire pressure from 32 to 40 psi) and have increased my mpg to 43 and that has been during several snow and ice storms and sub 20F temps. I still do not have an engine block heater and plan to look into that after the holidays. The engine block heater should eliminate the need to warm the car up. I do not idle my car at all. I start it a go. I even make sure I'm completely ready to go with seatbelt fastened before I turn the key. I do drive it gently until it warms up a bit. I'm far from an expert, but it sounds like something is not right with yours. I would be very upset as well.
4 years ago
"Yes, I start the car, let it sit a few short minutes, then back out of the garage. This is recommended according to the Manual."
I recall seeing (almost) the opposite, something to the effect that you should get going right away, unless the weather was very cold and the car had not been used for several days.
Just skimming through the pdf version of the 06 manual (very handy, if anyone's interested I'll try to find the link), I couldn't find anything. Page 165 is titled "Starting the engine", and provides no specifics on how long to idle.
To the Original Poster (I wish this forum would allow you to see the rest of the thread when composing a response): I've found cruise control detrimental to mileage. It's a dumb system, just trying to maintain your speed. Especially with rolling hills, and whenever there is other traffic, you are smarter and capable of better mileage. Keep the real-time mileage indicator (top left corner of speedometer display) showing, and keep an eye on it.
For example, if you encounter a small hill of short duration: letting your speed fall off slightly, and then regaining that speed going down the far side of the hill, is better than having the cruise control accelerating up the hill.
4 years ago
Gman1964, there's your answer!!
I do not recall ever seeing a recommendation in the manual to idle the car's engine for warm-up. To put it mildly it is always a VERY bad thing to have the engine idling unnecessarily for more than 15-30 seconds.
No engineer or technically astute (certified) person would ever recommend you warm-up your car via idling. You also will not find that recommendation in any user's manual for any car.
Please read the following link. It is authoritative and official.
Please install a block heater and do not idle. Warm-up idling is very bad.
They can tell you the "instantaneous mileage" not the "commulative mileage".
The readings that they get though the OBD-II port are identical to your iFCD display, and taking into account that they noticed nothing wrong with the car's systems then I will agree with them that there's nothing wrong with your car at all.
Here's the key to your success:
Do ask questions in this forum and keep your mind open to learning. You car has the tools and the technology and the potential to do much better. the rest is up to you. We'll be here to help you out.
Cheers;
MSantos
3 years ago
The HCH generation 2 is quite reliable. I've put around 10k miles on mine and the only service done was an oil change around the 8k mile mark.
Not sure about your experience Gman if your car wasn't new you might want to check out its history as it sounds like a lemon. My car has been perfect for the first 10k.
3 years ago
I have a 2006 Hybrid as well. I have had the exact same problem with my windows only in my car it was front passenger. Fortunately, the Honda dealership here is pretty straight. After the second time they ordered a new motor- make those guys do it for you too while it is still under factory warranty!
Recalls I expected... none too big of a deal that they couldn't just be scheduled with the oil change.
I have a rack on my car for surfboards, kayaks, etc. and if obviously effected the fuel efficiency a little bit. All in all though I am REALLY happy with the car. The features on the stearing wheel, auxilary i pod plug in... it all rocks. I can't wait til you can lower the back seat again though like in the normal civics!
3 years ago
I have a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. It has 19,000 miles on it. While being serviced for a brake light recall and oil change, the dealership called to say that my engineer filter needed changing and that my front and rear brakes needed cleaning (serviced). I said ok to the $40 engineer filter but I can't remember ever having that changed in previous cars that I owned. What is an engineer filter? Thanks, K.
3 years ago
Perhaps not an "engineer filter" but the "engine's air filter".
It is a good idea to get those "engine's air filter" replaced as soon as they get dirty enough to justify a replacement. Mine get changed at 10-15 K miles since by that time they are already too dirty.
Cheers;
MSantos
2 weeks ago
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the post. i am buying a Second-Hand Honda Civic Hybrid 2008 model, with 32000 miles. This is my first car, i am only 25 years of age. Could you please advise how to check the battery pack is not damaged, and any other key things i need to check before buying.
Many Thanks
2 weeks ago
Hi Santos,
Thanks for the post. i am buying a Second-Hand Honda Civic Hybrid 2008 model, with 32000 miles. This is my first car, i am only 25 years of age. Could you please advise how to check the battery pack is not damaged, and any other key things i need to check before buying.
Many Thanks
2 weeks ago
I am looking into purchasing a 2003-2005 HCH but do have some concerns after reading up on these post. The reason why i am looking to purchase this car is because i am aware of how reliable hondas are and our family has purchased them and had them for 20+ years with no major work needing to be done. Anyways, I travel from Allentown, PA to Pittsbrg, PA every weekend and with the prices of gas est. to be about $5 a gallon, i need to invest in every and any way i can save a dollar or two. So i heard and read good things about the hybrid but am concerned about purchasing a used one and something crazy happening with the battery. Can anyone provide me some good tips as to what i should be looking for prior to purchase of a HCH? Can anyone recommend a place around here or in neighboring states that do repairs on these types of batteries to where maybe i can look into setting up a plan B just in case? also does anyone know the warranty for these batteries for cars registered/purchased in PA???? Thank you!!!
Email: SiaLinda@live.com
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