Test drove a new Civic Coupe.
20-Jan-2003, 09:13 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
Test drove a new Civic Coupe.
With the fiance and I moving to a new house in Whitby, I have found it appealing this winter driving a second car (beater Mazduh 323... but she runs well!).
It made me start seriously thinking about a fun, reliable good looking second car. After daily driving the Z28 for the last 3 years, I'd rather not put 60,000 kms on it each year, and save it for great days during the week, and weekends. Understand this goes against everything that I thought the last three years. Drive the car all the time!
Anyway, I regress.
It has always been my perception that Hondas were reliable, gas efficient fun cars. They also, were very expensive to fix, *if* a problem happened. They were also expensive new. All these things changed this weekend for me.
I went to honda.ca and priced a Civic Coupe 5 speed, DX and LX. Apparently there is no DX in canada. The lineup starts at the LX.
I walked into the Honda dealer on Eglinton, W of Vic. Park, not knowing what to expect. I was introduced to Nancy, who was an older lady, who knew her shiate.
I had my first look inside a new Civic, and was stunned. A silver DX on the floor, with "aftermarket" rear lights (to put it nicely), which ..... DAMN... looked great!
I sat inside, and it was damn hard not leaving the dealership WITHOUT this car! 38/48 MPH city/hwy. 1.7L, 115 HP motor. 5 speed. DX: PWD, PDL, remote keyless, Pmirror, 5 speed, 2 door, CD, for 18,400 before freight etc....
Nancy and I went out for a bit. My impressions:
- I loved the seats, and driving position.
- love that dash that lights up florescent white.
- power windows seemed to be a solid setup, something I've found they weren't in Hondas of the past
- Lots of trunkspace
- Stiff suspension, and sway bars the right stiffness.
- Great brake bias for a rear-drum setup
- Smooth shifting transmission.
- Heavier clutch than I would have suspected
- Good motor, works well when rev-matched downshifting.
- thin doors, trunk and hood. THey all don't close with a pleasing sound. No doubt, this contributes to its gas efficiency, though.
Nancy took me to the service desk, where I asked about the costs for all kinds of service. I was shocked to find out a timing belt, AND NEW waterpump replacement was only $360 installed.
I would most likely get the black, and match dark windows to it. I was in awe at the value of the car for the price.
I feel it would be a fun car to drive, especially with the moon-roof (next level up package spoiler, moonroof, 15s, and apparently the Si motor (waste of gas for 12 HP more it seems, somebody convince me otherwise)).
So! This thread, is to seek more info, and I WANT to see your cars!
You think this will take the edge off not driving the Zed?
It made me start seriously thinking about a fun, reliable good looking second car. After daily driving the Z28 for the last 3 years, I'd rather not put 60,000 kms on it each year, and save it for great days during the week, and weekends. Understand this goes against everything that I thought the last three years. Drive the car all the time!
Anyway, I regress.
It has always been my perception that Hondas were reliable, gas efficient fun cars. They also, were very expensive to fix, *if* a problem happened. They were also expensive new. All these things changed this weekend for me.
I went to honda.ca and priced a Civic Coupe 5 speed, DX and LX. Apparently there is no DX in canada. The lineup starts at the LX.
I walked into the Honda dealer on Eglinton, W of Vic. Park, not knowing what to expect. I was introduced to Nancy, who was an older lady, who knew her shiate.
I had my first look inside a new Civic, and was stunned. A silver DX on the floor, with "aftermarket" rear lights (to put it nicely), which ..... DAMN... looked great!
I sat inside, and it was damn hard not leaving the dealership WITHOUT this car! 38/48 MPH city/hwy. 1.7L, 115 HP motor. 5 speed. DX: PWD, PDL, remote keyless, Pmirror, 5 speed, 2 door, CD, for 18,400 before freight etc....
Nancy and I went out for a bit. My impressions:
- I loved the seats, and driving position.
- love that dash that lights up florescent white.
- power windows seemed to be a solid setup, something I've found they weren't in Hondas of the past
- Lots of trunkspace
- Stiff suspension, and sway bars the right stiffness.
- Great brake bias for a rear-drum setup
- Smooth shifting transmission.
- Heavier clutch than I would have suspected
- Good motor, works well when rev-matched downshifting.
- thin doors, trunk and hood. THey all don't close with a pleasing sound. No doubt, this contributes to its gas efficiency, though.
Nancy took me to the service desk, where I asked about the costs for all kinds of service. I was shocked to find out a timing belt, AND NEW waterpump replacement was only $360 installed.
I would most likely get the black, and match dark windows to it. I was in awe at the value of the car for the price.
I feel it would be a fun car to drive, especially with the moon-roof (next level up package spoiler, moonroof, 15s, and apparently the Si motor (waste of gas for 12 HP more it seems, somebody convince me otherwise)).
So! This thread, is to seek more info, and I WANT to see your cars!
You think this will take the edge off not driving the Zed?
20-Jan-2003, 09:22 AM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: No fixed address
Posts: 2,990
hahaha - we are changing you my friend. We are like a virus. First we just pester you until you give in and show your weakness...then we let loose and completely take over.
MY prediction for Mr.Zed:
He buys the sedan but before long realizes his new toy would be a bit more fun to drive if it had a slightly lower stance = suspension work.
Oh no - Mr Zed just found out the Little honda power plant now can't deliver all the power he needs to get him out of the crazy corners he now hurls himself into with no regret.
By end of summer - the Z24 is in the auto-trader cause you need the money for parts for your new little beast.
LOL
MY prediction for Mr.Zed:
He buys the sedan but before long realizes his new toy would be a bit more fun to drive if it had a slightly lower stance = suspension work.
Oh no - Mr Zed just found out the Little honda power plant now can't deliver all the power he needs to get him out of the crazy corners he now hurls himself into with no regret.
By end of summer - the Z24 is in the auto-trader cause you need the money for parts for your new little beast.
LOL
20-Jan-2003, 09:26 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
Originally posted by HappyB16
hahaha - we are changing you my friend. We are like a virus. First we just pester you until you give in and show your weakness...then we let loose and completely take over.
MY prediction for Mr.Zed:
He buys the sedan but before long realizes his new toy would be a bit more fun to drive if it had a slightly lower stance = suspension work.
Oh no - Mr Zed just found out the Little honda power plant now can't deliver all the power he needs to get him out of the crazy corners he now hurls himself into with no regret.
By end of summer - the Z24 is in the auto-trader cause you need the money for parts for your new little beast.
LOL
hahaha - we are changing you my friend. We are like a virus. First we just pester you until you give in and show your weakness...then we let loose and completely take over.
MY prediction for Mr.Zed:
He buys the sedan but before long realizes his new toy would be a bit more fun to drive if it had a slightly lower stance = suspension work.
Oh no - Mr Zed just found out the Little honda power plant now can't deliver all the power he needs to get him out of the crazy corners he now hurls himself into with no regret.
By end of summer - the Z24 is in the auto-trader cause you need the money for parts for your new little beast.
LOL
Really... that made me laugh out loud here at work.However... you missed a very important thing...
ITS A Z28!!!
Yes... its an issue I'm dealing with... I just can't stop adding.
Was thinking, about the lowering yes. But, the Z28 is for the significant cash. I've got a 5xx HP plan for that car, which will be realized soon.
In any event, damn, that car was fine. (So were some of the ladies at the dealership).
20-Jan-2003, 01:08 PM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Honda
Posts: 683
Cam,
It's nice to hear you are interested in a Civic. Are you trying to copy me? F-Body for the summer (of course mine is a convertible) and a Civic Coupe (and mine will be older but has DOHC VTEC) as a "beater"? Put TCC stickers on your Z28 and TFBM stickers on your Civic.
Regarding your question about CR: 9.5:1.
Keep us up do date if you buy one.
Mark
The question remains, what will Ken (who used to own your Mazduh) buy when he moves out to Calgary?
It's nice to hear you are interested in a Civic. Are you trying to copy me? F-Body for the summer (of course mine is a convertible) and a Civic Coupe (and mine will be older but has DOHC VTEC) as a "beater"? Put TCC stickers on your Z28 and TFBM stickers on your Civic.
Regarding your question about CR: 9.5:1.
Keep us up do date if you buy one.
Mark
The question remains, what will Ken (who used to own your Mazduh) buy when he moves out to Calgary?
20-Jan-2003, 01:23 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
Originally posted by MY SiR
Cam,
It's nice to hear you are interested in a Civic. Are you trying to copy me? F-Body for the summer (of course mine is a convertible) and a Civic Coupe (and mine will be older but has DOHC VTEC) as a "beater"? Put TCC stickers on your Z28 and TFBM stickers on your Civic.
Regarding your question about CR: 9.5:1.
Keep us up do date if you buy one.
Mark
The question remains, what will Ken (who used to own your Mazduh) buy when he moves out to Calgary?
Cam,
It's nice to hear you are interested in a Civic. Are you trying to copy me? F-Body for the summer (of course mine is a convertible) and a Civic Coupe (and mine will be older but has DOHC VTEC) as a "beater"? Put TCC stickers on your Z28 and TFBM stickers on your Civic.
Regarding your question about CR: 9.5:1.
Keep us up do date if you buy one.
Mark
The question remains, what will Ken (who used to own your Mazduh) buy when he moves out to Calgary?
Ahhh well....
Hes a man of extreme and utility. That would suit him well.
Funny... about the sticker swap.
20-Jan-2003, 03:20 PM
#10
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Posts: n/a
i say do it..
don't like silver eh?? maybe the pic below will change yer mind
and i still owe ya that coffee
btw..sure would like to get a pic of those "after-market" rears you're talking about..
any idea who makes them??
Gen7's..turbo's now available
Tein or Koni yellows (but ya have to **** up yer one strut to do the swap with the Koni's
i'm leaning toward the Teins unless something else comes out soon..)
Neuspeed has all kindsa suspension stuff available..
waiting to hear from Energy about their full kit coming soon...
ya, so like i said, do it..
don't like silver eh?? maybe the pic below will change yer mind
and i still owe ya that coffee
btw..sure would like to get a pic of those "after-market" rears you're talking about..
any idea who makes them??
Gen7's..turbo's now available
Tein or Koni yellows (but ya have to **** up yer one strut to do the swap with the Koni's
i'm leaning toward the Teins unless something else comes out soon..)Neuspeed has all kindsa suspension stuff available..
waiting to hear from Energy about their full kit coming soon...
ya, so like i said, do it..
20-Jan-2003, 03:50 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
I like the silver, don't know where you got that I didn't from.
Its funny, once you look at a car closely, you notice them *everywhere*.
I saw a red one (like it, but not sure if the color would get to wearing over a while. This car will be the sleek one). The blue was stunning, but looked like a Ford Focus in the same blue. The silver is amazing, and looks great dirty or clean, and would be low maintenance. (Fiance's 02 Golf is Silver). However, understanding the high-maintenance and waxing involved to keep black looking sharp, that is probably what I'd get. However, it would most likely be the black.
I love the look of your car.
Its funny, once you look at a car closely, you notice them *everywhere*.
I saw a red one (like it, but not sure if the color would get to wearing over a while. This car will be the sleek one). The blue was stunning, but looked like a Ford Focus in the same blue. The silver is amazing, and looks great dirty or clean, and would be low maintenance. (Fiance's 02 Golf is Silver). However, understanding the high-maintenance and waxing involved to keep black looking sharp, that is probably what I'd get. However, it would most likely be the black.
I love the look of your car.
20-Jan-2003, 04:01 PM
#12
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Posts: n/a
"I would most likely get the black, and match dark windows to it."
my bad, got the wrong impression..
black is shweet!! i thought about it too with the Veloz, but i'd have had to wait longer to get one so..
and as you say the black is a lot more work to keep shined up..
tho trust me, the silver's can look dirty (been lazy lately)
thanx for the thumbs up.. i'm looking forward to a little friendly "bling!!" competition (possibly)
my bad, got the wrong impression..
black is shweet!! i thought about it too with the Veloz, but i'd have had to wait longer to get one so..
and as you say the black is a lot more work to keep shined up..
tho trust me, the silver's can look dirty
(been lazy lately)thanx for the thumbs up.. i'm looking forward to a little friendly "bling!!" competition (possibly)
20-Jan-2003, 04:13 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
"Friendly bling competition"
So this is how it starts....
As for the aftermarket lights, next time I'm in the Honda dealer, I'll take a peek behind one and see. There were atleast two different styles for the 7th Gen Civic. They sell for $500 for both.
So this is how it starts....
As for the aftermarket lights, next time I'm in the Honda dealer, I'll take a peek behind one and see. There were atleast two different styles for the 7th Gen Civic. They sell for $500 for both.
20-Jan-2003, 10:38 PM
#15
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Re: Test drove a new Civic Coupe.
Originally posted by DR.ZED
I walked into the Honda dealer on Eglinton, W of Vic. Park, not knowing what to expect. I was introduced to Nancy, who was an older lady, who knew her shiate.
I walked into the Honda dealer on Eglinton, W of Vic. Park, not knowing what to expect. I was introduced to Nancy, who was an older lady, who knew her shiate.
21-Jan-2003, 08:20 AM
#17
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
Originally posted by Rice Burner
Beside's there are a few Honda's in our club alone that will hand your Z28's *** to you!
Beside's there are a few Honda's in our club alone that will hand your Z28's *** to you!
There is always somebody faster.
24-Jan-2003, 10:55 PM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 12
yeah, the new coupe is aright.
who's going to be the first one in T.O with K20A?
I drive the 2K2 EBP LX Coupe, so I didnt get those gauges (I dont really like the new gauge), but Honda seems to have worked out pretty much all the little problems that came with the 1st year run (as all cars do), and that's good enough for me
ride is stiff, but I'm not complaining.
it's a great looking car, especially with OEM U/S, I'm sure Si Veloz can attest to that
who's going to be the first one in T.O with K20A?
I drive the 2K2 EBP LX Coupe, so I didnt get those gauges (I dont really like the new gauge), but Honda seems to have worked out pretty much all the little problems that came with the 1st year run (as all cars do), and that's good enough for me
ride is stiff, but I'm not complaining.
it's a great looking car, especially with OEM U/S, I'm sure Si Veloz can attest to that
25-Jan-2003, 12:08 AM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by inf
yeah, the new coupe is aright.
who's going to be the first one in T.O with K20A?
I drive the 2K2 EBP LX Coupe, so I didnt get those gauges (I dont really like the new gauge), but Honda seems to have worked out pretty much all the little problems that came with the 1st year run (as all cars do), and that's good enough for me
ride is stiff, but I'm not complaining.
it's a great looking car, especially with OEM U/S, I'm sure Si Veloz can attest to that
yeah, the new coupe is aright.
who's going to be the first one in T.O with K20A?
I drive the 2K2 EBP LX Coupe, so I didnt get those gauges (I dont really like the new gauge), but Honda seems to have worked out pretty much all the little problems that came with the 1st year run (as all cars do), and that's good enough for me
ride is stiff, but I'm not complaining.
it's a great looking car, especially with OEM U/S, I'm sure Si Veloz can attest to that
what i will argue tho (sorry, not argue, but agree to disagree about) is the suspension being tight..
you gotta take a drive with me bro..
after a drop and a little suspension manipulation (tightening everything up) it's a much nicer ride..and i've got a long way to go yet..struts/shocks, bushing kit (waiting for the Energy kit to be released), lower front X-bar, rear upper maybe..
bumps are harder but the down-swing is tight and easier to control..way better than stock setup..
btw..welcome to the forums!!
