Buying Guides

Honda Civic (2000-2005) Buying Guide

Pictures shown may not represent exact model specified

by Richard Dredge

With its slick gearbox, light steering and comfortable driving position, the Civic is an easy car to drive - and as long as it's been serviced properly it'll just keep going. Popular with old and young alike, there are plenty of Civics available, many of which have covered tiny mileages in the hands of doting owners. But not all fit into this category, so check any purchase very carefully.

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We Like	We Don't Like
Reliability Well-equipped Easy to drive	Too noisy High parts prices Type-Rs generally overpriced

Key Dates
12/00	Seventh-generation Civic on sale, in three or five-door forms.
4/01	Two-door Coupé launched, with 1.7-litre VTEC petrol engine.
7/01	2.0 Type-R arrives.
4/02	1.7CTDi diesel in showrooms.
10/02	2.0 Type-S appears.
9/03	Facelift, with new nose and tail, adoption of space saver spare wheel. Hybrid-powered Civic IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) also on sale.

Checklist
Before you dive in and buy a Type-R, take an extended test drive first. It's a great drive but noisy and with a hard ride. Diesel engine isn't great, so don't pay a premium for it. Rainwater stands in the hatchback recess, so there's a good chance the boot will be full of water. Vibrations through the steering wheel are likely to be out of balance wheels. Civics are popular with young drivers, as there are plenty of tuning parts available. Be wary of non-standard cars that have been badly modified. Check that dipped beam works; the Civic was recalled for the fitment of a modified switch because of problems.

Checklist

Before you dive in and buy a Type-R, take an extended test drive first. It's a great drive but noisy and with a hard ride.
Diesel engine isn't great, so don't pay a premium for it.
Rainwater stands in the hatchback recess, so there's a good chance the boot will be full of water.
Vibrations through the steering wheel are likely to be out of balance wheels.
Civics are popular with young drivers, as there are plenty of tuning parts available. Be wary of non-standard cars that have been badly modified.
Check that dipped beam works; the Civic was recalled for the fitment of a modified switch because of problems.