USED Honda Civic Hatchback (00 - 06)

My car

I've owned this car for two years, and my initial impressions are somewhat tempered.

It's fast, but you need all the revs. It doesn't accelerate as fast from rest as you might think. It's quicker to use second from a standing start. The steering does not impress uniformly: it's precise on country roads, but on long sweeping bends it seems to choose its own line then stay in the tramlines. You have to jerk it out of its chosen line if you want to alter the heading in a long fast bend.

I've also had problems with the clutch - it's noisy from rest, especially when cold. My dealer is good but not brilliant.

My car

The i-Vtec engine that powers my car is a real Jekyll and Hyde.

It's like having two engines in one. Below about 5800 revs, I only have about 150bhp available. However once over the magical 6000 mark, I officially enter the VTec zone!

That's my main disappointment with the Type-R. Maximum power comes in at 7400rpm.

Consequently there is nothing available when idling along at everyday speeds. Only on an empty open road can you really enjoy those Vtec thrills. Just watch those speed cameras!

My car

It's practical if somewhat boring.

The handling is good but the harsh ride to the point of occasional discomfort, annoys me. The engine could do with more power, it does not feel as quick as the comparable Focus.

The steering feels lifeless, probably caused by standard wheel and tyre sizing being too big for car - it would probably be a lot nicer with 15 inch rims and 195 tyres.

My car

I've just clocked 72k and the engine still feels like new after full service.

A few niggles, an odd creaking from the steering column, the rubber under the from spoiler has fallen off several times and occasionally the windows do not slide home first time when travelling at Motorway speeds.

That apart, it's still fun to drive and does stick to the road much better than my old Integra Type R, which - whilst a true street racer - was too short-geared for my mileage per annum of 25-30k.

Would I get another one - yes, but would like to see Honda make a few revisions first e.g LSD and a higher red line.