Thinking about picking up a 2008 Civic Si Sedan. What are the common issues with these cars? I know about the 3rd gear issues and the rev hang (not really an issue but annoying)

Any other things I should watch out for? Also are there any model years that are better than others (2008 vs 2009 vs 2010)?

Also, I used to drive an RSX-S. Anyone else that has driven both the RSX-S and the Si have any thoughts on how they stack up?

 

09-11 has a different front bumper, wheels, headlights, seat material, USB connection for the stereo, and other misc things. I would go for one of those years.

 

08+ is when they fixed the synchro issue. 09-11 does look nicer. Not sure if they started installing aux plugs on the radio in 09 or 08...its definitely not there on 06's :/ (Edit: my 06 nav has an aux plug)

The Si performs better than the RSX out of the box. Although in a straight line, the 05-06 RSX might have had an advantage.

 

Main problem with 8ths in general is our transmissions. If you can sweet talk a buyer to let you redline 1-2-3 shifts, that would definitely be ideal. That's what I did to make sure my trans wasn't messed up.

To the post above, my 2008 has an Aux plug.

Other than transmission issues, check for irregular tire wear as there was a service bulletin for some vin's camber arms causing a less than ideal camber angle.

One thing to consider when looking at 8ths as well is that certain paint colors are covered under an extended warranty by Honda for repainting at no charge to you! Quite a few people have gotten their cars repainted after a crappy factory clearcoat led to extreme paint fading. You could even use this to talk down an uneducated seller!

Good luck, post pics when you get one!

 

Are you talking about the aux input or the USB connection? According to my '06 Civic brochure, the LX, EX, and Si have the aux input.

 

The aux was an option here in Canada not sure if it was in the US. My 08 Si has the usb but my 06 lx doesn't have either one...

08 Si and up is what you be looking to get as it was mentioned earlier they fixed the synchro issue with the tranny.

 

JUST FOUND MY AUX PLUG ON MY 06 (NAV)!!! Mind: blown. Lol. Sorry about the misinformation.

 

In the U.S. 06+ Si had the aux input. The USB showed up for 09+ (so they have both aux and USB).

 

I wouldn't be so sure about that. The only advantage the Si has is the LSD. The RSX is lighter and has more power. RSX also has conventional power steering instead of the Si electric power steering, which sucks big floppy donkey dick in terms of feedback.

 

^I'm already sure of the Si chassis being better than the DC5 chassis. Everyone's so down on EPS. Honda's EPS is pretty good. It's better in some ways than hydraulic PS.

 

Along with a shitty suspension design and steering rack placement that gives you bump steer when you lower the car, among other issues like not enough suspension travel. The Si steering rack is variable ratio, which is pretty sweet BTW.

 

Ya the steering rack was a real pain on the DC5

 

If your set on an 08 then get one in a color that was made in 09+ so you can just swap the bumpers and lips without having to paint them.

 

how snout auto civic? is gear s also issues for auto civics?

 

nope no issues to report on auto from my knowledge