Civic?
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Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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Civic?
Hello all.
Not sure if any of you remember me, but a few years ago I did a del Sol build. It was a fun car, but I kind of disappeared when I sold it for a 2002 Z28.
Now I'm tired of that and trying to sell it. I'm looking at two cars. The 2015 Jetta and Civic. SE manual or LX manual.
To me, the Jetta rides, handles, pulls better than the Civic, while also being quieter, smoother, and larger. Not to mention it has a few added convenience features that the Civic doesn't. I don't really mind the plastic interior because to me it's more of a car.
The only thing that is holding me back from that purchase is the reliability. I've read all these stories of electrical problems and lemon cars, so I'm still thinking about Honda. Various forums show a 50/50 split. Some say it's a good car, some say they're crap.
Anyone here have any experience to possibly settle my mind one way or the other?
Not sure if any of you remember me, but a few years ago I did a del Sol build. It was a fun car, but I kind of disappeared when I sold it for a 2002 Z28.
Now I'm tired of that and trying to sell it. I'm looking at two cars. The 2015 Jetta and Civic. SE manual or LX manual.
To me, the Jetta rides, handles, pulls better than the Civic, while also being quieter, smoother, and larger. Not to mention it has a few added convenience features that the Civic doesn't. I don't really mind the plastic interior because to me it's more of a car.
The only thing that is holding me back from that purchase is the reliability. I've read all these stories of electrical problems and lemon cars, so I'm still thinking about Honda. Various forums show a 50/50 split. Some say it's a good car, some say they're crap.
Anyone here have any experience to possibly settle my mind one way or the other?
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,003
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From: N. Indiana
Re: Civic?
I have both, a 2014 Jetta Sedan TDI (well it's my wifes) and I drive a 2014 Civic Si.
I understand you are looking at gas models, and based on what you have said I assume you are not looking for a car with a sport background or have interest in building something to go fast or track in. Hopefully my input is a value...
From a reliability standpoint, the TDI has a very long history of being a very good, high mileage engine, provided it is taken care of with routine maintenance. The entire feel of the car seems much better than my Civic and minor details are better. The ride quality is great, and comfort is also very good. The interior on the Jetta is all plastic as you mentioned, but it cleans so easy, still looks good and has been very durable. The car feels much better from a build stand point, and small things like the heated seats, heated mirrors, interior, etc all make the Jetta a better vehicle from my experience. Overall, from just a 'daily driver' standpoint, where the go-factor doesn't really apply...I love the Jetta and would probably pick it over the Civic if I was looking for a daily driver sedan. We have owned ours for 1 year now with a little over 14k miles on it. I would encourage you to consider the diesel model as well.
My Civic I like as it is a good all-around car with some go-factor. The interior is nice, but a little more sporty than what many would consider 'daily driver friendly'. The seats stain pretty easily, but also have cleaned up with ease. I would expect the LX or SE interior to do the same. There are a lot of little things that really annoy me with my Civic, like the areas that didn't get paint, floor mats are crap, no heated seats or mirrors, the radio is pretty sub-par for a 'premium' audio system...but I do enjoy driving it. (if that makes any sense)
The Civic is known for high mileage, but I think the Jetta diesel is known for a little more. In the business I'm in, I talk to people every day about their cars. When I talk to a Jetta diesel owner, they are always proud to say how many miles are on their car and how they plan to keep it for another 200+k miles. When you talk to a customer who has a ....95 Civic with 200k miles, they always say they want something cheap because they don't know how much much longer they will be keeping the car, or how much longer it will last.
I am not familiar with any electrical or lemon issues on either. I do know that there is some uncertainty on the VW DSG transmission, however. My warranty covers it.
I understand you are looking at gas models, and based on what you have said I assume you are not looking for a car with a sport background or have interest in building something to go fast or track in. Hopefully my input is a value...
From a reliability standpoint, the TDI has a very long history of being a very good, high mileage engine, provided it is taken care of with routine maintenance. The entire feel of the car seems much better than my Civic and minor details are better. The ride quality is great, and comfort is also very good. The interior on the Jetta is all plastic as you mentioned, but it cleans so easy, still looks good and has been very durable. The car feels much better from a build stand point, and small things like the heated seats, heated mirrors, interior, etc all make the Jetta a better vehicle from my experience. Overall, from just a 'daily driver' standpoint, where the go-factor doesn't really apply...I love the Jetta and would probably pick it over the Civic if I was looking for a daily driver sedan. We have owned ours for 1 year now with a little over 14k miles on it. I would encourage you to consider the diesel model as well.
My Civic I like as it is a good all-around car with some go-factor. The interior is nice, but a little more sporty than what many would consider 'daily driver friendly'. The seats stain pretty easily, but also have cleaned up with ease. I would expect the LX or SE interior to do the same. There are a lot of little things that really annoy me with my Civic, like the areas that didn't get paint, floor mats are crap, no heated seats or mirrors, the radio is pretty sub-par for a 'premium' audio system...but I do enjoy driving it. (if that makes any sense)
The Civic is known for high mileage, but I think the Jetta diesel is known for a little more. In the business I'm in, I talk to people every day about their cars. When I talk to a Jetta diesel owner, they are always proud to say how many miles are on their car and how they plan to keep it for another 200+k miles. When you talk to a customer who has a ....95 Civic with 200k miles, they always say they want something cheap because they don't know how much much longer they will be keeping the car, or how much longer it will last.
I am not familiar with any electrical or lemon issues on either. I do know that there is some uncertainty on the VW DSG transmission, however. My warranty covers it.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside,CA
Re: Civic?
I have both, a 2014 Jetta Sedan TDI (well it's my wifes) and I drive a 2014 Civic Si.
I understand you are looking at gas models, and based on what you have said I assume you are not looking for a car with a sport background or have interest in building something to go fast or track in. Hopefully my input is a value...
From a reliability standpoint, the TDI has a very long history of being a very good, high mileage engine, provided it is taken care of with routine maintenance. The entire feel of the car seems much better than my Civic and minor details are better. The ride quality is great, and comfort is also very good. The interior on the Jetta is all plastic as you mentioned, but it cleans so easy, still looks good and has been very durable. The car feels much better from a build stand point, and small things like the heated seats, heated mirrors, interior, etc all make the Jetta a better vehicle from my experience. Overall, from just a 'daily driver' standpoint, where the go-factor doesn't really apply...I love the Jetta and would probably pick it over the Civic if I was looking for a daily driver sedan. We have owned ours for 1 year now with a little over 14k miles on it. I would encourage you to consider the diesel model as well.
My Civic I like as it is a good all-around car with some go-factor. The interior is nice, but a little more sporty than what many would consider 'daily driver friendly'. The seats stain pretty easily, but also have cleaned up with ease. I would expect the LX or SE interior to do the same. There are a lot of little things that really annoy me with my Civic, like the areas that didn't get paint, floor mats are crap, no heated seats or mirrors, the radio is pretty sub-par for a 'premium' audio system...but I do enjoy driving it. (if that makes any sense)
The Civic is known for high mileage, but I think the Jetta diesel is known for a little more. In the business I'm in, I talk to people every day about their cars. When I talk to a Jetta diesel owner, they are always proud to say how many miles are on their car and how they plan to keep it for another 200+k miles. When you talk to a customer who has a ....95 Civic with 200k miles, they always say they want something cheap because they don't know how much much longer they will be keeping the car, or how much longer it will last.
I am not familiar with any electrical or lemon issues on either. I do know that there is some uncertainty on the VW DSG transmission, however. My warranty covers it.
I understand you are looking at gas models, and based on what you have said I assume you are not looking for a car with a sport background or have interest in building something to go fast or track in. Hopefully my input is a value...
From a reliability standpoint, the TDI has a very long history of being a very good, high mileage engine, provided it is taken care of with routine maintenance. The entire feel of the car seems much better than my Civic and minor details are better. The ride quality is great, and comfort is also very good. The interior on the Jetta is all plastic as you mentioned, but it cleans so easy, still looks good and has been very durable. The car feels much better from a build stand point, and small things like the heated seats, heated mirrors, interior, etc all make the Jetta a better vehicle from my experience. Overall, from just a 'daily driver' standpoint, where the go-factor doesn't really apply...I love the Jetta and would probably pick it over the Civic if I was looking for a daily driver sedan. We have owned ours for 1 year now with a little over 14k miles on it. I would encourage you to consider the diesel model as well.
My Civic I like as it is a good all-around car with some go-factor. The interior is nice, but a little more sporty than what many would consider 'daily driver friendly'. The seats stain pretty easily, but also have cleaned up with ease. I would expect the LX or SE interior to do the same. There are a lot of little things that really annoy me with my Civic, like the areas that didn't get paint, floor mats are crap, no heated seats or mirrors, the radio is pretty sub-par for a 'premium' audio system...but I do enjoy driving it. (if that makes any sense)
The Civic is known for high mileage, but I think the Jetta diesel is known for a little more. In the business I'm in, I talk to people every day about their cars. When I talk to a Jetta diesel owner, they are always proud to say how many miles are on their car and how they plan to keep it for another 200+k miles. When you talk to a customer who has a ....95 Civic with 200k miles, they always say they want something cheap because they don't know how much much longer they will be keeping the car, or how much longer it will last.
I am not familiar with any electrical or lemon issues on either. I do know that there is some uncertainty on the VW DSG transmission, however. My warranty covers it.
What a great and detailed response. Doubt you will get a better answer than that!
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 0
From: N. Indiana
Re: Civic?
I also forgot to add that the only concern I would have with a new auto Civic is the CVT transmission. It can not be rebuilt or repaired to my knowledge. In 150k miles, how will that pan out...
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Skagit county, WA
Re: Civic?
I have both, a 2014 Jetta Sedan TDI (well it's my wifes) and I drive a 2014 Civic Si.
I understand you are looking at gas models, and based on what you have said I assume you are not looking for a car with a sport background or have interest in building something to go fast or track in. Hopefully my input is a value...
From a reliability standpoint, the TDI has a very long history of being a very good, high mileage engine, provided it is taken care of with routine maintenance. The entire feel of the car seems much better than my Civic and minor details are better. The ride quality is great, and comfort is also very good. The interior on the Jetta is all plastic as you mentioned, but it cleans so easy, still looks good and has been very durable. The car feels much better from a build stand point, and small things like the heated seats, heated mirrors, interior, etc all make the Jetta a better vehicle from my experience. Overall, from just a 'daily driver' standpoint, where the go-factor doesn't really apply...I love the Jetta and would probably pick it over the Civic if I was looking for a daily driver sedan. We have owned ours for 1 year now with a little over 14k miles on it. I would encourage you to consider the diesel model as well.
My Civic I like as it is a good all-around car with some go-factor. The interior is nice, but a little more sporty than what many would consider 'daily driver friendly'. The seats stain pretty easily, but also have cleaned up with ease. I would expect the LX or SE interior to do the same. There are a lot of little things that really annoy me with my Civic, like the areas that didn't get paint, floor mats are crap, no heated seats or mirrors, the radio is pretty sub-par for a 'premium' audio system...but I do enjoy driving it. (if that makes any sense)
The Civic is known for high mileage, but I think the Jetta diesel is known for a little more. In the business I'm in, I talk to people every day about their cars. When I talk to a Jetta diesel owner, they are always proud to say how many miles are on their car and how they plan to keep it for another 200+k miles. When you talk to a customer who has a ....95 Civic with 200k miles, they always say they want something cheap because they don't know how much much longer they will be keeping the car, or how much longer it will last.
I am not familiar with any electrical or lemon issues on either. I do know that there is some uncertainty on the VW DSG transmission, however. My warranty covers it.
I understand you are looking at gas models, and based on what you have said I assume you are not looking for a car with a sport background or have interest in building something to go fast or track in. Hopefully my input is a value...
From a reliability standpoint, the TDI has a very long history of being a very good, high mileage engine, provided it is taken care of with routine maintenance. The entire feel of the car seems much better than my Civic and minor details are better. The ride quality is great, and comfort is also very good. The interior on the Jetta is all plastic as you mentioned, but it cleans so easy, still looks good and has been very durable. The car feels much better from a build stand point, and small things like the heated seats, heated mirrors, interior, etc all make the Jetta a better vehicle from my experience. Overall, from just a 'daily driver' standpoint, where the go-factor doesn't really apply...I love the Jetta and would probably pick it over the Civic if I was looking for a daily driver sedan. We have owned ours for 1 year now with a little over 14k miles on it. I would encourage you to consider the diesel model as well.
My Civic I like as it is a good all-around car with some go-factor. The interior is nice, but a little more sporty than what many would consider 'daily driver friendly'. The seats stain pretty easily, but also have cleaned up with ease. I would expect the LX or SE interior to do the same. There are a lot of little things that really annoy me with my Civic, like the areas that didn't get paint, floor mats are crap, no heated seats or mirrors, the radio is pretty sub-par for a 'premium' audio system...but I do enjoy driving it. (if that makes any sense)
The Civic is known for high mileage, but I think the Jetta diesel is known for a little more. In the business I'm in, I talk to people every day about their cars. When I talk to a Jetta diesel owner, they are always proud to say how many miles are on their car and how they plan to keep it for another 200+k miles. When you talk to a customer who has a ....95 Civic with 200k miles, they always say they want something cheap because they don't know how much much longer they will be keeping the car, or how much longer it will last.
I am not familiar with any electrical or lemon issues on either. I do know that there is some uncertainty on the VW DSG transmission, however. My warranty covers it.
ive always wondered about the life span of the turbo on the vw cars and im guessing it would need more over all maitence
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 0
From: N. Indiana
Re: Civic?
The OP is asking about "The 2015 Jetta and Civic. SE manual or LX manual."
Based on my experiences, a Jetta would be in my driveway, if these are the vehicles I was considering for a DD/appearance build. Even from a drivers car standpoint...while I think the Civic is really really good, there are a lot of other vehicles on the market that are also very good. If my dealer wouldn't have been so good to me, I'm pretty sure that a Honda isn't what I would be driving today. -though it was a car I had on my 'list'. Now that I have it, I really like it.
Regarding turbo's...I am not 100% sure on the gassers. On the diesel Jetta's, its usually the injections pump...which fails around the 250k mile mark.
My diesel Jetta has just over 14k miles on it. I've done the complementary oil change and added diesel. It has been an absolute fabulous car thus far.
Based on my experiences, a Jetta would be in my driveway, if these are the vehicles I was considering for a DD/appearance build. Even from a drivers car standpoint...while I think the Civic is really really good, there are a lot of other vehicles on the market that are also very good. If my dealer wouldn't have been so good to me, I'm pretty sure that a Honda isn't what I would be driving today. -though it was a car I had on my 'list'. Now that I have it, I really like it.
Regarding turbo's...I am not 100% sure on the gassers. On the diesel Jetta's, its usually the injections pump...which fails around the 250k mile mark.
My diesel Jetta has just over 14k miles on it. I've done the complementary oil change and added diesel. It has been an absolute fabulous car thus far.
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Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 87
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From: los angeles
Re: Civic?
if you wanna keep it stock & short term, jetta will be ideal....
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