Please help me, Ive owned a 95 civic ex, 99 civic si, Now a Honda Fit, and Im in a market for another Honda. I see a lot of 06-11 civic si for cheaper now and then I see a lot of 2012 civic si that are still low milage for a great price. So which one is better? Ive done some research and everywhere I go, people say to get the 8th gen over the 9th, because its stronger and more fun to drive. Compare to the 9th gen, they are just newer and more of a daily driver due the motor change. k20 to k24. I want a car thats fun to drive and maybe down the road tune. Help me decide!

 

Drive both? That's an easy way to decide....

The 8th gen isn't anything special. Its a fun car and everything but the interior is HIDEOUS and the K20 is a little lacking.

Once you drive a K24 car, its hard to argue with it. It is clearly the better motor. Kind of like a B16A2 vs. B18C1 situation.

The K20Z3 does give the car a more typical Si feel (slow, needs to be beat up, needs to stay revved up, but very easy and willing to rev).

I think Honda was trying to re-boot how people think of an Si when they came through with the 9th gen. People rant and rave so much about the VW GTi that it seems as if Honda tried to emulate the GTi a bit aith the 9th gen. But unlike the GTi, the Si will always turn on and won't likely set on fire on the way to the market.

The 9th gen interior is a lot nicer. The K24 is an amazing engine. On paper it all looks great. Its for sure a better DD with more features and comfort and refinement.

but....IF I was looking for one...I'd might still be torn between 09-11 and 13+. I'd have to drive both back-to-back. I think the 9th gen is probably a better car overall.

I wouldn't buy either, though.

 

I love the interior on the 06-11 Si, it's what caught my attention before I got my 08 back in 08 (I have an 09 now). 09 interior has slightly different seat material and got the USB connection added, so I'd go for 09-11. I haven't driven a 12+, but the exterior is freaken ugly and the interior doesn't look as nice as the 11 and below.

 

I agree with vladd... 8th gen interior is way better as well as the seats.

 

Thanks guys great info! I guess I would just have to go test drive them myself this weekend. I'm just torn between which is a better car down the road.

 

I disagree with B Serious - I would GLADLY take an 8th gen over a 9th gen and I have driven both even at SCCA events. I couldn't wait to get rid of my lemon 9th gen. Nothing but issues and was in the shop constantly. Speaking of going to market, that's exactly where my top end failed when my wife went to start it in the grocery store parking lot. Nothing like having a new car with 5,500 miles towed to the dealer for warranty work. AND, I am not the only one. A local guy that bought one recently had the same exact issue at just under 3,000 miles LOL! OP, check out the new Ford Focus.

 

Si models? I'm in the market and don't know whether to choose a used one or a brand new 2015...

 

Yes, that's what this thread is about. Don't worry, everyone will chime in saying "it happens with every manufacturer / you are just unlucky blah blah blah"... we have already been down that road. I have 2 friends with new Accords and they had to go in for a transmission valve body recall and computer flash. I think Honda dropped the ball severely for their entire new lineup starting back in 2012 - 2014 but can't speak for the 2015's. They even got rid of their CEO recently if that says anything...

 

What's all this sqabbling over Si's all about?

The FR-S and BR-Z exist at just slightly above the 9th gen's price bracket.

If you're looking for a 4dr...you'd pretty much be left with the Si or maybe the Focus. I'd say VW GTi...but with the extended-extended-super comprehensive warranty.

I can't think of many cars in the price bracket of an Si that are enticing in the same ways.

 

I know the K20 has a higher redline. I also know the IM is aluminum still on the K20 not the "plastic" on the K24.. Lastly the K20 takes a header while the K24... Your stuck with a down pipe... Not sure how much these things matter to anyone... K24 has more torque but about the same HP... Personally... And I'm biased as hell.. I love the 8th gen body lines...

 

I have an 8th gen and I love it!