Longtermer #2: Volume 3: Honda Civic 2.0IVTEC

Longtermer #2: Volume 3: 2008 Honda Civic 2.0IVTEC


In this “Longtermer #2” entry (Volume 3), I’ll cover the Civic’s ride and handling.

Due to the 17” rims and low profile tyres (Michelin Pilot Preceda 215/45 R17), the car’s ride can be a little hard hence comfort’s a bit sacrificed. Eg. You can feel the “yellow speed-breaker lines” (soft thump… thump… thump… thump… thump…). In contrast, my Telstar (also with 17” rims but shod with 4 Bridgestone My-01 tyres), went past the same speed-breakers with barely audible noise.

Another negative point’s the Tyres (Michelin Pilot Preceda) noise (roaring) which can be noisy at certain roads. In fact, the noise of the tyres shut-out the engine noise (below 4000rpm).

But there’s always some positive points, the handling’s quite amazing. The Civic cornered with minimal bodyroll. The engine’s surprisingly quiet (whisper) for an IVTEC. Engine noise only crept in during hard acceleration (from 3500rpm onwards)- eg. traffic light start upshift from low gear to higher gear AND during kickdowns (eg. 4th gear to 3rd gear or 3rd to 2nd gear).

So far, I haven’t:

1) Tried the cruise control.

2) Tested the Acceleration. In fact, my highest speed’s only 110km/h as I don’t dare to drive far (only 10km radius within my house and make sure the roads are not narrow. This is because I haven’t familiarize with the width of the Civic as it’s significantly wider than the Telstar (scared scratching other car/s in narrow or tight roads often made worse with double parked cars. – eg. Damansara Uptown, PJ, Taipan USJ). Note: Most of the mileage (4240km) driven by my Dad, I only driven about 120km, over the past 2 months. One of the reason’s I already have my own car (Telstar), more comfortable driving my own car.

3) Haven’t made the TCS (Traction Control) and ABS kicks in (ie. I didn’t trash the car). This car will be very difficult to understeer or SKID with the TCS, unless you off it. Note: There’s a switch to activate or deactivate the TCS.

Without further ado, Here’s the updated LOGBOOK:

Year of manufactured: 2008
Current Value: RM113,000 (As at September 2008)
Purchase price: RM128,000 (less 55% NCB Deduction.= RM126,000).

Mileage when bought: 0008km.
Mileage now: 4240km – see picture above taken on 28 September 2008, 11pm.
Average mileage per month: 2120km.

Fuel consumption: 40L worth of petrol good for around 470km (11.75km/L) mix driving of 45% city, 55% highway. Best: 40L of fuel, 510km (12.75km/l). Note: An improvement over last month’s 8.9km/L.

Extras/Expenses: NONE at the moment.

Had an Interesting observation. The unique Handbrake design which positioned beside the Gear-shift lever (below).




That’s all folks, thanks for reading. Do come back next month for volume 4 on October 29.