My GarageIs the Honda Civic a good used car?
The 2.0L NA Civic is the safest used pick. The 1.5T needs the oil-dilution TSB verified — with it done, it's an excellent, efficient engine. Si and Type R are enthusiast picks with their own inspection priorities.
Buyer's Guide · Honda Civic · Compact sedan/hatch
Used Honda Civic Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Best Honda Civic Years, Honda Civic Years to Avoid and Honda Reliability Guide.
The Civic is one of the two default reliable compacts on the market (the other being the Corolla). The 10th-gen (2016–2021) sets the benchmark for the class.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 4.6/5 · Excellent
- Reliability
- 4.6/5 · Excellent
- Best years
- 2016–2021 (10th gen), 2022+ (11th gen)
- Years to research
- 2016–2018 1.5T (cold climates), 2006–2011 (8th gen with A/T)
- Maintenance cost
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- Parts availability
- 5.0/5 · Excellent
- Ownership cost
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
Bottom line: Yes.
Overall
★★★★★4.6/5
The 2.0L NA Civic is the safest used pick. The 1.5T needs the oil-dilution TSB verified — with it done, it's an excellent, efficient engine. Si and Type R are enthusiast picks with their own inspection priorities.
Reliability
★★★★★4.6/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.7/5
Parts availability
★★★★★5.0/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.7/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2016–2021 (10th gen)
Excellent chassis; 2.0L NA or 1.5T (with TSB) both excellent.
2022+ (11th gen)
Refined further; long-term data still developing but very positive.
Side by side
Honda Civic ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6/5 | Excellent |
| Reliability | 4.6/5 | Excellent |
| Maintenance | 4.7/5 | Excellent |
| Parts availability | 5.0/5 | Excellent |
| Ownership cost | 4.7/5 | Excellent |
Generation guide
Honda Civic Generations
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
- Generation 1
8th gen · 2006–2011
Split two-tier dash, sporty coupe, Si with 197 hp.
- Generation 2
9th gen · 2012–2015
Cost-cut interior on 2012, major refresh in 2013 to address widespread criticism.
- Generation 3
10th gen · 2016–2021
Longer, wider body, turbo 1.5L available, Si and Type R return.
- Generation 4
11th gen · 2022–2026
Cleaner styling, revised interior, hybrid added 2025, Type R returns.
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2016–2018 1.5T (cold climates)
Oil dilution TSB — verify update history.
2006–2011 (8th gen with A/T)
5-speed automatic on some had premature wear; manuals are excellent.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓1.5T oil dilution in cold climates (TSB)
- ✓AC compressor on older examples
- ✓Steering-wheel button/rear-camera electrical on some 2016–2018 cars
- ✓Rear wheel bearings on high-mileage examples
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Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Civic ownership is as inexpensive as the Corolla. Parts are cheap and universally available.
The 2.0L NA uses a timing chain and is essentially service-free beyond fluids and brakes.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine (1.5T)
Check oil level and smell for fuel dilution; verify TSB history.
Transmission
CVT: no shudder or slip. 6MT (Si/Type R): synchros crisp.
Modifications (Si/Type R)
Tuned or tracked cars need engine-out inspection.
Suspension
Struts and control-arm bushings at 150k+.
Rust
Rocker panels on Northeast cars.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Excellent chassis; the Civic is genuinely fun to drive by class standards.
- • 35–40 mpg real-world highway is realistic.
- • Insurance is low; resale value is high.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Honda Civic?
Yes. The 10th-gen Civic is one of the best used-compact buys on the market. Focus on 1.5T service history if that's the engine.
People Also Ask
How many miles will a Civic last?
Excellent chassis; the Civic is genuinely fun to drive by class standards.
Is the Civic expensive to maintain?
Civic ownership is as inexpensive as the Corolla. Parts are cheap and universally available.
Which Civic year should I buy?
2016–2021 (10th gen) is the range we'd shop first. Excellent chassis; 2.0L NA or 1.5T (with TSB) both excellent.
What are the most common Honda Civic problems?
The issues that come up most often are 1.5T oil dilution in cold climates (TSB), AC compressor on older examples and Steering-wheel button/rear-camera electrical on some 2016–2018 cars. Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Honda Civic?
Our scoring puts the Honda Civic at 4.6/5 for reliability. The 2.0L NA Civic is the safest used pick. The 1.5T needs the oil-dilution TSB verified — with it done, it's an excellent, efficient engine. Si and Type R are enthusiast picks with their own inspection priorities.
Which Civic years should I avoid?
2016–2018 1.5T (cold climates) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Honda Civic?
2016–2021 (10th gen) are the strongest years to target — Excellent chassis; 2.0L NA or 1.5T (with TSB) both excellent.
How long does a Honda Civic last?
A well-maintained Civic from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the Civic expensive to maintain?
Civic ownership is as inexpensive as the Corolla. Parts are cheap and universally available.
What should I inspect before buying a used Civic?
Focus on: Engine (1.5T), Transmission, Modifications (Si/Type R), Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common Civic problems?
1.5T oil dilution in cold climates (TSB); AC compressor on older examples; Steering-wheel button/rear-camera electrical on some 2016–2018 cars; Rear wheel bearings on high-mileage examples
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Civic?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile Civic with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Civic's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Honda Civic?
Yes. The 10th-gen Civic is one of the best used-compact buys on the market. Focus on 1.5T service history if that's the engine.
How the Civic compares
Side-by-side buying comparisons against the models people cross-shop most.
You may also want to research
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