Faults:

Front and rear bumpers are quite weak; have had minor incidents from the previous owner such as constant wear leading to a hole in the front bumper, and reversing into walls has lead to damage on the rear bumper and sensors, which can be costly when going into servicing and reduces the selling price.

Steering is also quite unresponsive, have used a silicon wheel to increase grip wheel steering; NB wheels should be pumped up to 33 PSI max; guaranteed better grip and better use of fuel.

Wheels are damaged due to scraping along gutters, however they are cheap to replace, unlike alloy wheels which need to be detailed and are very expensive.

The car's performance is purely based on Honda's i-VTEC, a super-computer that acts as an injector as well as a turbo. However if you want to put your foot down in an overtake or need to take a quick corner, it takes a few seconds to register and can be dangerous when the engine lag begins in the opposite lane.

In all, though, this car is not based on performance, rather more on fuel economy and comfort.

General Comments:

The fuel economy of the Civic is brilliant, using a maximum 8.5 litres on average per 100 kilometres, but if you want to floor it you're looking more at 10 litres per hundred.

Suspension is perfect, and gives great comfort for anyone with a physical injury or elderly wear and tear, as the front wheels have been lifted slightly higher than the rear to ensure absorbance of every bump and pothole that the shocking Australian roads can throw at you.

Practicality is another strong point, being able to seat 4 and a half people with plenty of leg room. Boot space can fit up to 3 substantially-sized suitcases, and passenger and driver space is much more lenient.

Visibility is great, mirrors can be adjusted while driving with no extra buttons, and the windows are fully electric, and the driver's side is automatic.

The car's slim but lengthy body allows for easy parallel parking, but main street and reverse parking can be more difficult.

To be honest, for a company that used to make bikes and boat motors, the Japanese have done quite a job with this nimble family saloon. This car would be priced between $6,000 all the way up to $15,000 for second hand, and the later models (highly recommended) at $22,000-$28,000.

Faults:

Nothing, but then I have only had it 3 weeks. It's a Honda though; I don't expect anything to go wrong with it.

General Comments:

Completely different to the torquey Saab turbos and Alfa Romeo V6s I normally drive. It's an eager little car, that reminds me of a Mk1 Golf GTi. Not much happens below the VTEC point of 5400 RPM, but it really livens up once you cross that threshold. It revs willingly and deliciously to the 8200 RPM redline in any gear, and the rifle-bolt action gear change really helps; I guarantee that this car will make you grin like The Joker on acid. But the lack of torque can be a fun-killer if you get caught in the wrong gear (not to mention totally embarrassing, as Citroen and Fiat diesels etc leave you behind in a cloud of carcinogenic smoke).

The Type R is surprisingly good on the motorway, if a little revvy. Sixth gear at 110kmh has the car sitting at just over 3000 RPM, which is a bit high, but not intrusively so. The seats are outstanding, and whilst I can imagine the dash being a bit of an opinion-splitter, I love it. The exterior styling is the same; love it or hate it. Again, I love it, and have wanted a FN2 Type R since I first saw one in 2007. It's early days, but this one has lived up to my expectations brilliantly so far.