Faults:
My clutch went at 78,000 miles (£270 +vat part only)
The Radiator was shot to bits when I first picked it up (£200 inc vat part only)
The rear suspension bushes needed replacing when I picked the car up, (£15 each, tricky to do)
Also, about one set of brake pads per year - depending on your style of driving. Front tire wear is pretty high too.
General Comments:
I've spent lots of money on my Civic, now I think (touch wood) that it is in perfect working order :) Honda parts are expensive, but top quality and very reliable.
It's a small car, but I'm 6ft4, 20stone and don't have the problem with head/leg room that I have with other cars.
The car is the best thing I have ever driven, it's not one for people who like torque, but it's so fun to drive, power band is narrow, but all hell breaks loose under the bonnet at 4600 revs, not so fast off the line, but an unbeatable overtaking machine.
When you put your foot down I think you get about seven miles per gallon, driven with care *maybe* 30.
I would recommend this car, I love it. They are hard to find 2nd hand and tend to be over priced. Whatever you do- find one with a full service history, they don't like to miss oil changes! If looked after some seem to go on forever, I've seen one that has been abused all it's life and is on 165 000 miles.