If you’re thinking of buying a Honda Civic, you’ve made a great choice.
These cars are fuel-efficient, comfortable, and compact. When investing in an automobile, durability is also a question.
How long do Honda Civics last?
If you buy a new vehicle and responsibly maintain it, you can expect your purchase to last approximately 20 years.
Of course, the longevity depends in part on usage.
A Honda Civic should give you about 200,000 to 300,000 miles in total before it needs to be retired.
Read on for details on how long Honda Civics last, how to maintain them, and more.
Honda Civic 101
Before dividing into the details about the Honda Civic, it’s worth talking about Honda.
This Japanese auto manufacturer is recognized for its reliability and top-quality manufacturing.
Founded in 1948 in Hamamatsu, Japan, Honda opened its first U.S. storefront in 1959.
Over the company’s many decades of experience, it has repeatedly exceeded government guidelines.
For example, with its low-emissions technology, Honda was the first automaker to meet the 1970s Clean Air Act standards.
The company has proven itself at the forefront of innovation repeatedly. The Honda Civic is no exception.
It was first developed as a subcompact and later evolved into a compact car.
From the start, experts recognized the automobile for its environmentally friendly assets, notably its fuel-efficiency and high-performance road ability.
The Honda Civic is also recognized for its safety. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the 2021 version of the vehicle #1 out of 12 in the compact car category for security.
They base their rating on crash tests performed by the National Highway Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
How Many Miles Will You Get Out of a Honda Civic?
In general, the average Honda Civic will run for up to 300,000 miles before it breaks down. This is assuming you invest in the required upkeep and maintenance.
The average motorist drives about 13,476 miles per year.
Taking these figures into account, you could drive your Honda Civic for nearly 15 years before hitting the 200,000-mile mark.
Depending on how much you drive, this should give you 20 years of car usage.
Here are some details on how long you can expect certain parts of your Honda Civic to last (assuming regular use and maintenance):
Brakes: Honda Civic brakes have an average lifespan of 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Tires: The tires should likewise last you from 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Transmission: The transmission of your Honda Civic can last anywhere from 120,000 to 180,000 miles.
Spark Plugs: Expect your spark plugs to last until about the 100,000-mile mark before requiring a replacement.
How Can You Extend Your Honda Civic’s Lifespan?
A car’s longevity depends mainly on how you treat it.
To get the most out of your vehicle and ensure it will last as long as possible, follow these steps.
Get Regular Tuneups
Take your car in to get serviced annually. A routine check should include checking the brakes, tires, alignment, and engine.
A mechanic will also check and replace fluids as needed, like oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid.
If your car requires replacement parts, make sure to invest in factory-approved, high-quality products.
If you use subpar replacement parts, they won’t last as long.
Proper maintenance is also an issue if you plan to resell your vehicle at some point.
Even if you don’t expect to use the car for a full 20 years yourself, taking care of it may allow you to sell it after 5, 10, or even 15 years.
You are protecting your investment.
Drive Responsibly
Aggressive driving will diminish any car’s lifespan. Avoid sudden stops and starts, which can wear out the brake pads.
Avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns, which stress the tires.
Finally, approach barriers like speed bumps with caution to avoid undue stress on the suspension.
Take a speed bump too fast, and you may even damage the chassis.
In general, the more aggressive your driving style, the more quickly you’ll wear down your car (any car).
Be Proactive About Rust Prevention
Rust is the result of a chemical reaction known as oxidation. This occurs when iron reacts with water and oxygen, forming hydrated iron oxide.
Rust isn’t just aesthetically unpleasant. It can reduce the lifespan of a car, creating holes in the body.
If not removed, rust will spread.
You can help prevent rust buildup on your Honda Civic by washing your car regularly, applying anti-rust products to your vehicle, and removing corrosion as it appears.
You can buy rust repair kits from an auto body shop.
Survey your vehicle regularly for signs of rust and ensure proper removal as soon as you notice signs of rust.
Honda Civics are especially prone to rusting on the joint between the rear quarter panel and rear bumper on both sides.
Also, beware of rest around the wheel areas, especially in older models. Modern vehicles feature a plastic lining around the rear wheel well.
Older automobiles are lacking this protective function and are thus more exposed to moisture and salt. The exhaust system may also corrode.
These steps are essential if you live in a coastal environment where the vehicle is exposed to salty air, which will exacerbate oxidation.
Similarly, take care if you live in a wintry region where officials apply salt to the roads in winter to combat snow and ice buildup.
Wash and dry your car after you’ve been driving on salt-covered roads.
Invest in Comprehensive Insurance
If you’re in an accident or your car is experiencing any trouble, you want to make sure you get a prompt, top-quality fix.
Investing in comprehensive insurance helps to bring you the coverage you need for repairs
You can expect the cost of insuring a Honda Civic to run about $1,836 per year, depending on factors like the car’s year and your driving record.
How Long Does a Honda Civic Last Compare to Similar Cars?
When you’re considering a Honda Civic purchase, you will probably look at other similar vehicles in terms of size and price point.
Comparing longevity will also help you make an informed buying decision.
Here’s how the Honda Civic stacks up compared to a few other cars.
Toyota Corolla versus Honda Civic
The Toyota Corolla is a strong contender when it comes to compact cars built to last.
It shares many of the Honda Civic’s favorable traits, like comfort and fuel efficiency.
The Toyota Corolla is likewise a durable vehicle and reliable, on par with the Honda Civic.
Ford Focus versus Honda Civic
You might also consider a Ford Focus when you’re looking for Honda Civic alternatives.
This vehicle won’t serve you as well in terms of longevity, however.
The Ford Focus will last you about 250,000 miles on average and also comes up short in terms of reliability.
Hyundai Elantra versus Honda Civic
Finally, another alternative many people might consider is the Hyundai Elantra.
Again, this automobile doesn’t deliver as reliable of a long-term performance as the Honda Civic.
You can expect it to last about 250,000 miles.
For the average driver, that means about three years’ less driving time than the 300,000 miles you’ll get with a Honda Civic.
What Model of Honda Civic Will Last the Longest?
All Honda Civics aren’t created equal.
Surveying consumer complaints, it seems that the 2001 Honda Civic had an excessive number of issues, the main one being a faulty transmission.
Complaints ranged from the transmission repeatedly failing to not engaging, slipping while in use, and going out of gear.
Also, beware of 2006 to 2009 models. In these cases, the engine blocks prove problematic. Engine blocks may crack.
You may also experience problems like coolant leaks, which can, in turn, lead to overheating engines.
This can ultimately lead to the engine dying, which is costly to replace.
The more recent 2019 Honda Civic, in contrast, has earned accolades from drivers.
It’s received minimal complaints in durability and is likely a more reliable choice if you want your automobile to last.
In modern Honda Civics, the complaints are less severe. You might read online reviews critiquing the Bluetooth connectivity, however.
While this can be a nuisance, it doesn’t impact the car’s actual functionality and lifespan.
Before you buy any Honda Civic, do some research.
Check out reviews and recall information, which will vary depending on the year.
The Short Answer: How Long Do Honda Civics Last?
In general, expect a well-maintained Honda Civic to run about 200,000 to 300,000 miles and last up to 20 years.
However, as the above guide has hopefully made clear, longevity depends on various factors, from how well you maintain your car to the car’s year and your driving style.
Overall, if you are a conscientious car-owner and take care of your vehicle, you can expect the Honda Civic to hold up well over time.
This vehicle is a reliable investment that will serve you well for years to come.