cpbennett

My 2004 Honda Civic EX Cpe:

My Honda journey started in April of 2010. I had just graduated and began my new job as a Mechanical Engineer. I was driving a 1991 Chrysler New Yorker with 190,000 miles. I decided I needed a new (used) car to go with my new career. I immediately turned to Honda and it's legendary reputation.

I found my car at a Honda Dealer in Indiana. At the time, the car had 62,000 miles and needed new tires and brakes (which helped during negotiation). After about 2 hours I signed the paperwork and she was all mine!

First, I drove straight to the local tire shop and dressed her up with a full set of Master Craft LSRs and replaced the front pads. The original pads I put on her were cheap cheap cheap AutoZone pads. I also got on Amazon and ordered a K&N intake filter. Also, I tinted the windows to 15% which was just right. Never got a ticket for the tint and I got the privacy and UV protection that I wanted. I like to keep my car clean, inside and out. Here she is soaking up the sun:



She now has 103,000 miles and gets from A to B whenever called upon. At 85,000 she got an Interstate Battery. At 90,000 miles she got a new timing belt, coolant fluid flush, water pump, spark plugs, original rear shoes adjusted, new belts, and a transmission flush. At about 93,000 miles I began to feel a shudder around 40mph. Took it to the Honda Dealer and got a full Tranny and TC flush and had them put OEM Honda ATF and an the Honda additive. She runs beautifully and I got the other shop to pay the dealership for the service (I accused them of not using Honda OEM fluid, they paid very quickly -- I was a bit loud). Only bad thing is the bushing busted on the front seat; rocking back and forth and back and forth and back and fo-- you get the picture.

OIL CHANGE EVERY 3,000-4,000 miles on conventional 5w20. I could probably back off to 5,000-7,000 but I dont want to switch to a synthetic. Besides, when I change the oil at 3,000 I get a chance to look around and check things out. Make sure the tires are good to go and check for leaks. (Never had a problem)

At 100,000 I replaced the front pads again, this time with lifetime pads. At 102,000 I had a headlight go out. I decided not to go with HID after reading about the higher amps burning up wiring harnesses -- put in some Sylvania Xtravision headlights. Tires are still at 40% even after 40,000 miles. Got a letter from the Dealer last week asking me to sell it to them for $7,000, with no purchase necessary (haha). I think I'll stick with her for a while longer.



Long story short, 36mpg combined CTY/HWY.

The majority of my miles are highway. I drive 60 miles a day round trip for my commute. On the weekend, I take this car EVERYWHERE. I used an iPhone app called "Gas Cubby" and over the last 6 months my stats are as follows:

Avg: 36 MPG
High: 45 MPG
Low: 29 MPG

I usually keep her above half a tank so I dont burn up the fuel pump, but in the picture below you can see she will easily go almost 400 miles on a tank. I took her to 420 miles one time.



The BEST part about this car...It starts when you turn the key (everytime), it is really a nice car to drive (FUN), and has a low ownership cost. Insurance is cheap. Great MPG. Reliable. Rain or snow, this car handles well. Every morning when I wake up I have no doubt that my car will start. I have no reserve making repairs or investing in higher quality replacement parts because I know the engine can go the distance. Hence, K&N air filter, nice headlights, Interstate Battery, oil change intervals, always washed and waxed, and the tint.



Very happy with my '04 Civic. After 40,000 miles, during my ownership, the car has only depreciated $1,500 - $1,700. Holds its value and has been very reliable.

My next car, and possibly the car after it, will definitely be a Honda.

If you are shopping for a Honda Civic I would definitely recommend this car. If you are simply a Civic enthusiast I hope you enjoy my story.

Please share your story, I would love to hear about your ownership experience.