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Hello everyone. My dad has just sold is car and is about to buy a Honda Civic. We're looking at a 2008/58 plate civic, but we can't decide between the 1.4 petrol and 1.8 petrol. I know the spec differs between models, i.e trim level etc. but I'm just looking for general advice on the car themselves.

We spoke to someone at a Honda dealer and he suggested a 1.8 due to the 1.4 being 'underpowered' or something, and that people say taking over cars can sometimes be a challenge.

We test drove a 1.4 earlier with a Peugeot dealer thinking it was a 1.8 (genuinely) and we thought it was a 1.8 until we checked the insurance websites. Anyway, we are impressed with the 1.4 and the dealer said the following (obviously looking for a sale..)

- More MPG on the 1.4 due to smaller engine
- Less road tax (half)

I'm 18 and will be a second driver, so works out around £300 cheaper on insurance overall for the 1.4. I won't drive it like crazy, and my dad drives slow anyway so speed isn't really a problem. Mostly used in town.

- Are there any significant problems with the 1.4?
- Would a 1.8 be better overall in terms of the engine?
- Are 1.4 more rare and harder to sell?
- Whats the main difference and why would the Honda driver tell us to buy a 1.8 rather than a 1.4?
- Should it be avoided?


Sorry for all these questions, we are about to buy within the next week. I will be sticking around once we have a car and hopefully learn alot more about it!

All help is appreciated. I may post this somewhere else on the forum where someone may be able to specifically help rather than all in the introduction haha.

(UK MEMBER!)