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Hey everyone, I'm looking to buy a gently used 2017 or 2018 Civic Sport Hatchback Auto. I drive a 2009 RAV4 right now and hate it...the 4 speed auto trans is junk, it's slower than mud and rides like a horse-drawn wagon.

I'm looking to spend around $20k, potentially slightly more (preferably less though) on a Sport Hatch, mainly because I love how the Sport looks and I need the space of the hatch. I want something with less than 30k miles, still under factory warranty and CPO if possible. I'll probably only drive around 8k miles a year for several years, so factory powertrain should still apply until at least 2022.

What are the cons or stuff I need to look out for when shopping? My main concern is large underlying issues like oil consumption, trans, etc, but I haven't found much from research so far. Even though they haven't been out for too long, have these turbos proven to be generally reliable? I know the CVT is not optimal, but anything will be better than what I'm driving now. I live in a somewhat large metro area and have never owned a manual, so that's not an option for me.

Also, is the oil dilution issue really that common, or somewhat isolated? I live in central NC so rather warm climate, but the car will be used for short trips (right now my commute is around 4 miles in city traffic).

Thanks in advance!

 
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Currently driving a 2018 Sport Hatch CVT. CVT wasn't my first choice, but the paddle shifters were enough to make me happy. Fun little car. I love it. I average 28-32MPG mostly city driving, and I have a 21psi tune on her.

Cons and things to look out for:

1) Oil dilution. There have been some 1.5T's that experienced oil dilution. Mostly with cars that are in mostly cold environments. Easy way to check, smell your oil during oil changes and see if there's fuel smell. Or send it in for a used oil analysis. My '18 Sport hasn't had that problem, but I'm mostly in a hot environment. In my habit of skimming initial posts, you've already addressed it. From what I've seen, really just a problem up north.

2) A/C recall. Something about the compressor or something leaking. idk,. Another problem my car isn't having. My a/c blows nice and cold on these hot vegas days

that's all I can think of at the moment. btw, I recognize this post from civicx.lol. No lie, that's where I get all my info, and I bring it back here because I'm oddly attached to this forum.

 
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Thanks for the response. Lol I did post this on civicx as well, I just want as many opinions as possible.

It seems like unless I buy a car from up north, the likelihood of me getting one with the dilution problem is slim. I just don't want to buy one and then realize I have the problem when I change the oil for the first time, that would be a real bummer. But then again, if I get CPO and trade it before warranty is up (which will undoubtedly happen, I want a 4Runner eventually), what could go wrong.

Seems like every time I find a car I want, I research it to death until I find a problem still leaning towards it though.

 
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FWIW, I absolutely love my car. I threw caution to the wind and got KTuner for it, even while under warranty. Really changed the way the car felt.

 
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That's good to hear...besides dilution problems, I've heard nothing but good things. And it seems like the dilution problems are overblown, and easy to counteract with simple maintenance.

 
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No lie, I was worried about that, too. 2 oil changes in and halfway to my 3rd (currently sitting at just shy of 17k miles), I'm no longer worried about it.

 
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Cons: Hatch have a lot lower MPG, are heavier and shorter

Pros: Is slightly higher, more cargo space with seats folded down, has a sportier feel, (even though performance is worse because of the extra weight)

I would buy a Hatch only if the extra cargo was absolutely required.

 
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I also find the hatch a lot more aesthetically pleasing than the sedan and coupes, but that's just me. And former co-workers. One of my old co-workers has a '16 ex-t sedan, and every single one of our co-workers thought mine looked better and more aggressive than his.

Performance decrease in the hatch is almost negligible, tbh. Sport/ST trims get an added power boost to 180hp when you use 91+ octane, and if you know the feel of your car, the difference is noticeable.

 
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Good points...The extra space is almost absolutely required, and I just like the look of the hatch way better. The power and MPG difference aren't going to be enough to bother me. It'll be an upgrade from my current ride for sure.

 
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Just found this one out today: none of the Sports have sunroofs

 
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Correct. It's the LX version with a few more bells and whistles, including the different knock sensor that gives it the slight power boost when you use 91+ octane (changes timing and gives it that extra 8hp), paddle shifters, different exhaust, faux carbon fiber trim, and sport lip kit.

 
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I think they lack the 7" touch infotainment system with lane watch also