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Comments
And btw, 2004 isn't the last year - there will be a 2005 I assume, which is little changed (if at all) from the current model.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The car is not THAT unpopular. They just overestimated its market. Look at it like this. Ford sold 5000 Focus SV-T's and Mazda sold about the same Mazdaspeeds. There is no way Honda was gonna sell 15,000 Hatchback 5 speed only SI's. For $19,000 no less. I just read a review of the new Ferrari Scaglietti(or whatever) and it said 90% of orders are for the automatic. What a shame.
Needless to say we've bought 3 for $16,500 or less.
I bought my 03 Blue one in October 03. Got in on the last day of the 1.9% too.
How many SIs sold in 2003? I get the impression it was even less than that.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'm in NJ, so I'm wondering if I'd be better off waiting until I'm down South to get the work done.
I purchased a 2003 Civic SI back in October, 2003 for about $16,500. I would appreciate some input on some of the statements below.
1. With regard to the rpms, I've also noticed that my rpm is 4200 (similar to aaronpan) at 80 mph. How much would a sixth gear improve highway gas mileage (into the 35 mpg range)?
2. There seems to be a lot of interest in the Si-R. I think a weight reduction of the current car would be a better solution. The 91 Civic SI's ran fairly well with 106 hp at 2200 lbs. How about reducting the weight of the current car from 2750 lbs to about 2400 lbs. The performance would then improve at 160 hp while keeping decent gas mileage.
3. I've noticed that many states now check the computer of the car at inspection. Is this strictly to crack down on modifications (i.e. cold air intakes generally cause a check engine light to come on when changed)? Can modifications still be done to the car if you do not know someone at the deparment of motor vehicles?
4. I also have some concerns about the oil-consumption problems that others have commented upon. There seems to be very slight oil consumption (about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon every 3500 miles, currently at 6200 miles and looking for a change at 7000-7500 miles). Were the radical oil consumption problems mentioned shortly after introduction of the 02 from high rev driving before the break-in or was/is there a legitamite problem?
Other than the concerns above, I am content with the Civic SI. I think the SI fills a niche between a true sports car and a economy-minded sedan.
At 250K+ miles, that is how much my integra uses...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2.The weight comes with the safety of the car. I owned a 91 Integra built on that platform and it didn't fell anywhere near as tight as this car. 5 star crash rating too.
3.Cai does not necessarily trigger CEL. They don't check the computer in GA though. Although you can't have a lit CEL.
4.I went through two quarts in my first 10,000 miles. I'm only at 12,000 right now. Looks like it's better now but I still check it.
What did you pay for the car?
I think you are going to be very happy with your car. I've had my car for 19 months now, and I still enjoy driving it every time I get behind the wheel.
Keep us posted!
Any ideas?
As for shifting, the VTC (the i in iVTEC) takes the input from the throttle position, engine RPM, and vehicle speed to adjust the timing. So by simply waiting for the RPMs to climb to 5000 to shift will not give you any advantage, but if you floor it, wait until 6800 (red line, fuel cut off), then shift, you should not get any hesitation.
Don't spend the extra money on synthetic (Honda's don't require it) unless you plan on keeping the car for the long long haul (ie>150k miles) or just in the winter for extreme cold temps (ie <-10F at startups). Regular oil is just fine, I have used synthetic occasionally and notice no difference in mileage or performance. The only major difference is that engine cranks a bit better at -10F but regular oil works fine (I have 210k on my odometer currently, nearly all on regular oil).
Today I checked the oil stick for the engine oil level, and found out there were 1/4 oil low. I guess my engine is burning oil as some of Si owner experienced. Should I go ahead add some more to it? Or just wait til next oil change? Sorry for continuously asking stupid questions to you all.
:-P
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I usually go about every 4000 miles.
I'm looking to buy a car within a few weeks, and Si is being considered. A while back while reading this board i heard many stories about ppl buying their Si's for 13,14K or so , because apparently these cars aren't selling. but checking the Edmunds TMV i don't see anything nearly close to that. and i was at a honda dealership a year ago and asked how much for the Si, i don't remember the figure but it wasn't THAT low. so realistically what should i expect to pay for the Si? i'd jump on it at 13-14K, but for 18-19K i'll go for rsx instead.
Thanks~
The 2.0L is the same as what's in the base RSX but the SI engine includes balance shafts. Although it does run at 4000 RPM @ 80 you would never know unless you look at the tach.