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Honda Civic Coupe / Civic Si 2006+
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No steering problems for mine (whew!), but there is an annoying rattle/knock at the right rear at low speeds (braking for a light, backing into my parkin' spot). Everything I'm reading here leads me to think it might be the rear deck! D'oh.
Congrats again. (:
I am scheduled for an alignment soon and I heard the exact sound you described. LOUD knock at right rear. It seemed much louder than brakes would sound. If it ends up being shocks or anything I will post it, otherwise don't worry too much, mine hasn't done it again.
I am one of the ones struggling with steering but as I have posted before I just think it's the way the car is made. I do not do well with overly light power steering. I only want mild assist and the more I drive the more I think the "all over the road" feel is steering I can't get used to (combined with some alignment issues). I need road feel. I wish other people did, because most of the cars, even sports models are being made this way.
We are still happy with this car, but a little disappointed with the number of minor issues that we've had to get corrected, especially since Honda is reputed to be high in reliability.
I visit 3 message boards and have heard the "creaking" windshield complaint numerous times. Afraid what it could be a precursor too (windshelds aren't supposed to CREAK even in old cars) I have referred a few people to these boards to verify what others are saying. I was called a "liar" by some but people have to read and do their research. There are now 2 complaints on the NHTSA site.
Glad you are happy overall and I am right there with you where reliability is concerned as I invested in the 06 Civic EX myself. I hope Honda hasn't gone downhill like many other car makers and will fix/prevent these problems. I am a walking/driving advertisement for the company in fact. My Acura is 16 years old and still driving strong. A friend was in it tonight and commented how he couldn't believe a car that old drove so confidently and didn't even have rattles. There isn't (except when I forget to latch the deck cover)
Background:
That was my complaint with the NHTSA. I am still searching for the issue. Honda Canada says they have had no complaints about this issue except from me. After my research on the internet, I have noted plenty of accords, tsx's, tl's and of course civics that have had similar issues. I have been extremely dissapointed by Honda in this matter. I spend 20gs on a product, I expected technical support from their head office if the dealership was not able to diagnose the problem. This was not available for me.
As for the problem:
My front and rear windshield makes cracking / popping / creaking noises depending upon your choice of word, when I go over a bump or if the road fluctuates. First noticed a light-moderate level noise in the bottom right hand corner of windshield during first week of ownership back in November when I was driving on the freeway (on the first below freezing day -3'C since ownership). Much louder cracking noise occurred in top left windshield (driver's side) after 3 weeks of use. This cracking noise is the biggest issue of all. Sounds like glass is about to pop out of the pillars. Also lighter noises (partially deafened by the cracking in the front windshield) from rear windshield.
The Sound:
To give you an idea of the cracking noise produced, it sounds as though the metal all around the windshield is moving, and that movement places a great deal of pressure into a couple spots of the windshield, forcing that windshield to make a "crack" sound.
Instances where this noise occurs:
The rubber fill they put into cracks on freeways makes the cracking noise occur. Cracking noise is defintely louder and more frequent on a cooler day. On a warm day it is much more rare to hear a cracking sound. Cracking noise can occur anywhere from not once for 3 or 4 days, to once a minute, to 40 times a minute depending upon temperature and road conditions. Sometimes even on the roughest roads and the coldest temperatures, it does not crack. However, 65% of the time is does crack.
As for solutions:
I did notice that if i lightly smack the top driver's side area of the windshield from the inside, and turn on the AC full blast, I can make the noise occur more frequently and louder. This would indicate that it is definitely a seal/glue issue with the window. Does anyone agree with this hypothesis? I did this once before as I was driving to a honda dealership for them to inspect it - for the third time - as it wasn't making a noise at first.
The only solution that I have read about that seems to work is replacing the actual windshields. I read that on a website dealing with civics, accords, and tsx's.
However, the Honda dealership in Toronto did not want to do this without tearing apart the interior of my car first. Inspect the A-Pillars and see if the airbags were moving around. I told him it is definitely NOT a moving part. If that is what they think it may be, then I am not leaving them with my car to fix a 'noise' issue that they don't understand. They will only make a muck of my new vehicle.
Ok, I have already written too much. Someone please reply with your thoughts and questions. I will be looking forward to them.
Jon
Glad to meet you as your complaint at the NHTSA site was what convinced me I was not alone.
Here's the deal with my 2006 Civic coupe: same rattling, squeaking noises that escalated quickly to the rear windshield peeling off at right rear pillar, and by 2 days later--the day of my Honda service appt.--the rear windshield had lifted off the entire roofline frame.
I have my Honda service dept papers that say, I'm paraphrasing here as the papers are not right next to me, that there was "insufficient caulk." As I've written before, the Honda service dept and their glass guys had never seen anything like this before.
Okay, why, people ask. I put forward this hypothesis to the Honda service dept and to the sales dept: it is quite possible Honda used the standard amount of caulk that they always use on their cars. However, they might not have factored in the lowered angle of the newly configured rear and front windshields.
In other words, caulk that kept in a windshield installed at a moderate angle would have the downward weight of the windshield as an added safety: the straighter, up and down, the windshield, the more the windshield will be secure.
For a windshield that is a lot more horizontal in the new Civics, more caulk would be needed to keep it in place. The driving with the open windows factor is what is really terrifying about this.
I have not had any contact with Honda itself. The dealer seems willing to let us dump the car, although it has been a logistical nightmare so far. The dealer manager and the service manager both assured me they were informing their zone reps immediately.
I also wound up signing my life away for a price above retail price. Oh well.
I can't wait to get rid of the thing. I would suggest, Jon, that any Honda dealer service dept can tell, or their glass guys can tell, if your windshields are not installed securely enough. I know the squeaks and rattles you talk about and they all STOPPED when the rear windshield was reglued. No need for new window; just insist they reglue, it sounds like in your case, both the rear and front windshields before they have a worse problem on their hands: your powerlessly watching a dislodged windshield fly into someone else's car.
Let me know if this helps.
What do you mean by:
"I also wound up signing my life away for a price above retail price."
Just curious. Francey
If you stay out of the dealership until it's time to pick up the car you'll usually end up with a better price because you're in control of the negotiation. The point is if you follow this approach you'll end up saving money.
You are looking for a chat room that is all positive, then you turn around and ask for the solution to a problem: "My car pulls to the right a little". NOW, that's what a Forum is for. To seek advice and share problems.
And, you like to drive fast... great! Do you live near a racetrack where you can open it up? If not, how about the safety of those you pass and meet? Have you given any thought to them if you lose it?
Have you read the book that came with the car, saying take it easy for the first 600 miles, for the benefit of the car? I don't think so, not if you've only had it 3 weeks. In the long run, If you treat the car well, the car will treat you well. Just my 2Cents worth.
Giving my 2003 Civic Si to my son and trading in my 1997 Prelude.
Hope I am as lucky with this Si as with my previous one.....and by the way I'm far from your typical Si driver. I just turned 50 !!!!!
You are giving yourself a dandy birthday gift. And, what a lucky son, to be given
your young 2003 SI. What is your wife driving? Just curious. Bye. Francey
Sounds like a great car. I had a Really Red Si with NAV on order back in December , but my special order fell through. The dealer also had a problem getting the NAV and in December Rallye Red wasn't yet available. I ended up getting a 2006 S2000 in Red.
Again Good luck,
MidCow
P.S.- I don't fit the profile either make too much and am older than you; Life is GOOD!
P.S.S - For you guys with torque pull to the right look at your toe-in. If you bias the toe end just a degree of 2 inward it will eliminate most of you torque pull with very little additional tire wear. Remeber you have a lot of horsepower and torque being applied to a FWD car ! Remebr equal moment arms, equal traction
Midcow----- my dealer said that even though I ordered a black navigation Si, they just might send in one in the color they want......a wait and see. Like you my second choice is a S200 but we are talking $10,000 more to drive a car into the Bronx, NY where I am a teacher. We will wait and see.
Francey you are a a psyhic as I did buy it for my birthday...do you know the lottery numbers?
Good luck . The Honda VTEC engines that rev to 8,000 RPM are awesome. Both the Si and S2000 are great choice.
Here in Houston, you can drive a convertible most of the year. In the bronx you would probably garage it part of the Winter.
The traction and stability control on the 2006 S2000 is awesome!
But alas, you are right got the S2000 at invoice , where the Si was going to be MSRP. About 10K difference.
I shift, ( as opposed to those shiftless people; synonym shiftless people = lazy people )
MidCow
P.S.- New went for Jeep. New CRVs auto only, V6 is pretty pwerfil!
Good luck . The Honda VTEC engines that rev to 8,000 RPM are awesome. Both the Si and S2000 are great choice.
Here in Houston, you can drive a convertible most of the year. In the bronx you would probably garage it part of the Winter.
The traction and stability control on the 2006 S2000 is awesome!
But alas, you are right got the S2000 at invoice , where the Si was going to be MSRP. About 10K difference.
I shift, ( as opposed to those shiftless people; synonym shiftless people = lazy people )
MidCow
P.S.- New went for Jeep. New CRVs auto only, V6 is pretty pwerfil!
Probably old news for many here, but OMG - it's so different. Why can't we get this over here in the U.S.?
If one of the forum admins is reading this - can you PLEASE create a U.K. Civic category? This is a compeltely new car compared to the current generation of "Civics".
I've been Internet shopping for a 2006 Civic LX coupe automatic and got promised an out-the-door cost of $18,300. the base price was $16250. Anyone getting better deals in So. Calif. or elsewhere?
Wait, according to the website, the LX automatic is $17,310 plus $550 destination, or $17,860. In Northern California, where I live, tax is about 8.25 %, Doc fee is $45, tire disposal $8.75, and registration is about $225. So I make an MSRP total price of $19,612. In other words, it sounds like you are being offered a pretty good deal. Where did you get a "base price" of $16,250?
MSRP 17310 Invoice (Base) 15835
Less Dealer Holdback at 2% -316.70
________
Total Dealer Cost 15518.30
Forget about the taxes, destination, etc., they are fixed costs and don't affect the analysis. So, anything over 15518.30 is money the dealer makes on the car which he uses to pay his salesmen and other overhead. What's left is his profit. If you can do the deal with the dealer making 350-500 over his cost your getting a good deal.
Currently, there are no factory to dealer incentives for the 2006 Honda Civics which lowers a dealers cost even further for a given car. If the car in your example cost 15,316, it pretty difficult for a dealership to sell it for less than a 4% profit ($613) due to escalating total overhead costs the new car sales department must contribute to a dealership.
I went to 10 dealerships to present my offer before they agreed and I bought my 2006 LX sedan at cost + 5% with no additional opportunity for the dealership to make money on options, trade in, financing, extended warranties, or other "fees" added to the deal.
Each forum reader has the ability to create a new thread. If you really want to create a thread on the UK Civic be my guest. I am not sure how much of the audience would be interested, but I might be suprised.
Look at the link "Start a New Thread" when you atart to reply to a previous posting or here is the URL link: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.efc6d19/635
Cheers,
MidCow
http://www.honda.co.uk/civic/
That's nothing like ANY other Civic that I've seen in Japan or the U.S.
He informed me that it was ok if I didn't want it because he has 4 buyers for it. They are not taking anymore orders for the car for this year.
Of course he knew I wanted the car.....but chances are he doesn't know he lost me as a customer for my CRV..... How that saying go "pound wise, penny foolish"!!!!!
My first car ever, and I'm 52. I have always driven trucks, so making some adjustments. Current truck is a 2004 GMC 2500 HD 4x4, 13 MPG, but I need one for the farm, but work in the city. What a change with the Honda! I'm impressed. For those of you that say there is to much road noise, I disagree. Mine is rolling on Eagles and my daughter's 2004 Mazda 6 is worse, or go for a ride in my truck! For those of you that like to compare the numbers, Sticker $17,860 including the $550.00 destination. I added splash guards (I live on a country road) and added all weather mats. Delivered price in Lincoln Nebraska, $16,990. Does not include any taxes. You pay for that in Nebraska when you tag the car.
I pin striped the car with a black twin line down the top line, front headlight to to back taillight. Looks good as it breaks up all of that white. It gets a lot of looks in the city as it's the only Coupe I've seen.
I'll keep you "posted".
Currently own the 06 EX Coupe automatic with 8K miles and have zero complaints. Getting 34 MPG average mixed city/highway driving and lots of AC use.
This is not to disregard folks with real problems. Just a POV from a sports car perspective.
Since the DX comes with 15" wheels, while the higher-level trims have 16" wheels, the 16" wheels are obviously supposed to constitute an upgrade, but I don't really see it. :confuse: Is it simply that the car rides higher on the bigger wheels? Is the car's handling or performance improved? I just want to be assured that the only difference is not that I get to pay more for replacement tires.
:shades: Given the severe slope of the front windshield, I'm hoping that someone can relate good/bad experiences with using folding sunshades in the car (the rectangular type that are supposed to be held in place by the visors).
I cannot comment on the sunshade expect to get one! I live in Ohio (not famous for it's sun) and can tell you this thing gets HOT when left in lots. I have a 2006 SI in Habanaro Red with black interior and getting in it when the sun is shining is a real cooker... Love it, but a cooker still the same.
First, I said the car likes to be driven fast. No one buys a Si without appreciating a little speed. That doesn't mean that I am a speed demon driving through school zones as you somehow have derived.
Second, I drive 3000 miles in a month. So, how does this give you the idea that I didn't read the break in part of the Owner's Manual? In fact, the salesperson drove it harder in the first 600 miles than I did!
Other forums your remarks would have been taken off, so I wonder if you are the host or something. If you had read previous entries, you would have seen that I had asked about fuel economy of the Si, and was just repeating the REAL purpose of this forum as I understand it.
As for the complaints, I just think there should be a balance of positives and negatives, not just all the negatives.
So next time you decide to put your two cents in, do some research before you make a BAD investment. You would have lost a lot more than two cents!
Oh, BTW my car doesn't have torque steer to the right, it pulls to the right at hwy speeds!
Most dealers, as you may know, are selling this car for well over MSRP. Also, other used car dealers are buying this car and selling for big profits as well(similat to the Mini cooper S). Think about the mini Cooper S, now and realize how much it has depreciated over the last few years. You can't even find one discounted now, used or new.
I am the proud owner of a Si, so I may be partial, but this is, in part, why I bought the car. The technology that goes into this car(helical LSD, all around air bags, etc.) is better than any other car in this price range. Which is also part of the reason that these cars are easily going for more than MSRP. BTW, I paid MSRP for mine, unless you consider the 1.13% increase that occurred at the time I bought mine, then I saved $300. I also got a great price for my trade in, and a great interest rate!
My point is, that yes, I think it will be a very valuable car in the future, but just like buying a house or stock, the profits are usually made at time of purchase. So, to be safe, don't pay too much!
You know how the newspaper is always full of bad news? That's because good news isn't really news. Everything's fine, thanks for asking. It's the same thing with forums like this. I have an '06 EX Coupe that totally rocks. I don't feel very inclined to post that message unless someone specifically asks how we like our cars. This also poses a problem for folks researching cars on internet forums. All they read are complaints, so they assume the car is crap. Go check out a Porsche Boxter board. The one I just sold ran great but if you read the forums you'll assume they all blow up within 40000 miles!
About torque steer, my 140 horse Civic doesn't actually pull to the right, but it is easier to steer to the right than to the left. If I make small steering adjustments on the highway, it takes a slight bit more pressure to adjust left. I believe what I'm feeling is the slight amount of constant torque steer that most front-drivers have numbed out of their steering systems. I drove a Toyota Echo for years with no torque steer in normal driving at all, but the hydraulic assist was so strong I might as well have been playing an old video game. I could see what was going on through my windshield but I couldn't feel a thing!
If your Si has the same steering as an EX, but with 57 more horsepower, you're probably feeling a more pronounced version of what I've got.
Ask me about my car. It rocks!
I loved the way it drove. I think you said something before about your car being a detuned Si? Well, a can concur with that. I read other posts and articles that said the 140 horse power wasn't all that good, so I questioned myself, plus it was almost impossible to find an EX with a manual. I then test drove an automatic, and really started second guessing. It felt like a totally different vehicle to me.
Anyway, the Si came in first, and the salesperson was selling it to me for MSRP. If the ex coupe with a manual came in first, then I would have bought it.
I am glad to hear that you are enjoying yours'. Have you done anything to upgrade the performance, such as exhaust or cold air? This was my intentions if I got the EX. What kind of fuel milage do you get? I average around 28-31mpg. I have gotten as low as 25.6(mostly city and heavy foot), and all the way up to 35.5(almost all hwy driving).
I still wonder if I made the right decision, especially re: gas milage, but I don't really think there was a wron decision between the two. And the kid in me loves the performance of the Si. Funny, I almost wish I had them both!
As far as the torque steer, I only notice the pull to the right when I am cruising down the hwy. If I don't intentionally keep it left, it will fade to the right. I haven't talked to my dealership yet, but wonder, being almost two months out from the purchase date, if they will adjust it for me for free.
This is my only problem, and I hope all who read this will keep this in perspective, and realize that this is rwally a great car, made by a great manufacturer. I also was able to deal with a good dealership, which made the whole buying experience much more tolerable.
I wanted to comment on the torque steering. I have owned my 06 Civic SI since early March. Overall I love the car, but it has been back tot he dealership three times in attempts to correct a heavy pull to the left. I believe we finally have it corrected to the best of the dealership's ability. It did require two different alignments and a full set of new tires. According to the dealer the car shipped with incorrect tires from Michelin. What was told to me was the tires were specifically designed to handle the amount of torque the SI was going to be applying. Okay, so new tires, balancing and two times on alignment.
The dealership believes it's all good now. I on the other hand still struggle with the drift and pull of the vehicle. It is no where near what it was first time out, but still noticable to me. I have tried to be objective and have circum to the fact that its possible the torque is normal for a front wheel drive car like the SI... and I am simply not used to it. Afterall, I did move from a 2002 Infinity G35 rear wheel drive.
It's manageable but I still feel it needs constant attention... this may be good, I'm just not sure how I feel yet.
I love the car... love the speed and agility and currently love the rarity of my car in my area. I have yet to see another SI... while I am sure they are out there, I just haven't seen one.
Rivet
thanks
I apologise. Francey
No I did not take the summer tire option. What was explained to me... (take it for what it's worth, cuz I struggled with the info given) was there was a mix up at the Honda plant in Canada and the inccrect tires were placed on the car when shipped from Alston, CA. According to the dealer, it was a recognized issues Honda identified shortly after. While the tires all appeared to be the same there was slight differences in the front and rear. They replaced the front and I had to wait an additional three weeks for the rear. I was told they were on national backorder and as soon as they came in the would replace.
The aligned the front and rear during the entire process. While in specification, they did say they could have been better and the dealer corrected.
The service manager and I both test drove the vehicle together. Beyond the tire issue his statement was the car is so tight the tracking follows the road very tightly so any variance in the road will cause the car to fade.
All very interesting.
I am curious... what's the top speed anyone has had their SI at?
The right pull and constant steering adjustments were attributed by my service manager to the power steering that is in my EX that is quite boosted for that size engine/vehicle.
They felt a change of tires would only give a "slight" improvement and not be worth it. Based on the last few posts they may be right. Of course, this is just their opinion but they felt that the assisted steering is feeding back every little road imperfection during city driving and will always require constant adjustments to track straight on the highway.
Personally I find it unbearable as I am used to a vehicle that tracks straight, has excellent steering feedback and practically requires no adjustments. Honestly the last time I was on the interstate with this car it was so jittery I felt like if I so much as sneezed I would end up in another lane.
Dealer did not disagree with me but stated this "as normal for the vehicle" and basically no fix.
Hopefully others will not have the problems I have had adjusting to this and all will be well for them in the future. Pleanty don't seem to have a problem.
I on the other hand have opted to sell my Civic
My last rear wheel drive was a Mazda Miata and my current vehicle (in addition to the civic) is an Acura Integra which is front wheel drive, so I can compare the difference. Torque steer and tracking is NOT an issue in my FWD Acura like it is in the Civic. It is not just you adjusting from RWD IMO. I am driving two different FWD's back to back and there is a complete difference in behavior, I don't think it is just the FWD.