2009 HONDA CIVIC 1.8 I-Vtec Es-T Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual (155 G/km, 138 Bhp)

The Honda Civic remains a cornerstone of the UK hatchback market, blending futuristic styling with engineering excellence and class-leading reliability. Now in its eleventh generation with a focus on hybrid efficiency, this Japanese icon continues to offer one of the largest boots in its segment and a rewarding driving experience that rivals premium German competitors.

Why Buy a Used Honda Civic?

• Unrivalled reliability record ensures peace of mind and strong performance in annual MOT tests.
• A massive 400+ litre boot space makes it more practical than a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus.
• The e:HEV hybrid system delivers exceptional real-world fuel economy without needing to plug in.
• Standard-fit 'Honda Sensing' safety suite provides some of the best driver assistance tech in the UK.

Typical Price Range

All prices are approximate.

• 2012–2017 (Gen 9): £4,500 – £11,000 — The 'spaceship' era model, famed for its 'Magic Seats' and bulletproof 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine which is often road tax exempt.
• 2017–2022 (Gen 10): £10,500 – £24,000 — Features a more aggressive stance and turbocharged VTEC engines. Check the V5C carefully for early 1.0-litre models to ensure a full service history.
• 2022–Present (Gen 11): £28,500 – £38,000 — Available exclusively as the e:HEV hybrid (excluding Type R), providing a refined cabin and full ULEZ compliance across all major UK cities.

Common Issues to Check

• Oil dilution on 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engines if driven exclusively on short city trips.
• Air conditioning condenser failure is a known weakness on tenth-generation models.
• Infotainment screen glitches on 2017–2019 models; check for the latest software updates.
• Early 1.0-litre 'wet belt' engines require strict adherence to DVLA-tracked service intervals to prevent belt degradation.
• Fragile paintwork that is prone to stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper.

Running Costs

• Fuel Economy: 45–60 mpg for petrol/hybrid; up to 75 mpg for i-DTEC diesels.
• Insurance Group: Groups 15 to 37, with the hybrid sitting around group 28.
• Servicing: Fixed-price service plans at Honda dealers typically cost £250–£400 annually depending on mileage.

Which Variant Should I Choose?

• Elegance: Value-conscious buyers who still want heated seats, front/rear sensors, and Apple CarPlay as standard.
• Sport: Drivers seeking a stealthier aesthetic with black 18-inch alloys and a move towards a more premium synthetic leather interior.
• Advance: Tech enthusiasts who want the panoramic sunroof, Bose 12-speaker audio system, and a full digital instrument cluster.
• Type R: Driving purists looking for the ultimate front-wheel-drive performance car; expect significantly higher insurance and running costs.
• EX: Available on older generations, this trim is perfect for luxury seekers wanting leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control.