Opinions: Decision on 2012 Civic Si Coupe
 

The last thread about the 2012 Civic Si was over 5 months ago... so I figured a new thread was fine.

I'm planning to sell my 3G 2008 TL Type S for a 2012 Civic Si coupe. Reasons being
1) I want a smaller fun car
2) I want to drive stick

I've test driven the VW GTI and the Scion tC; the tC was too slow and I didn't like the huge c-pillar (major blind spot), the GTI was a fun drive but a friend already owns one and it seemed pretty expensive for what you get. Any other cars you guys might suggest I look at as well?

The MSRP was roughly $1700 over invoice (according to carsaver.ca), I'm curious if you guys know what type of haggle room I have to work with? There's currently a Honda promotion with lower lease rate and $1000 cash back. I've been to one dealership and they're willing to throw in the protection package (All-weather season mats, cargo tray, and mud guard).

I had the 8th gen Si Coupe... a few points from my 5 years of ownership:

1) A-pillar is huge - weird blind spots in the front due to the extreme rake of the windshield.

2) Interior is polarizing - are you sure you're ok with the two-tier dash? It looks cool, and the MPH/KMH button is convenient if you drive to the States a lot.

3) Premium fuel recommended - $1.40 for regular these days... yeah =(

4) Modding may be limiting - non-JDM car means less options in terms of parts (if you're looking to do that)

5) Gearbox is awesome compared to the GTI - clutch feel is great, as is the short-throw.

6) Does the current Si still have LSD? Comes in handy =)

7) You're giving up a lot of luxury features from the TL! Make sure you can live with less creature comforts like heated seats, auto-dimming mirror, more refined & comfortable ride, etc.

Edit: It is a pretty damn fun car to toss around with the right wheel/tire/suspension/brake setup though!

if you don't mind RWD and want best bang for the buck
- Genesis coupe
- FR-S...production model debuts next month but probably wont arrive until mid 2012

I'd say the latter is worth waiting for until next month for more details considering how relatively new your TL-S is...but to me going to the new civic from TL-S is a major downgrade haha

yeah get gen coupe...

Id get the gti over all of them though....and what do you mean its too expensive for what it is? i thought the same but i worked at a VW dealership and had to drive one up to squamish for a customer and jesus christ it was fun. It has everything you need plus more, paddle shifters are really fun and have great response, the seats are somewhat sporty but comfy, turbo lag is minimal but again fun as hell, styling beats the shit out of the civic, the volkswagen entertainment system is easy to use however i found the touch screen sometimes slowish i found myself tapping the shit outta the screen but overall awesome car, it has everything a luxury car has WITH German engineering ;)

1) I haven't test-driven the 2012 Si (None for me to test drive) so I didn't notice it but definitely good thing to know!

2) Not the biggest fan of it but I can live with it for sure

3) It's definitely a smaller hit than my TL =P $80 for ~450km mixed city/highway

4) Probably not going to mod the car

7) Reason stated below

Issue with the Genesis is the low residual value. I'm only planning to lease the car as I only want to drive a "fun car" for the next three years, and then go back to a more luxurious ride afterwards (Also the reason why I'm okay with the "major downgrade")

Have there been any speculation on the price of the FR-S? I didn't hear much about this (Not a huge car enthusiast) so from my quick Google understanding, it's slated to be ~200HP 2.0L 2 door?

Maybe saying too expensive for what it is is the wrong word, but given the price tag, I suddenly see WRX (or STI) or even the A3 as attractive alternatives.

Your generation TL-S is a beauty. I would hate to be the one to give it up.

i liked it when they kept mechanical parts unique. The prev gen civic si/ csx-s had the k20 no other current honda lineup had. but the current civic si just carries similar mechanical components with the tsx/ accord. i am not saying it is bad or anything, and may be good financially. but it just seems less unique.

it follows the trend with the corolla Xrs using the the camry engine and the sentra ser from the altima.

Quote for truth :fullofwin:

GTI or keep your 3G TL Type-S

If it's good residual you are looking for, you should consider the Subaru WRX. It has one of the best residual value, which is good for a lease deal.

the tc is actually not a bad car at all. but your definetly downgrading if you go with the tc

youre trippin sellin the tl type s

:okay: but it's gotta be done. I find the car starting to be outdated...

Good to note! I'll look into it! The thing I also like about the Civic Si is the high residual too. It's definitely a big bonus to have a high residual as I'm only planning to lease, thereby minimizing the monthly payments.

It's not a bad car, I would definitely say it's one of the best bang for its buck but the c pillar is so huge it makes driving the tC very unfriendly.

2012 WRX or STI

I've driven both Civic Si with the K24 and K20. I honestly say the K20 feels so much better. Yes, it lacks torque but once you wind it up, VTAAAAK gives you a huge punch in the gut. Can't say the same for the K24.

Saw the 2012 Civic Si w/ HFP lip kit at the dealership recently and it looks pretty seckz.

I'd still prefer 08 TL-S though :D

for a few thousand more i'd take the GTI, WRX or even a Mazdapeed3, all turbocharged = more fun

You guys make my life miserable by telling me to keep the 3G TL-S haha.

I'll definitely check out the wrx and research more into the FR-S and 2012 WRX.

As for bargaining, any ideas what kind of deals I can get from the dealerships?

Edit: so I researched and the 2012 wrx/sti is the same as the 2011. Only the impreza is slated for change in 2012. The wrx/sti change is for 2013
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If I were you id get a 05+ sti

+1 on the Genesis Coupe. RWD + turbo + 87 octane = win win :P

I can't justify paying premium fuel and crazy insurance rates for 200 top end HP.

As the others have already recommended, I'd keep the TL OR:

MS3
Genesis
keep the tl and find an EM1 or DC2. Grab decent tires, koni yellows, ground controls and call it a day.

I can't justify paying premium fuel and crazy insurance rates for 200 top end HP.

As the others have already recommended, I'd keep the TL OR:

MS3
Genesis
keep the tl and find an EM1 or DC2. Grab decent tires, koni yellows, ground controls and call it a day.

I'm not a big car enthusiast so the whole car-modding thing isn't really my thing (I also don't know much about it)

I ruled out the genesis because of the low residual value. I don't like MS3 looks.

Hey ntan,
I have a 2012 civic si sedan for a test drive if you're interested.
We have a coupe in the show room right now too.
I can also help you out with a few other cars you may be interested in as well.
Shoot me a PM or give me a call.

- Simon

Have you thought about the Volvo C30?

i'm not sure about your budget though, because they aren't cheap.