Which car to replace my 2012 Civic ?

[crowned]

Was really happy with a 2012 Honda Civic hatchback because of the space and how easily the rear seats come down to accommodate even big items. It blew the headgasket sadly and now I am looking for a replacement.

For motorway, driving around London, occasional trip to france.


Things I look for :

ULEZ compatibility
Reliable, low cost of ownership, good economy. Manual.
Probably petrol.
Possibly slightly higher off the ground, not necessary though (think HR-V, rather than G-Wagen)

I like Hondas and Toyotas. Not keen on Fiats, Fords, French things.

Lots of storage capacity, hatch or estate.

Leather seats because of children and animals

Lovely to have a sunroof
Crazy colors would be great.

Probably best to be 4 or 5 doors

Doesn't matter if it's a bit bonkers, think HR-V or Multipla

Look a bit military, not necessary though (but might not go with cheap maintenance!)

Don't want in a short time to be incompatible with ULEZ.


Possiblities:

BMW 323i Touring
Mercedes C200 touring
Honda HR-V 1st Gen
Civic Touring
Seat Estate
Toyota Auris

What else is there !? Any ideas much appreciated. Thanks !

Edited by crowned on Tuesday 30th July 16:06

[Whataguy]

I had an auris, the only reason I got rid was it was a hybrid and they are easy to steal the cats off.

The normal petrol one should be reliable and long lasting. I believe there is a 1.6 plain petrol. I also know there was a 1.2 turbo but I think they only sold that for a few years, plus it’s more stressed.

Mine was an excel model, so leather seats and self parking/etc all as standard. There were only plain colours, but a cheap wrap should sort that. I always liked the yellow/gold civics that were a launch colour

I’ve previously owned 3 Hondas but switched over to Toyota now as in the last few years Honda support and the dealers seemed to be dropping well below what they used to be. They are still big in other markets, but the UK seems to be a tiny one for them now.

[OoopsVoss]

Give it a few more months and a Taycan. Meets on ULEZ at least.

[TheInternet]

Budget?

And are you sure you want a manual for London driving?

Is just fixing the head gasket an option?

[ZX10R NIN]

Budget?

I'd suggest the best Mazda3 you can find.

[macron]

Look a bit military = Dacia.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024053102...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024062511...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024070213...

Random examples based on no budget.

They're st compared to a civic estate mind.

[anyoldcardave]

ZX10R NIN said:

Budget?

I'd suggest the best Mazda3 you can find.

Good call, I bought a 2008 one for peanuts, clutch was on its last legs, a friend needed a car, so ran it for more than 12 months until the clutch died, he wanted an auto, so found him a Mazda 6 which has been faultless, high RFL though.

Put a clutch in the 3, 65 quid from the E site, service parts in general are very cheap for that age 3, several people used it, pool car if you like, until my friends father was constantly moaning about his old Focus, gave him the 3 about 7 months ago, not heard a whimper since.

Same with my mate with the 6, only hear from him when he has car problems lol, I call him now and then, " I guess the car is going good " he replies, " yes, why " lol.