Is Civic Si expensive to maintain?
Generally affordable to maintain, especially when compared with many sporty cars, but it costs more than a base Civic because of its performance hardware such as sport tires, stronger brakes, and a turbocharged engine.
In this article, we outline what ownership typically costs in routine maintenance, how those costs vary across the Civic Si generations, and other factors that influence the ongoing budget of keeping a Si on the road. The goal is to give a realistic picture of annual upkeep, potential big-ticket items, and practical tips for budgeting.
What makes the Civic Si different
The Civic Si is Honda’s performance-focused variant of the compact, so it uses sportier tires, enhanced brake components, and a more capable engine (turbocharged in recent generations and paired with a manual transmission). Those features typically drive up maintenance costs a notch compared with a standard Civic, even though the Si shares many reliability advantages common to Honda vehicles. Buyers should expect higher routine costs for things like tires and brakes, plus the need to schedule timely oil changes and potential services specific to turbocharged, direct-injection engines.
Routine maintenance costs
Below is a guide to routine upkeep that most Civic Si owners encounter on a typical model year. The figures are ballpark ranges and can vary by region, shop, driving style, and mileage.
- Oil changes and filters: Synthetic 0W-20 oil changes every 5,000–7,500 miles; typical shop price ranges from about $60 to $120 at independent shops and can be higher at dealerships.
- Brakes: Front pads and rotors wear faster on a performance car; expect $150–$300 per axle for pads, with rotors if replacement is needed costing roughly $200–$500 per axle.
- Tires: High-performance tires wear more quickly; a full set can cost roughly $600–$1,200, depending on brand and size, plus alignment after installation.
- Spark plugs: Replacements around every 100,000 miles are common on modern Civics; labor-inclusive price typically $150–$250.
- Coolant and other fluids: Coolant flushes and system servicing as suggested by the owner’s manual or if overheating symptoms appear; usually $100–$150.
- Carbon buildup and intake cleaning: Direct-injection engines can accumulate carbon over time, potentially requiring cleaning around higher mileages; cost varies widely but a typical cleaning may run $150–$500 if needed.
- Major maintenance items: Transmission fluid change (manual) is less frequent but possible; timing chains are not generally replaced as part of routine maintenance.
Overall, routine maintenance for a Civic Si remains manageable and in line with other compact performance models, but expect the budget to be higher than a base Civic due to tires, brakes, and the turbocharged engine’s needs.
Maintenance costs by generation
2012–2015: 9th generation Civic Si
The 9th-generation Si uses a naturally aspirated 2.4L engine and a traditional manual setup in earlier years. Routine maintenance mirrors other 2.4L Hondas and focuses on oil changes, brake service, and tires. Because the engine is robust and well-supported by Honda’s parts network, owners typically see costs similar to other performance-tuned Hondas of the era, with occasional higher tire and brake expenses if driven aggressively.
2016–2021: 10th generation Civic Si
The 10th-gen Si moved to a turbocharged 1.5L engine with direct injection and a manual transmission. While reliability is strong, the turbo and DI system can introduce slightly higher maintenance costs over time—especially if the car sees spirited driving or short trips that encourage carbon buildup. Expect somewhat higher oil-change costs, potential intake cleaning beyond routine service, and continued attention to tires and brakes as part of the Si’s performance character.
2022–present: 11th generation Civic Si
The current Si continues with a refined 1.5L turbo and a tuned chassis, offering improved efficiency and similar maintenance patterns to the 10th generation. Routine maintenance remains affordable for a performance-oriented compact, but tires, braking components, and periodic turbo-related checks keep annual costs above those of a standard Civic. Real-world budgets often hinge on tire choice and mileage, along with how aggressively the car is driven.
Other cost considerations
Beyond routine maintenance, ownership costs can influence the overall budget for a Civic Si. Insurance premiums tend to be higher for a performance variant, especially for younger drivers or those with less-than-perfect records. Fuel economy is respectable for a turbocharged compact, but performance-minded driving can push consumption higher. Depreciation for a Civic Si generally tracks with other sportier compact cars—affecting long-term cost of ownership. Finally, choosing a reputable shop for periodic maintenance and using quality OEM or approved aftermarket parts can help minimize surprises and extend the life of key components.
Bottom line
For most buyers, the Civic Si offers a reasonable maintenance profile for a performance-oriented compact. Routine upkeep is straightforward and within the reach of standard repair shops, but the costs sit above a base Civic due to tires, brakes, and turbocharged engine needs. With attentive maintenance, prudent tire choices, and mindful driving, the Si remains a practical option in its class.
Summary
The Civic Si is not exceptionally expensive to maintain, but it costs more than a non-Si Civic because of performance equipment and turbocharged power. Expect higher annual spending on tires and brakes, plus periodic turbo/DI-related services. Across generations, core maintenance items—oil changes, filters, brakes, and tires—drive the bulk of costs, with slight variations depending on the 9th, 10th, or 11th-generation design and driving habits. Overall, the Si offers value for enthusiasts who prioritize performance while maintaining sensible upkeep practices.
