Is Honda Civic Si expensive to maintain?
The Honda Civic Si is generally not expensive to maintain, especially when compared with many performance-oriented vehicles. Routine service costs are in the affordable range for a modern compact, though the Si’s sport-focused components—such as tires and brakes—can push some annual expenses higher than a base Civic.
To understand what that means in practice, consider that the Si adds a turbocharged engine, a firmer suspension, and larger wheels and tires. Those upgrades can increase wear on certain consumables and occasionally raise service prices. The guide below breaks down the main cost drivers, typical price ranges, and strategies to budget for maintenance over the life of the car.
Cost drivers that can affect maintenance spending
These are the main items that can push maintenance costs higher for the Civic Si compared with the non-Si model or a typical compact car.
- Tires: The Si uses larger, performance-oriented tires that wear faster and cost more per tire than economy versions. Replacements often run about $100–$250 per tire installed, with a full set typically ranging from roughly $500–$1,200 depending on brand and size.
- Brakes: High-performance pads and rotors wear more quickly under spirited driving. Front brake pads commonly range from $150–$300 per axle in parts, with rotor replacement or resurfacing adding additional cost.
- Oil changes and fluids: The Si uses synthetic 0W-20 oil and typically requires changes every 5,000 miles (per Honda’s maintenance minder). Shop prices for a standard oil change usually run about $60–$100, with higher-end shops or dealer visits costing more.
- Filters and spark plugs: Regular replacements for air filters, cabin filters, and spark plugs add modest annual expenses and vary by interval.
- Labor rates and specialty parts: Some performance-oriented components (exhaust, suspension upgrades, or other accessories) can carry higher labor charges and parts costs than a base Civic.
Concluding: While these items can push the Si’s maintenance cost higher than a standard Civic, they mainly reflect the sport-oriented design. Planning for tires every 25,000–40,000 miles, brakes every 30,000–60,000 miles, and periodic fluid and filter changes helps keep overall maintenance predictable and manageable.
Routine maintenance costs you can expect
The following are common, recurring maintenance tasks and rough cost ranges to help you budget for a Civic Si. Prices vary by region and whether you perform work yourself or hire a shop.
- Oil and filter changes: Synthetic oil with a 5,000-mile interval; typically $60–$100 per visit at a shop.
- Tire maintenance: Rotation every 5,000–6,000 miles; balancing/alignment as needed; annual tire costs depend on usage but a full set replacement is often $500–$1,200.
- Brake service: Pad replacement around 30,000–60,000 miles depending on driving; typical per-axle parts cost $150–$300; rotor resurfacing or replacement can add $100–$300 per axle.
- Air and cabin filters: Replacements every 15,000–30,000 miles; combined cost around $40–$80.
- Spark plugs: Replacement usually around 100,000–120,000 miles for this engine; parts and labor roughly $150–$250.
- Coolant flush: Roughly every 100,000 miles; cost about $120–$200.
Concluding: With regular oil changes, tire and brake upkeep, and periodic filters and fluids, a Civic Si’s routine maintenance can be budgeted in the low-to-mid hundreds per year under normal driving. Major repairs, if needed, would be extra—as with any modern car.
Reliability, ownership experience, and total cost of ownership
Honda has a strong reputation for reliability, which helps keep long-term maintenance costs predictable. The Civic Si shares most non-performance components with the standard Civic, so parts availability and service support remain solid. Expect typical maintenance costs for newer Civics—routine service, tires, brakes, and parts—to be in line with other modern compact cars. The Si adds a premium for performance tires and brakes, but depreciation tends to be moderate and resale value remains solid for Civics overall.
Warranty and coverage
In the United States, Honda generally offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extended warranties or HondaCare options can affect potential out-of-pocket costs for major repairs.
Concluding: Overall, while you should expect higher costs for demand-driven items like tires and brakes, the Civic Si remains competitively priced to maintain within its class, especially when weighed against other sport compact cars.
Summary
The Honda Civic Si is not inherently expensive to maintain. Routine upkeep is affordable and in line with other modern compact cars, but sport-specific components can push annual costs higher than a standard Civic—primarily due to tires and brakes. By budgeting for regular oil changes, tire wear, brake service, and periodic filters and fluids, owners can enjoy the Si’s performance while keeping maintenance predictable and manageable.
Is a Honda Civic Si reliable?
Yes, the Honda Civic Si is generally considered a reliable car, especially with proper maintenance. While some specific model years may have had minor issues, many owners report long-term satisfaction and longevity, with average maintenance costs below the industry average for popular sedans.
Factors affecting reliability
- Model year: The reliability of specific years can vary. Older models with the K20 engine (like some from the 9th generation) are often cited as being very reliable. Some newer models with the 1.5L turbo engine have had early oil dilution issues that appear to have been resolved.
- Maintenance: Like any car, the Civic Si requires proper and timely maintenance to ensure long-term reliability and can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with good care.
- Engine and transmission: The manual transmission in the Si is generally robust, but pushing the engine beyond its stock limits with modifications can potentially lead to issues.
- Consumer reviews: Many reviews mention that the Civic Si is reliable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient. However, some older models have had specific issues like paint problems or interior component failures.
What to consider
- Check the specific model year: If you're considering a used Civic Si, research the specific model year for common issues.
- Consider the warranty: Honda offers a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on new Si models.
- Factor in maintenance costs: The average maintenance cost for a Civic Si over 10 years is around $5,714$ 5 comma 714$5,714, which is below the industry average for popular sedans.
How long will a Honda Civic Si last?
A Honda Civic Si can last well over 200,000 miles, and often up to 300,000 miles, with proper maintenance and care. The longevity of the vehicle depends heavily on adhering to the recommended service schedule, using quality parts, and adopting good driving habits.
Key factors for longevity
- Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, including oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections, especially at 30,000 and 60,000-mile intervals for critical components like the timing belt and water pump.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving and stop-and-go traffic can shorten a car's lifespan. Highway and rural driving are less strenuous on the vehicle.
- Preventative Care: Addressing small issues promptly can prevent larger, more expensive problems down the line. For example, regular transmission fluid changes can extend the life of the transmission.
- Component Quality: Using high-quality, genuine replacement parts ensures that the vehicle continues to run reliably.
- Specific Si considerations: The Si's performance-oriented nature means it can last a long time, but it's especially important to be mindful of its unique components, such as the clutch, and to avoid excessive carbon buildup.
Real-world examples
- Many owners report reaching over 200,000 miles with only routine maintenance, say Reddit users.
- Some owners have even pushed their cars to 300,000 miles and beyond, with one owner documenting almost 800,000 miles in a 2017 model before it became too expensive to maintain, notes CarBuzz.
How much is maintenance on a Honda Civic Si?
A Honda Civic Si will cost about $5,714 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular sedan models by $32. There is also a 16.08% chance that a Civic Si will require a major repair during that time.
Are Civic Si more expensive to insure?
Auto insurance for a Honda Civic Si will cost about $2,192 per year. This beats the national average for popular sedan models by $941. Our car insurance comparison study assumes a 40 year old good driver with full coverage and good credit that drives around 13,000 miles per year.
