ChefDude

Both 2008 models - which would you get?

I want value for money, but the car is going to be a keeper so forget depreciation. i realise hondas are expensive on parts too.

logical head says honda for reliability, but the eyes want the volvo S40 which looks so much better than the 'buggy' civic.

oh, i don't know! help!

Reffro

Skoda Octavia or new Superb would be my choice for a keeper over those two.

Of the two, the Civic.

NotoriousREV

We have a diesel Civic.

Pros:

Loads of room inside
Clever rear seats that lift up like cinema seats as well as folding flat
Refined drive
Interesting interior
Well specced for the money

Cons:

Not the most economical diesel out there (43mpg avg for us)
Hard ride but not got the handling to match
Interior attracts every type of dirt going, impossible to keep looking good with kids and it's not wearing well with some parts looking very worn after only 20k miles
Soft paint means loads of stone chips
Eats pads and discs for fun
Clutch slipping problems after less than 20k miles

Overall, we're unimpressed and we wouldn't have another.

NotoriousREV

Forgot to add to the cons: dreadful visibility and it being quite wide means it can be awkward to park.

ChefDude

Reffro, I know Skoda have come on in leaps and bounds, but they're ugly!

thanks for the practical insight NotoriousRev

i still have a soft spot for the S40, so if anyone has one of those - a review please