Who wants a Golf anyway? RICHARD BARNETT
Solid, well built and slightly modified, this Honda Civic made for a very smart buy
It’s unusual to see a third-gen Civic at auction.
It certainly is. Older Japanese cars are increasingly hot property and classic Honda Civics aren’t exactly commonplace but this was one of two in Manor Park’s rst 2023 auction, the other being a rst-generation model. This was a third-generation example, a model that’s seldom seen these days but remains popular with both the originality and modifying crowds.
This one came with a bit of recent history.
This 1.3 was tted with automatic transmission, which isn’t such a nuisance on today’s more crowded roads and the vendor bought it from the original owner. There was no V5 and minimal paperwork but it was Mot’d until January with no advisories and had never been restored although some work had been done to make it solid, including a previous owner replacing the oside sill.
It was in pretty good condition, too.
It was generally pretty smart. The panels were good with excellent t and there were no indications of corrosion. The black plastic bumpers were tidy but there had been a small repair to the front; an experienced smart repairer could probably improve things for little outlay. BBS alloys and lowered suspension added to the look. Manor Park described the interior as being in ‘time-warp condition’ and the parcel shelf hadn’t been cut for speakers.
It was a great GTI alternative.
This was a great alternative to a nongti Golf MKII. The Civic’s just as well built, has a great engine and is a proper driver’s car too, despite being a 1.3. It was tidy enough but oered scope for further improvement at not much cost. It was one not to be missed because you really do have to ask yourself – how long will it be before another one like it comes along?