Used Honda Civic Buying Guide: Best Years and What to Check
The Honda Civic is one of the most common first cars, commuter cars and budget buys on the used market. With so many around, you can afford to be picky about the year, engine and condition.
The short answer: The best used Honda Civic years for most buyers are 2019-2021 (tenth generation after early fixes) and 2022-2024 (current design, refined and efficient). For a tight budget, 2014-2015 Civics with the CVT are solid. Check 2006-2009 Civics for engine block coolant leaks and 2016-2018 1.5-liter turbos for oil dilution.
Key takeaways
- Most 2006-2009 Civics were covered by a 10-year engine block warranty extension for coolant leaks; that window has closed, so the buyer now pays for any repair.
- The 2016-2018 Civic's 1.5-liter turbo had reported fuel-in-oil dilution in cold climates, covered by a six-year extension that has expired.
- A 2016-2021 Civic sedan with the 1.5-liter turbo and CVT is EPA-rated at 35 to 36 mpg combined, while the 2.0-liter is rated at 33 to 34.
- The 2025 Civic Hybrid is rated at 49 mpg combined, the most efficient Civic you can buy.
- Many 2013-2023 Hondas, including Civics, were included in a fuel pump recall, so check every VIN.
Which Honda Civic generations should you consider?
Most used shoppers will look at Civics from 2006 onward. Each generation changed the engine lineup and fuel economy.
| Generation | Years | Main engines (sedan) | EPA combined mpg (automatic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eighth | 2006-2011 | 1.8L I4, 5-speed automatic | 29 |
| Ninth | 2012-2013 | 1.8L I4, 5-speed automatic | 31 |
| Ninth | 2014-2015 | 1.8L I4, CVT | 33 |
| Tenth | 2016-2021 | 2.0L I4 or 1.5L turbo, CVT | 33 to 34 (2.0L), 35 to 36 (1.5L turbo) |
| Eleventh | 2022-2024 | 2.0L I4 or 1.5L turbo, CVT | 35 (2.0L), 36 (1.5L turbo) |
| Eleventh | 2025 and newer | 2.0L I4 or 2.0L hybrid | 36 (2.0L), 49 (Hybrid) |
Ratings are from fueleconomy.gov for representative years and vary by body style, trim and transmission. Manual transmissions and sporty trims such as the Si and Type R are rated lower.
What are the best years for a used Honda Civic?
The best years depend on your budget, but these ranges offer the best balance of reliability, efficiency and value.
2019-2021 (best value in the modern Civic): These later tenth-generation cars benefit from Honda's oil dilution fixes and early-year recalls being worked out. The 1.5-liter turbo with the CVT gets up to 36 mpg combined, and the 2.0-liter is a simpler choice at 33 to 34.
2022-2024 (best overall): The eleventh generation has a more refined interior, a quieter ride and strong fuel economy. Prices are higher, but these cars are newer and some may still have factory warranty.
2025 and newer (best for fuel economy): The 2025 refresh added the Civic Hybrid, rated at 49 mpg combined. Expect to pay more, since these are nearly new.
2014-2015 (budget pick): These ninth-generation Civics added a CVT, improving fuel economy to 33 mpg combined, with a simple 1.8-liter engine.
Which Civic years should you research carefully?
Two Civic issues have well-documented histories. Neither should automatically rule a car out, but both deserve a closer look.
2006-2009 Civic engine block cracks
Some 2006-2009 Civics with the 1.8-liter engine developed cracks in the engine block that leaked coolant, which could cause overheating. Honda extended the engine block warranty to 10 years from the original purchase date with no mileage limit, according to a Honda service bulletin filed with NHTSA. For these model years, that window has closed.
When shopping one of these cars, look for coolant leaks or residue on the engine, watch for overheating and ask whether the block was ever replaced. A car with a documented engine replacement may actually be a safer bet.
2016-2018 Civic 1.5-liter turbo oil dilution
Owners of 2016-2018 Civics with the 1.5-liter turbo reported fuel mixing into the engine oil, mostly in very cold climates with short trips. Honda released software updates and extended coverage on related parts to six years with unlimited mileage, as Consumer Reports reported. That extension has expired for these years.
Check the dipstick for oil above the full mark or a strong gasoline smell, and ask for proof of the software update and regular oil changes. The 2.0-liter Civic isn't affected by this issue.
What recalls should you check on a used Civic?
Run any Civic through NHTSA's recall lookup or Honda's owner recall lookup. Notable recalls include:
- Takata airbags (many 2001-2011 Civics): Older Civics were part of the Takata airbag inflator recalls, some of the most serious in U.S. history. Confirm the repair was done before you buy.
- Fuel pump (2013-2023 models, including Civic): The fuel pump may fail, causing the engine to stall.
- Pistons (some early 2016 Civic 2.0-liter): Some engines may have pistons made incorrectly.
- Electric parking brake (2016): The brake may not engage if applied immediately after turning off the car.
- Electric power steering (2017-2018): A torque sensor magnet may not be properly secured.
- Steering gearbox (2022-2025): Some gearboxes may have been made incorrectly.
- High-pressure fuel pump (2025 Civic and Civic Hybrid): The pump may crack and leak fuel.
Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer.
Should you buy a 1.5-liter turbo or 2.0-liter Civic?
For most buyers, either engine is a good choice from 2019 onward. The 1.5-liter turbo is quicker and a bit more efficient, while the 2.0-liter is simpler and avoids the turbo and its oil dilution history.
If you live in a cold climate and mostly make short trips, the 2.0-liter is the lower-risk choice. If you drive a lot of highway miles and want the best fuel economy, the 1.5-liter turbo on a 2019 or newer car is a good pick. For the most efficiency, a 2025 Civic Hybrid at 49 mpg combined beats both.
What should you check on a used Civic test drive?
Most Civic issues show up in a careful test drive and inspection. Use this list alongside a professional check.
- Coolant leaks and overheating (2006-2009): Look under the hood for coolant residue and watch the temperature gauge.
- Oil level and smell (2016-2018 turbo): Check for overfull or gasoline-smelling oil.
- CVT behavior (2014 and newer): Accelerate gently and firmly, watching for shudder, slipping or whining.
- Air conditioning: Run the A/C on max and make sure it blows cold.
- Electronics: Test the infotainment screen, backup camera and phone connection.
- Signs of modification: Civics, especially Si models, are popular with tuners. Aftermarket parts can affect reliability and insurance.
- Recall records: Confirm the Takata airbag and fuel pump recalls if applicable.
Our test drive checklist covers more, and a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any used car.
How does the Civic compare with the Corolla?
The Civic and Toyota Corolla are the two most popular compact cars, and both make excellent used buys. The Civic is generally more engaging to drive and offers more power with the 1.5-liter turbo. The Corolla is known for simplicity, and the Corolla Hybrid has been available since 2020. Read our used Toyota Corolla buying guide to compare. If this is your first car, see our first car buying guide.
Let the right Civic come to you
Civics are everywhere, which makes it easy to waste time on the wrong ones. Tell Scout's used car alerts exactly what you want, such as "Honda Civic EX sedan, 2019 or newer, under 60,000 miles, within 50 miles," and get an email when a dealer near you lists a match.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best year for a used Honda Civic?
For most buyers, 2019-2021 is the best value, with Honda's oil dilution fixes in place and strong fuel economy. If your budget allows, 2022-2024 Civics are more refined and newer. On a tight budget, 2014-2015 Civics with the CVT are dependable and rated at 33 mpg combined.
Which Honda Civic years should I avoid?
Rather than avoiding years outright, research 2006-2009 Civics for engine block coolant leaks and 2016-2018 1.5-liter turbos for oil dilution. Honda extended coverage for both issues, but those extensions have expired. A car from these years with documented repairs, clean oil and a good inspection can still be a reasonable buy.
Is the Civic 1.5 turbo reliable?
The 1.5-liter turbo has been generally dependable, especially from 2019 onward. Some 2016-2018 cars developed oil dilution in cold climates, which Honda addressed with software updates and an extended warranty that has now expired. Look for regular oil changes and normal oil level and smell before buying.
How many miles will a Honda Civic last?
There's no fixed number. Civics have a long-standing reputation for durability, and many reach high mileage, but lifespan depends on maintenance and driving conditions. A well-maintained Civic with service records is often a better buy than a lower-mileage car with no history. Pay attention to CVT fluid changes on 2014 and newer cars.
Is the 2025 Civic Hybrid worth it used?
If you drive a lot, likely yes. The 2025 Civic Hybrid is rated at 49 mpg combined, compared with 36 for the gas 2.0-liter. Because it's nearly new, prices will be higher, but much of the factory warranty should remain. Check for the high-pressure fuel pump recall affecting some 2025 Civic and Civic Hybrid models.