Quickie Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2006-2012)

2006-2012 Honda Civic

The Good: Spacious and fun to drive

The Bad: Noisy on high speeds, hard seats

The Say: Definitely a winner in all aspects.

Go For: 1.8 S
Avoid: Modified units

Price Range: P300,000-P600,000
Our Rating: *****

Full Review: Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2006-2012)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Civic

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2009
2009-2012

Vehicle Overview
After a somewhat lackluster (by enthusiasts) seventh generation model, the eighth generation that saw its introduction in 2006 somewhat reclaimed its glory. It still retains its compact dimensions while utilizing new engines.

This vehicle's base engine starts with a 1.8 while competitors make do with 1.6 ones and the 2.0 is carried over from the previous model. Both engines have that requisite VTEC technology and both excel on the upper range, which is a characteristic of Hondas. When it comes to the driving experience, this wouldn't disappoint you since giving this a light foot and it will come to life while having a responsive and smooth engine. The only drawback would be the firm ride which is coupled with rock hard seats, with some may live with.

One thing which started a trend is the two-tier instrumental cluster in which the speedometer is digital while the tachometer is a conventional type and the former does not get washed out in extreme sunlight. Interior quality is tops and space is excellent, with rear passengers getting a flat floor.

What Should I Get
Going with the V will at least give you the 138hp 1.8 engine plus all power amenities, keyless entry, CD player with MP3 function with a May 2009 update (those models can be differentiated by their octagon taillights, as opposed to the earlier models' circular ones) adding ABS brakes, auxilary jack, and USB port (first two items are from the S). The S with the 1.8 engine adds dual airbags and alarm system with later units gaining fog lamps and paddle shift. The 2.0 S can be either had with a manual or an automatic (former removed in the update) transmission, with the three pedaled model adds an automatic climate control and dual exhaust pipes with finisher from the 1.8 S while the automatic adds side airbags, stability control, and leather seats. Made available in August 2011 with 26 units for sale is a Mugen Limited Edition based on the top end model that adds authentic Mugen body kits and a certificate of authentication. Among the available models, we would pick the 1.8 S especially it has everything for your daily driver needs.

How Much Would It Cost Me
When it comes to taking care of this vehicle, maintenance costs are similar to its peers of the same time. This vehicle had its fare share of problem points which includes: front power windows and misaligned  that don't function for the earlier models, engine support mount which needs to be tightened, power steering related issues, ball bearing problems, and belt tensioner. Fuel consumption, given the fact the base engine is a 1.8, is higher which contributes to a low resale value. A recall issued in September 2015 concerning a suspected defective driver side airbag deflator affecting S models happened.

Quickie Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla Altis (2008-2013)

2008-2013 Toyota Corolla Altis

The Good: Reliability, roomy

The Bad: Bland and boring

The Say: Your savings would be happy, but not your emotions.

Go For: 1.6 G
Avoid: 1.8 V

Price Range: P325,000-P650,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla Altis (2008-2013)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Corolla Altis

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2010
2010-2013

Vehicle Overview
The tenth generation model of the Corolla line first debuted in 2006 with ASEAN introduction commencing two years later. Models sold in Japan are smaller in dimensions compared to their counterparts worldwide.

If you want something exciting to drive, this isn't the car for you especially that steering is feather light (good thing if you mostly drive inside the city more often) and a soft tuned suspension system although NVH levels are excellent. All three engines which became an option for this vehicle - including the carryover 1.6 and 1.8 from the previous model and a first 2.0 - are powerful enough on low rpms but becomes noisy when driven hard. The top end engine, which is the 2.0, had two transmission types available with the 4-speed automatic has uneven forward gears while choosing the CVT gets you a more behaved composure. On the other hand, models from August 2010 get a six-speed manual transmission as opposed to the earlier one's five-speed.

Interior space is still excellent and on par with rivals of the same time and folding seats became standard on all except the E variant. To distinguish low end models from the upper ones, fancy interior trims coupled with faux wood are standard for higher end ones while lower models make do with a plain interior.

What Should I Get
This generation ditched the J as the base model and now started with the E. Going for the E gives you a 108hp 1.6 engine (upgraded to 120hp in a facelift in August 2010) plus all power amenities, driver airbag, ABS brakes, and CD player with MP3. Next in line is the G which adds goodies like fog lamps, folding rear seat, multi-information display, automatic climate control, alarm, and keyless entry with later models gaining steering wheel controls for audio and an auxiliary jack. The V with a 1.6 engine adds front and rear proximity sensors, passenger side airbag, side skirts, and rear sun shade with facelift models adding push button start. The top end V models that gain a 1.8 (only offered from 2008 to 2009) and a 2.0 (2009 onward) engine have leather seats, HID headlamps, rain sensing wipers, power driver seat, power folding mirrors, and paddle shift with the main differentiating factor between the two is the 2.0 wears a mesh grille. In July 2013, TRD body kits became optional for the G AT. Our choice would be the G since it has everything that you need and if you're at it, get the facelifted model; there's no need to go beyond the 1.8 or 2.0 V unless you crave for more power.

How Much Would It Cost Me
One advantage of buying this vehicle are low maintenance costs associated with the brand, with spare parts on the cheaper side. Those models with a six-speed manual have a slight fuel economy advantage over their five-speed ones. This vehicle became a subject of recall in October 2012 for its faulty power window master switch that may have a tendency to get stuck during operation. One thing to check out is the suspension, which may wear out.

Quickie Used Car Review - Toyota Vios (2003-2007)

2003-2007 Toyota Vios

The Good: Practical and fuel friendly

The Bad: Stiff suspension when driven in twisty roads, hard to read gauges

The Say: With low prices, the Vios is a great proposition when you need a city cruiser that does not hurt the wallet.

Go For: 1.3 E/1.5 G
Avoid: 1.5 S

Price Range: P190,000-P300,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Vios (2003-2007)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Vios

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2005
2006-2007

Vehicle Overview
Toyota's second attempt on the sub-compact race is the Vios sedan, which became a success than the related Echo hatchback that was launched earlier. Replacing the Soluna sub-compact sold in certain South East Asian markets, this one is based on the Japanese Platz albeit with different body panels.

Unlike the Echo hatchback which got a sole 1.3 engine, this one can be had with either 1.3 or 1.5 engines that both feel lively in the low range and both are fuel injected, unlike the carburetor fuel system of old models.

While the City has innovative amenities like a rear folding seat, the Vios has nothing special inside. The interior is lifted from its hatchback sibling although some modifications were done which includes the center mounted gauges. Some demerits include out-of-reach controls and parking brake and the somewhat hard to read gauges. Four people will fit fine inside but five isn't comfortable to begin with.

What Should I Get
When it was first launched in May 2003, only the E and G variants were first available. Going for the E gives you the 85hp 1.3 engine plus alloy wheels, power door locks, power windows, power steering, and CD player while an airbag was added in a 2005 update. The G adds an 107hp 1.5 engine, power mirrors, fog lamps, alarm system, and an option for an automatic transmission. Added in a 2005 update for the G were ABS brakes, MP3 capability, and keyless entry with immobilizer. Introduced later on is a basic J variant which rides on steel wheels, has only power steering, strips of its tachometer, gets a cassette tuner, and possesses a driver's airbag while the S gets the 1.5 engine plus body kits and Ipod function.

How Much Would It Cost Me
One selling point of the Vios is its low maintenance costs, especially that spare parts are aplenty and a fuel efficient engine for the 1.3. Not much problems were reported for this vehicle, so do take time on inspecting the desired vehicle since there are a number of them.

Quickie Used Car Review - Honda City (2003-2008)

2003-2008 Honda City

The Good: Standard rear folding seats, sips gas like a bird, parking is a cake

The Bad: Looks not for all

The Say: True to its name, it has a comfortable ride and a flexible interior.

Go For: 1.5 V
Avoid: Units with CVT problems

Price Range: P200,000-P300,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: Used Car Review - Honda City (2003-2008)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda City

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2005
2006-2008

Vehicle Overview
Replacing the original model launched in 1996, the fourth generation City is now relegated as a sub-compact sedan slotting below the Civic in terms of size and price. This model got numerous innovations which were firsts in the segment.

One of the known innovations here is Honda's i-DSI engine technology which emphasizes fuel consumption over top power and can be either paired to a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed continuously variable transmission, the latter being later offered to the related Jazz hatchback. The other option available is a 1.5 with VTEC technology that prioritizes top end power and is available later on.

Going inside reveals an interior which shames the older model and one innovative thing is the rear folding seat, which can act as an extension of the trunk whenever needed. If this thing isn't required, four people can fit inside without any fuss plus the rear seat is roomy enough.

What Should I Get
When it was first launched in May 2003, only the A and S variants paired to a 1.3 engine are available. Choosing the A gets the 81hp 1.3 engine, all power features (power door locks was dropped in a 2006 update) and an AM/FM with cassette tuner (it was upgraded to a CD tuner in July 2007). The S is a much better deal which adds alloy wheels, CD player, and that 60/40 fold rear seats. Added in June 2004 is the V which gains the 109hp 1.5 engine and later on, fog lamps, keyless entry, dual airbags, and ABS brakes. Do take note that a Full Option which adds ABS brakes and airbags became optional for the S and V trims from 2003 to 2005, however finding this variant is something impossible.

How Much Would It Cost Me
Since a CVT transmission comes standard (and with the 1.3 engine which gives an emphasis on fuel consumption), fuel efficiency is excellent for this model. However, the CVT received complaints and the valve tuppet is also a problem point, with the former being a cause to revert back to a regular automatic for the next generation model. This vehicle became a subject of recall for the following: power window master switch that may cause partial burning of the window switch cover issued in September 2011 (2006 to 2008 models were affected), suspected defect in the front passenger airbag deflator (2003 models issued in July 2014) and driver side airbag deflator (2003 to 2008 models, issued in September 2015).

Quickie Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)

2003-2009 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback

The Good: Cheap, comfortable inside the city

The Bad: 1.5 engine not fuel efficient, low grade materials, lifeless steering

The Say: Offers a low price, but competitors are better buys.

Go For: 1.2L
Avoid: 1.5 LT

Price Range: P150,000-P350,000
Our Rating: **

Related Review: Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2008
2008-2009

Vehicle Overview
Apparently, this vehicle was an intended replacement to the Daewoo Lanos whose development was done prior to GM's takeover of the bankrupt Korean car maker and was the first to be released after the acquisition of the American car maker. The aim of this vehicle is simple: sell this vehicle at an affordable price but with generous amount of equipment. For the Philippine market, the hatchback was sold from 2003 until it was killed in 2009. Three years later, it was replaced by the Sonic.

Going inside the cabin will reveal two things: a not-so-spacious interior (although comfortable to be in) and a dashboard filled with hard plastic. Four passengers would fit fine though squeezing isn't that good plus trunk space isn't that big also.

Driving this car wouldn't inspire anything, it does the job decently without any drama. Occupants would be treated to a high seating position and an expansive outside visibility. The smallish 1.2 is more relaxed while the larger 1.5 is underpowered since you have to extract each gear to get you going. One thing to keep note for manual models is the location of the reverse gear, which is beside the first gear.

What Should I Get
Going for the hatchback gives you two variants throughout selling life. The sole variant was first released in August 2003 that gets an 83hp 1.5 engine and with initial equipment like power windows, power door locks (removed in July 2006), rear wiper, tachometer, CD player, alarm, and keyless entry. Updates occurred which added several equipment involved airbags in July 2006 and the return of power passenger side mirrors also in that same month (it was ditched in November 2005). Some units wore alloy wheels or steel wheels, depending on the year. A March 2008 update had an engine update and now carries dual airbags, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, rear wiper, all power features, CD player with MP3 and auxiliary jack, alarm, and keyless entry. Added in July 2006, the 70hp 1.2 model is basic at best since it rides on steel wheels, free of power amenities except steering, no rear wiper, no security features and a basic audio system with CD and MP3 function. If you are hell bent on this car, the 1.2 is we pick but you could do better.

How Much Would It Cost Me
Yes, it is cheap to buy especially that low resale values attract potential buyers. The good news end here as this vehicle has limited parts availability and high fuel consumption compared to rivals. Yup, maintenance costs are also on the upper scale when compared to the Japanese and Korean competition. Check out for the alternator and the transmission, weak points of this vehicle.

Quickie Used Car Review - Mazda 2 Hatchback (2010-2015)

2010-2015 Mazda 2 Hatchback

The Good: Nimble handling, practicality

The Bad: Tiny rear space, cheap plastic interior

The Say: Something fun and easy to live with but has some faults.

Go For: 1.3 S
Avoid: 1.3 Speed

Price Range: P300,000-P550,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Mazda 2 (2010-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Mazda 2 Hatchback

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2010-2015

Vehicle Overview
Mazda's first attempt in the sub-compact race for the Philippine market is with the Mazda 2, known as the Demio in other markets and shares a platform with the Ford Fiesta. Locally, the hatchback was first introduced and its line-up was expanded later on.

Throughout its life, the 2 is known as a hatchback and what we have here is sold in most markets.If you're going to buy this one to transport passengers more often, this isn't an impressive option especially that cabin space is limited especially for your legs and mostly for the rear occupants. Unlike the Fiesta whose interior quality is praised, the 2's carries the opposite as hard plastics are mostly used.

If you would be purchasing this vehicle for the driving experience, then you have come to the right place. While this one has a precise steering, a lightweight body, and a supple suspension, a short drive would be a driver's delight.

What Should I Get
First released in December 2009, the 103hp 1.5 variant is fully kitted which includes dual airbags, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, fog lamps, 60/40 fold rear seat, all power amenities, CD player with auxiliary and USB jack, alarm with immobilizer, and keyless entry. A year later, an 85hp 1.3 model was introduced which loses the alloy wheels and fog lamps although the former became a cost added option in late 2014. A special edition model dubbed the Speed was added in July 2014 and is essentially a 1.3 model fitted with a rear spoiler, tail pipe finisher, and body kits.

How Much Would It Cost Me
Purchase a unit from January 2013 and above and you will benefit from Mazda's Youjin3 coverage that promises free maintenance and roadside assistance throughout the warranty period. Fuel consumption is below a notch over several rivals, which is one thing to consider. If you are considering a 2010-2011 model, check the rack-and-pinion steering since it has a tendency to be noisy and these are replaced under warranty.

Small Car Sales In Canada - June 2016 YTD

Canadian compact car sales fell 4% in June 2016, the final month in a first-half which saw Canadian compact car sales fall 4%. 

The losses put up by the massive segment – 17% of all new vehicle sales so far this year – have occurred despite significant gains from the two most popular cars in the country. 

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Canada Vehicle Sales Rankings By Model - June 2016 YTD
Canada Car Sales Rankings By Model - June 2016 YTD

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The top-selling Honda Civic and second-ranked Hyundai Elantra, both of which are all-new this year, earned 34% of their category in June 2016, up from 28% at this point one year ago.

Aside from the discontinued Buick Verano's jump, the low-volume Mitsubishi Lancer's improvement, the Nissan Sentra's 8% uptick, and the Volkswagen Golf's unexpected 4% rise, most competitors are falling hard and fast. 

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Click Chart To Expand

The Detroit trio – Cruze, Dart, Focus – combined for a 30% loss in the first-half of 2016. The Mazda 3, once the prime candidate to become the Honda Civic's successor as Canada's best-selling car, is down 24%. The aging Volkswagen Jetta tumbled 29% in 2016's first six months and is on track to end 2016 as the second-best-selling Volkswagen in Canada for the first time since 2010.

You can click any model name in the tables below to find historical monthly and yearly Canadian auto sales data. You can also select a make and model at GCBC's Sales Stats page. These tables are now sortable, so you can rank small cars of all kinds any which way you like. Suggestions on how GCBC should break down segments can be passed on through the Contact page.

Click Column Headers To Sort • July 2016 • May 2016 • June 2015

Compact	June 2016	June 2015	% Change	2016 YTD	2015 YTD	%  Change
Acura ILX *	160	213	-24.9%	1104	1153	-4.2%
Buick Verano	729	713	2.2%	3963	2979	33.0%
Chevrolet Cruze	1903	2848	-33.2%	11,368	15,776	-27.9%
Dodge Dart	87	220	-60.5%	829	1979	-58.1%
Ford Focus	1522	2205	-31.0%	7620	10,429	-26.9%
Honda Civic	6232	6030	3.3%	33,193	29,589	12.2%
Hyundai Elantra	4816	3325	44.8%	25,511	22,350	14.1%
Kia Forte	1356	1601	-15.3%	6455	6756	-4.5%
Mazda 3	2832	3522	-19.6%	14,156	18,513	-23.5%
Mitsubishi Lancer	601	697	-13.8%	3758	3051	23.2%
Nissan Sentra	2159	1491	44.8%	8495	7885	7.7%
Scion iM	221	---	---	2385	---	---
Subaru Impreza	1133	1042	8.7%	5834	5846	-0.2%
Toyota Corolla	4993	5377	-7.1%	24,370	25,798	-5.5%
Toyota Matrix	---	---	---	---	295	-100%
Volkswagen Golf	1790	1849	-3.0%	10,793	10,416	3.6%
Volkswagen Jetta	1693	2573	-34.2%	10,749	15,053	-28.6%
---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Total	32,227	33,706	-4.4%	170,583	177,868	-4.1%

Subcompact	June 2016	June 2015	% Change	2016 YTD	2015 YTD	% Change
Chevrolet Sonic	384	577	-33.4%	2842	3325	-14.5%
Ford Fiesta	236	528	-55.3%	1912	2432	-21.4%
Honda Fit	681	918	-25.8%	4076	5674	-28.2%
Hyundai Accent	2026	1952	3.8%	10,168	10,287	-1.2%
Kia Rio	1149	779	47.5%	4416	5239	-15.7%
Mazda 2	---	83	-100%	27	615	-95.6%
Nissan Versa	882	770	14.5%	4036	4755	-15.1%
Toyota Prius C	598	278	115%	1628	1677	-2.9%
Toyota Yaris	736	708	4.0%	4274	4117	3.8%
---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Total	6692	6593	1.5%	33,379	38,121	-12.4%

City Car	June 2016	June 2015	% Change	2016 YTD	2015 YTD	% Change
Chevrolet Spark	336	93	261%	1447	726	99.3%
Mitsubishi Mirage	256	228	12.3%	1737	1835	-5.3%
Nissan Micra	974	1056	-7.8%	5374	6024	-10.8%
Scion iQ	---	24	-100%	2	125	-98.4%
Smart Fortwo	31	63	-50.8%	600	370	62.2%
---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Total	1597	1464	9.1%	9160	9080	0.9%

Warm Hatches	June 2016	June 2015	% Change	2016 YTD	2015 YTD	% Change
Fiat 500 *	69	243	-71.6%	511	1610	-68.3%
Hyundai Veloster *	252	272	-7.4%	1033	1766	-41.5%
Mini Cooper *	517	538	-6.9%	2803	2661	7.5%
Scion tC *	104	142	-26.8%	540	605	-10.7%
Volkswagen Beetle *	177	243	-27.2%	1559	1421	9.7%
---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Total	1119	1438	-22.2%	6446	8063	-20.0%

Tall Hatchbacks  & Crossovers	June 2016	June 2015	% Change	2016 YTD	2015 YTD	% Change
Buick Encore *	639	534	19.7%	2639	2275	16.0%
Chevrolet Trax *	899	702	28.1%	4497	3305	36.1%
Fiat 500L	22	134	-83.6%	181	1703	-89.4%
Fiat 500X *	86	18	378%	500	22	2173%
Honda HR-V *	1285	703	82.8%	5516	703	685%
Kia Soul	1355	1652	-18.0%	5921	6338	-6.6%
Mazda CX-3 *	783	804	-2.6%	4702	1521	209%
Mercedes-Benz B-Class *	252	176	43.2%	1262	1089	15.9%
Mini Countryman *	56	104	-46.2%	388	530	-26.8%
Mitsubishi RVR *	455	582	-21.8%	3010	2681	12.3%
Nissan Cube	---	---	---	---	2	-100%
Nissan Juke *	410	414	-1.0%	2258	2308	-2.2%
Scion xB	---	83	-100%	47	578	-91.9%
Scion xD	---	---	---	---	27	-100%
Subaru XV Crosstrek *	885	752	17.8%	4467	3978	12.3%
---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Total	7127	6658	7.0%	35,388	27,060	30.8%

Source: Automakers & Global Automakers Of Canada
* indicates a vehicle which is also shown in another GCBC segment breakdown.
GCBC isn't here to break down segments, an impossible task for any group, but to display sales data for the sake of comparison. The more ways sales data can be displayed, the better. This explains why you'll see the Encore and XV Crosstrek are listed with small SUVs, too, and the Acura ILX shown with mainstream cars is also displayed with luxury cars... because readers have wanted it both ways. You can always find the sales results for EVERY vehicle and form your own competitive sets by using the All Vehicle Rankings posts.

RECOMMENDED READING
Small Car Sales In Canada - July 2016
Small Car Sales In Canada - May 2016
Small Car Sales In Canada - June 2016
Top 20 Best-Selling Cars In Canada - June 2016
Canada Auto Sales Brand Rankings - June 2016
Midsize Car Sales In Canada - June 2016