Quick answer
A used Honda Civic Gen X starts from €9,000 and Gen XI from €22,000 in Lithuania. According to WHEELSTREET data, the 1.8 i-VTEC (Gen IX) is virtually indestructible, while the 1.5 VTEC Turbo (Gen X) has a known fuel dilution issue in cold climates — check the oil level and smell for petrol. The e:HEV hybrid (Gen XI) offers exceptional 4.5 l/100km economy.
The Honda Civic is one of the most respected compact cars in the world. With the VTEC engineering heritage and Japanese precision, the Civic offers exceptional reliability, a sporty character and rewarding driving dynamics. In Europe it's rarer than the Golf or Octavia, but in the used market it attracts discerning buyers who value quality above all.
Generations Overview
Generation IX (2012–2017)
The modern Civic with good petrol engine and relatively straightforward mechanicals.
Price: 9,000–16,000 €
Strengths:
- 1.8 i-VTEC 142 hp — excellent, highly reliable engine
- 1.6 i-DTEC 120 hp — efficient diesel
- Good driving feel
- Reliable long-term
Problems: 1.8 i-VTEC on some early models had heating system issues. 1.6 i-DTEC DPF in winter (as with all diesels). Some models have CVT automatic gearbox.
Recommended? Yes — with manual gearbox and 1.8 i-VTEC or 1.6 i-DTEC.
Generation X (2017–2022) ⭐ Best Buy
More modern platform, stronger engines, better electronics.
Price: 15,000–28,000 €
Strengths:
- 1.5 VTEC Turbo 182 hp — powerful and economical
- Good comfort and cabin
- Hatchback and Fastback body styles
- Honda Sensing — full ADAS suite
- Strong Euro NCAP rating
Problems: 1.5 VTEC Turbo on early models (2017–2018) — possible oil dilution issue (petrol entering engine oil). More prevalent in US-market cars, but worth checking on European examples. Honda issued a software fix.
Recommended? Yes — Gen X with 1.5 VTEC Turbo from 2018 onwards.
Generation XI (2022–present) ⭐⭐ Most Modern
Full hybrid e:HEV, the best Civic generation ever sold in Europe.
Used price: 26,000–38,000 €
Strengths:
- e:HEV 2.0 + electric motor 184 hp — the best hybrid compact car available
- Real-world efficiency 5–6 l/100km
- Best-in-class ADAS systems
- Striking design
- Honda Sensing 360
Best Engines
Petrol
1.8 i-VTEC 142 hp (Gen IX) — classic naturally-aspirated Honda engine, highly reliable. Fuel consumption: 6–8 l/100km.
1.5 VTEC Turbo 182 hp (Gen X, from 2018) — best Gen X engine. Efficient and powerful. Check for oil dilution issue on pre-2018 cars.
2.0 e:HEV 184 hp (Gen XI) — full hybrid, the most efficient Civic powertrain.
Diesel
1.6 i-DTEC 120 hp — efficient, reliable diesel (4.5–5.5 l/100km).
Avoid:
- Any CVT automatic gearbox version — can fail after 150,000 km
Known Civic Problems
1. 1.5 VTEC Turbo Oil Dilution (Early Gen X)
On some Honda Civic 1.5T early models (more common in US-market cars, but possible in European examples), petrol could enter the engine oil, diluting it. Symptoms: oil smells of petrol, oil level rising above MAX. Honda issued a software update to resolve this. If buying a 2017–2018 Civic 1.5T — verify the software update has been applied.
2. CVT Gearbox Failure
On some Civic models with CVT automatic (particularly early Gen IX automatics), the CVT can fail after 150,000 km. Replacement cost: 1,500–2,500 €. Always prefer a manual gearbox if possible.
3. DPF Requirements (Diesels)
The i-DTEC used on short urban routes can accumulate DPF deposits. Regular motorway driving is needed for regeneration.
What to Check Before Buying
- ✅ VIN history check — Civic imported from Japan and UK
- ✅ 1.5T oil dilution check — does the oil smell of petrol?
- ✅ CVT fluid change history — has it been serviced?
- ✅ OBD diagnostics — VTEC system codes
- ✅ Service history — Honda requires regular servicing to maintain reliability
- ✅ Suspension check — inspect all suspension components
Prices in Lithuania (2026)
| Version | Year | Price (€) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen IX 1.8 i-VTEC 6MT | 2012–2016 | 9,000–14,000 | Classic reliable |
| Gen IX 1.6 i-DTEC | 2013–2016 | 10,000–15,000 | Diesel |
| Gen X 1.5 VTEC T 6MT | 2017–2021 | 15,000–24,000 | Best modern petrol |
| Gen X 1.5 VTEC T CVT | 2017–2021 | 14,000–22,000 | With CVT |
| Gen XI e:HEV 2.0 | 2022–2024 | 26,000–36,000 | Hybrid leader |
Honda Civic vs Rivals
vs Toyota Corolla:
- Both Japanese, both highly reliable
- Corolla Hybrid more efficient in the city; Civic more sporty
- Civic Gen X has better driving dynamics
- Corolla has larger used stock in Lithuania
vs Mazda 3:
- Mazda 3: better driving dynamics, SKYACTIV reliability
- Civic: more aggressively sporty design (Gen X)
- Both Japanese, both excellent for reliability
vs VW Golf:
- Golf: more prestigious in the used market
- Civic: more mechanically reliable long-term
- Golf: better resale value
Our Recommendation
Best buy in 2026: Honda Civic Gen X with 1.5 VTEC Turbo 6MT, from 2018 production, mileage 60,000–100,000 km, oil dilution software update confirmed, price 17,000–23,000 €.
If budget allows: Gen XI e:HEV — the best hybrid compact car in the segment.
Budget alternative: Gen IX with 1.8 i-VTEC manual — exceptionally reliable.
Avoid: Any Civic with CVT and no fluid change history, 1.5T pre-2018 without oil dilution check.
Honda Civic represents Japanese engineering at its finest. Reliable, sporty and long-lived — it will reward you for many years with minimal mechanical problems.
FAQ
Is the Honda Civic reliable?
Yes — particularly the 1.8 i-VTEC (Gen IX) and 1.5 VTEC Turbo (Gen X, from 2018). The e:HEV Gen XI is Honda's best Civic powertrain. CVT gearbox versions are the main weak point. With a manual gearbox and correct maintenance, the Civic is one of the most dependable compact cars available.
Gen X or Gen XI — which Civic to buy?
Gen X (2017–2022): proven reliability, wide used market availability, lower prices — best value. Gen XI (2022+): e:HEV hybrid is excellent, more modern technology, better fuel economy. For reliability-focused buyers — Gen X 1.5T 6MT from 2018. For those wanting the latest — Gen XI e:HEV.
Is there a diesel Civic worth buying?
The 1.6 i-DTEC (Gen IX) is a solid engine — reliable, economical (4.5–5.5 l/100km), and straightforward to maintain. It's ideal for motorway drivers. The key issue, as with all diesels, is DPF health — check for city-driving history that could lead to DPF blockage.
Looking for a verified used Honda Civic in Lithuania? WHEELSTREET sources and inspects Civic models from Japan and across Europe. Contact us for a free consultation.
You might also find useful:
- 🚗 Honda listings at WHEELSTREET — verified Honda Civic models with warranty
- 🔍 Car sourcing service — we find the best Honda for your budget
- 🏆 Honda reliability guide — is Honda worth buying?
- 💰 Leasing calculator — calculate your monthly Honda Civic payment
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