I'm going to be purchasing a car (hopefully) within the next 6mos to 1 year. I'm wondering out of the 2016-2018 Civic vs 2016-2018 Corolla, which one the best to own. I'm looking for ease of repairs, oil changers (I know toyota filters are a pain to get off) and overall reliability.
Corolla or Civic?
- Thread starter R18Civic
- Start date
Hatchback or sedan?
Automatic or manual transmission?
Automatic or manual transmission?
Same generation 2014-16 corolla but with the slightly older engine and the bulletproof 4 speed automatic as they also made an updated engine with the cvt but after 2016 it was only the newer engine and cvt. But the old prior gen corolla's drivetrain was available for two model years in the new updated body style corolla as a lower cost option. Sort of how you could have bought an 08 Silverado with the new body style but with the older more reliable 4 speed and non afm v8 of the prior body style instead of the 6 speed for a short while.
Yes, 14-16 Corolla L trim. Only the L trim came with the 4 speed auto.
Sedan, Auto
Both are great. Check a Mazda 3 if you want to see another great choice.
Haven't had either of those specific options but have had Honda/Toyota plus Subaru, Mazda, Ford, Mercury, Chevy, Olds, Volvo and probably at least one or two more not remembered at the moment. I'm back to Honda and don't see switching again. Good luck with. your decision.
THIS! Just went down literally the same road and got a Mazda 3 instead of the Corolla or Civic. Test drove all 3 and it wasn't even close to be honest. Got a great deal on a left over 2023 used for a "loaner." Had 4,158 miles on it.
I concur...much more fun to drive.
The front wheel drive version is fine if you are OK with fake leather seats. Personally, that's a deal breaker for me since cloth is vastly superior.
Yes. Mazda3 is a great car for the money.
Chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Both are good what do you prefer.
I had a Corolla and a bunch of Civics. I drove a 2016 Civic that I was able to drive due to a factory recall on my Honda Civic. The 2016 Civic was a very impressive vehicle and I believe they look a lot better than the Corolla. I actually liked the CVT and the gas mileage is outstanding on both vehicles. IMO I would go for the Civic unless you want to spend a little less. The Corolla's can be purchased for a little less money for the same year vehicle. Both vehicles will hit 200,000 miles easily with little repairs and good maintenance. I like the way the hood and fenders look when looking out the windshield of the Civic.
The Civic offers a much nicer driving experience, particularly in the 1.5T trims. Way faster and better handling than a Corolla. 40 mpg on the highway is no problem on both the 2.0L and 1.5T Civic models. The Honda CVT has proven to be mostly trouble free. Some 1.5T engines will eat their head gasket, but the Civic history is much more favorable than the same engine in the Accord. The AC, though, is very unreliable on the 10th gen Civic. There are two different extended service programs on the AC system; Condenser and Compressor seal, but there are way too many people going out of pocket on AC repairs on these cars. Lastly, some people gripe about fuel dilution in the 1.5T. Yes, it happens. But for most users, it's just an annoyance, not a problem. If you short trip, change the oil often, and use 5W-30, not 0W-20.
Patman
Staff member
I'm having great luck so far with my 2016 Civic! I bought it used for $11,400 CDN in March 2021 with 80,000 miles on it, now it has just over 150,000. I haven't spent a dime on repairs! The only problem I had was with the AC condenser, but that was replaced free of charge by Honda. The fuel economy is incredibly good! I have the 2.0 engine with a CVT and over the last 3000 miles my average is 49 MPG! Even with it's high mileage it doesn't feel like an old car, the original suspension is still perfect and there are no squeaks or rattles either. The paint is still good too, unlike my previous Civic (a 2006) which had the failing clear coat problem.
My sons have an automatic 2016 Mazda 3 and a manual 2018 Honda Civic, both are lower trim levels. The two cars are well made and you couldn't go wrong with either one. The Honda has a slight edge in room, ride and sound insulation. The Mazda a little sportier.
Just picked up the Mazda 3 last evening.
Details, please. Mileage, price, condition, etc. Looks great!