I've yet to see any evidence of widespread failures or major repairs due to fuel dilution in the 1.5T (which only happens in cold conditions). Yet it's like a dog whistle to several BITOGers.
Here's the deal. The ILX still uses the previous gen. Civic platform circa 2011-2012. Honda's Global Compact platform which underpins the new Civic has earned awards and accolades on every platform it's used on for how it drives. I have personal experience with a 2017 Civic and can tell you that if you put the drivetrain from my BMW in that chassis, it might even be better to drive. The other thing about ILX is the touch screen infotainment which already looks dated. Certain functions you cannot adjust without looking down at it which I do not like. If he keeps this car as long as the one he's replacing he might come to regret that.
Civic Si with it's good looks, great chassis, and impressive 1.5T all day long.