How reliable is a 2012 Honda Civic EX? (POV Review + Drive)

In this video, I talk about my ownership experience of a 2012 Honda Civic EX. The car is currently on a winter setup. Winter tires are Michelin X-ICE (205/65/R15). My family has owned this car for the past 11 years and it's been absolutely amazing regarding its reliability, affordability, and overall package.
If you're on the fence about purchasing this as a used car, I would definitely vouch for it. It makes for the perfect first car or perfect college car for your kids due to its inexpensive maintenance and reliability. It also takes regular gas and is very fuel efficient (29/41/33mpg estimate EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy).
Mileage: 250,500km
Price (USED): $8,500 (as of Dec 2023)
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain: FWD

[@andrewlevine4376]

I have 298,000 miles on my 2012 EX, or 480,000 kilometers.

[@G-Drives]

That is insane! Did you have to change any big ticket items on it to reach that high of a milage?

[@andrewlevine4376]

@@G-Drives The only thing I replaced from 0-260,000 miles was a windshield fluid pump. I also had a stuck brake caliper which was fixed. Other than that, it was just brakes, tires, and maintenance. Once I hit about 260,000 miles, the following things have been replaced: Left tie rod, right ball joint, condenser, radiator, muffler, and heater blower motor. I also had to have the timing chain inspection port resealed.....I do the oil every 7500 miles, transmission and brake fluid every 40-60K, radiator fluid and spark plugs every 100K along with a valve adjustment and new valve cover seal. The car is really amazing. It still drives new, the engine still has power, it doesn't leak or burn any oil, and I don't see any reason to replace it any time soon. I should hit 300,000 miles in the next month or so.

[@G-Drives]

@@andrewlevine4376 Thank you so much for that information! Good to know what I can expect as the milage climbs. If you don’t mind me asking, are these miles put on for work related activities or do you just enjoy driving the Civic? 😁😁

[@glenglene8473]

I work on Honda Civic often. Common issue is the transmission (automatic or CVT). You need to change transmission fluid every 40K miles (drain and fill). If not, you will ask for problem. Cost to replace the transmission is from $3,000 to $4,000. Oil every 5K miles, trans fluid is every 40k to 50K miles then the car will last for a long time.

[@G-Drives]

Thanks for sharing this Glen! That’s amazing, I’m actually doing my transmission fluid this week 🙌

[@HonNey-xi4ef]

This is a 2012 Model it doesn't use CVT but rather a torque cpnverter Transmission.

[@denglong7180]

Can I ask what year has the better transmissions? 2015?

[@2fast790]

@@denglong7180 Hey, former Honda tech chiming in. Honestly they are all great! The CVT's from Honda have proven to be bulletproof. But as glenglene8473 said, it is still important to keep up with the fluid changes, which are easy to do. Just drain and fill and you are good to go.

[@amblex3793]

@@denglong71802012 and 2013 are the only ones from the 9th gen that have automatic transmission. 2014 and 2015 have CVT

[@rcathegreat4358]

Just watched this as i drove my 2012 EX. paid off, just to remind me to love what i have! I modded mine a little and have a sony head unit which really makes it much more awesome and modern! Great video

[@G-Drives]

Forever grateful for the Civic!! 🙏🏽

[@userrrrr12366]

Just bought one. Glad I'm watching this now. Used at 50 k miles 12.6 k. Auto shop said everything looks good and in works great

[@G-Drives]

I'm super happy for you! Hope you enjoy it!

[@waqarqadeer5217]

Very nice review ❤

[@G-Drives]

Thank you Waqar! 😊

[@tom11zz884]

Civics are durable cars, can't go wrong with them.

[@G-Drives]

Totally agreed, this has been the best car my families/I’s ever owned!!

[@sukhrajbhogal]

Great review! I'm picking one up today for sure!!!

[@G-Drives]

You won’t regret it!!!

[@pashazahid2909]

I love my 2012 civic❤

[@zimmal9021]

Here in U.K...I've been driving Civic's MK8 hatchbacks since 2014 , I currently have a 2007 ,1.8 iVTEC , manual shifter & 130000 (209214.72) miles on clock, Honestly it drives like a car with half that mileage, regularly serviced yearly (oils/filters).Only wear /tear things like new brake discs/pads, AC condenser (as with you, rock chip damage) ,rear driver side brake sensor, car battery were all replaced recently - - I can see this car comfortably exceed 200000+!

[@G-Drives]

I love the look of the MK8 Hatch! That's amazing, nothing makes me happier than seeing high mileage Honda Civics haha :)

[@jixiangxu5031]

so happy same car. I am an exchange student .buy used 130,000miles.now 170, 000. question how often to change transmission oil？

[@supernova1562]

mine was totaled in 2022 - i miss this car so much. they are fantastic dailies and require so little maintenance

[@G-Drives]

I’m sorry to hear that. Yes! They’re amazing daily cars! Btw what did you end up replacing your car with?

[@supernova1562]

@@G-Drives 22 civic Hatchback with the 1.5t. It’s an alright car, getting used to the CVT was an adjustment but I’ve been car shopping ever since I got it! I really want an 11th gen Si/Acura integra or a GR86.

[@G-Drives]

@@supernova1562 I’ve heard good things about the Si’s & Integras but I haven’t personally driven the new ones. Gr86, however, I’ve spent some time with a 23 Sport tech brz & I absolutely love it as a daily. My only draw back was the sound system which I would assume Honda/Acura would have a better one. Looks and driving were top notch in the new brz

[@supernova1562]

@@G-Drives I learned manual on the new integra, they drive nicely and both the Si and that have better sound systems than the EX but the EX also sounds fine for the money. I haven’t driven the GR but from everything I’ve read and watched it seems like a blast. If used car prices weren’t so bad I would’ve probably bought a ninth gen si. At the time I was shopping for cars it was either pay a bizarre amount or buy new but finding new was hard due to no inventory.

[@cashflow68]

I have used the eco mode. Yes its pretty lethargic. To me I might get 3-4 miles more but no worth the sluggish performance. The lower gas mileage is not going to break my budget. Thanks for the video 2012 lx from California, 136,000 miles bought new.

[@G-Drives]

I agree with you, the power difference is huge between the modes and mileage is minimal! Thanks for sharing, love seeing high mileage Civics :)

[@joes.2331]

Thank you for this! I am looking to actually buy this model as my first car but its a coupe with about 130-135km on it. Would you recommend this as a buy at that mileage? And any tips on what to look fro when buying and/or maintaining?

[@G-Drives]

Hey Joe! The coupes are really sharp looking, I would definitely buy it at that mileage as 135k is nothing on a Honda motor. What trim are you getting? Are you buying it in a private deal or Used Car dealership? In regards to maintenance after purchasing, - If you have a trusted mechanic, I would bring it to them just to look everything over. They will be better able to tell you what maintenance you can expect coming up while looking at your exact car. - I would get an oil change with synthetic oil (Even if the previous owner just got one, just to be safe) Other then that, these cars are really bullet-proof! You can never go wrong with a Honda Civic as your first car :)

[@joes.2331]

@@G-Drives The trim is EX and buying it from a dealership. Thank you for the advice! Definitely will take in the advice about the mechanic and oil. Really love the idea of this car so really good to hear the feedback 😭

[@G-Drives]

@@joes.2331 I’m excited for you! Good luck bro!!

[@brotherjoll1802]

I own a Mazda and I still have myself a love for Hondas and its civic, lmfao probably gonna opt for a newer mazda3 or mazda6 though; such a classier and fun ride vs any corolla or civic imo

[@G-Drives]

The newer Mazda 3's are quite nice, they definitely differentiate themselves from Honda and Toyota with the luxury touch. I recently drove a 2024 CX-50 Meridian edition and was completely mind blown with how far Mazda has come.

[@JermDoesThings]

Making me wish I had the EX instead of LX.. beggars can’t be choosers though and I’m working with what I have! Gonna be modifying it, such a great car to have!

[@G-Drives]

LX is amazing as well! Proud of you! What mods are you planning on your car?

[@JermDoesThings]

@@G-Drives Right now on the list is a custom front and rear bumper it'll be a facelift to make it look similar to the 10th gens. I will also be swapping the automatic shift knob with a adapter to allow it to look similar to a manual (little theft proof). I recently swapped the old head unit for the radio for a android head unit, however its causing my speakers to sound altered when high bass occurs so I ordered a new one. I'm also planning on getting new head and taillights. I also want to add bags and possibly a turbo, if not an entire engine swap to a si engine.

[@G-Drives]

@@JermDoesThings That's an extensive mod list, I love the ambition. Let me know which android head unit you end up with, I am also looking to upgrade mine to have Apple Car Play and all! Was the head unit easy to install yourself?

[@G-Drives]

Take a shot every time I say "Other than that" 😂

[@vyhatt]

Haha!

[@joshualewis5212]

When stationed in traffic, should you put in neutral with handbrake on or on drive

[@G-Drives]

Hi Joshua, definitely if the car is an automatic you should leave it in “D” as in drive.

[@honestscentz9300]

I had a 2013 Mazda 3 sky active auto transmission never had to change the transmission fluid. 261k miles and the transmission fluid was still at the level so I decided to change it at 266k miles. Just drain and full

[@G-Drives]

Love to hear it! is it still driving like a dream?

[@honestscentz9300]

@@G-Drives yeah stills drive great I currently have 268k miles on it if someone was to drive it I say it drives like a car that has less than 50k miles on it I’m not going to say it drives like new because it don’t but it drives great .

[@G-Drives]

@@honestscentz9300Love to hear it! :) I hope it treats you well forever

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

I have EU version 9th gen Civic Tourer 1.8iVtec (Station Wagon) just bought it with less then 60k miles on a clock. Had overengineered VW which costs fortune to repeir if something brakes(flywheel). What's remarkable about this model it has bigger boot then most of European premium cars and ofcourse bulletproof engine and less electronics. The car looks almost brand new from underneath and overall. Now for the next 5years + only money that is going to into the car is going to be for petrol and oil changes.😂😂 Buying low mileage 10-15 years old Honda or Toyota is the best decision you can make believe me. I know this as we have Toyota in our garage for the past 13 years and car keeps going and going. No issues at all with NA engines with these 2 brands. Rest is just junk especially most cars made after 2017....

[@bensalatrawallyofficial]

Can you tell me where you bought your honda civic

[@G-Drives]

Hey, my family bought this brand new in 2012 from a local Honda dealer.

[@AmyAz1]

How much is the car

[@G-Drives]

Depends on what market you’re in, but in Ontario here (in Canadian dollars) you can find them for $5k - $7k

[@jameslindo9047]

6:28

[@Augie..]

Get a MANUAL if you’re gonna get anything Honda except the newer accord 2.0. Those CVTs are straight dog shit and very expensive to replace, not worth the literal headache from the nasty drone AND costly repairs when it starts slipping. Anyone wondering what a cvt feels like to drive, it’s like driving a slipping clutch as a daily

[@G-Drives]

Manual is definitely the way to go but you would be surprised how many people don't know how to drive manual.

[@Miss-siren]

I’m one of those ppl 😅

[@shawnlavigne9069]

The 2012 is not CVT.

[@klance3658]

2012 5AT

[@mediaguy4037]

2012 is regular…..NOT CVT

[@sxy8392]

My car 193000+miles

[@G-Drives]

That’s awesome!! Did you have to do any serious maintenance?

[@sxy8392]

@@G-Drives No ，but someday every body need filling freon replace small things,not big deal

[@jonelanonuevo2494]

Wanna buy your car i just live near toronto zoo haha

[@G-Drives]

Hahah! I'll keep you in mind if I ever end up selling the car! :P

[@StormAutoAdventures]

This was a very good review, but I couldn't help but notice that you're wearing the same thing on your left wrist that my mother wears. I never asked her because I've only seen women wearing them. Since you're obviously not a woman... What is that? What are you wearing? You're definitely the only male I've ever seen wearing whatever that is. Anyway, I gave your video a like. I always liked that Civic 👍

[@G-Drives]

Haha great question! It’s a hair tie known as a scrunchie. I have long hair so I usually have my hair up using the hair tie but when I put on my hat with my camera, I unconsciously take my hair tie off & put it on my wrist so I don’t lose it 😂😂 Thanks for the nice comment & like! Cheers!

[@7gooo]

OK .. stop fixing your cam on your head .. i am dizzy now 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@G-Drives]

Thanks for the feedback, I’m working on perfecting the motion to avoid that for the viewers!