What To Look For When Buying A Used Honda Civic Si (2006-2011 8th Gen)

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[@jimmyyking]

I’ve owned my first gen since Dec of 2006. 1st and only owner. My Si has 150k. I’ve run into a few issues that turned out to be rather common, too. If you do plan to buy or already own one, do take the following into consideration: 1) passenger air bags have recalls (free honda repair). Check with your dealership to see if yours have already been fixed. If not, call and schedule it to be done asap. It contains metal shards that can inflict a lot of damage if airbags deploy. 2) the oem aluminum blocks can crack and cause over heating and may result in milky coolant and/or engine oil. (It’s happened more than people like to admit). Unfortunately, my original motor cracked on the exterior wall and I had to put that engine to rest. 3) the water pump may go out around the 100k mark. It can cause over heating and may be identifiable via a grinding/rattle when the engine is turned on. (I’ve gone through 2 and am on my 3rd one). 4) AC has issues. Most common issue is ac going bad (not blowing cold) due to a dead ac clutch relay (found in the fuse box underneath the hood). Most people mistake it for a faulty AC clutch, but more often than not, it’s the relay. (My local dealership charges $50 for 1. My local Autozone charges $17 with a lifetime warranty so I bought 2). 5) thermostats may go out if and when the water pump does. May result in over heating. 6) My starter took a dump around 70-90k miles. These are things I’ve experienced and fellow 8th gen si owners (buddies of mine) have also experienced...aside from the points already covered in this video. Do take it with a grain of salt as not all 8th gen civic si’s are made equally. I’ve seen some running strong beyond the 200k mark with zero issues (but have not been modded at all). Nonetheless, I love my car. It’s a very fun car to drive and can take a pretty hard beating (aside from the transmission/synchros/shift cables) before any major issues arise. Nice video bro. 👍

[@sandyw8051]

You bought a 1st gen in 2006 and your the only owner? How is that possible. You bought a car that was made in the 80s in 06 that was brand new???

[@sandyw8051]

Dont you mean 8th gen not first gen?

[@sandyw8051]

Your first sentence must been a type-o. I saw later on u said 8th gen. That threw me off lol

[@riseabove3082]

@@sandyw8051 As explained in the video (since you didn't watch) there are 2 versions of the 8th Gen and he bought the 1st version not the 1st gen; just a minor mistake but still easily to figure out.

[@hibutmars1024]

Thanks for the info, I am the second owner of my 08 (1st version) Civic Si... and so far, at 98k, its been nothing but fun and very late shifting (any tips on getting of the line quickly without having to blow my passengers ears out?... I have to take 1st, 2nd, and sometimes 3rd to around 3 or 4k rpm... like, once its moving, its very quick... but from a stop, I really have to rev up the engine... I come from a family that shifts at 2500 religious lol)... but now that you say that, I might consider doing all the preventative maintenance at the 100k check-up, just to avoid a bigger problem later (contrary to the usual, if it ain't broke, don't fix it). Have you had any problems with valves btw? Mine sound really smooth... no clicking or rattling, but I'm traumatised bc a buddy of mine destroyed an engine on accident bc he didn't adjust his valves on time (had to work everyday, no time... he didn't have a civic... but still, most Hondas need it, right?).

[@MartB-tx5lb]

Thank you for putting so much effort into this, Tony Castillo!

[@planetfabulous5833]

Original owner of a 2006 Si Coupe in Taffeta White purchased in June 2006. It has the Honda navigation system and the summer tire package which makes it super rare. Has never been modified and is all stock. I just passed 200,000 miles this past June and I still have the original clutch too. I love this car! I don't think it will ever stop running :)

[@AndreasInGreer]

I have an '06 without navigation and 100% stock. 135,000 miles. 100% original. Except for tint - I had tint added later. Oh and fog lights! I added fog lights. It is showing its age and a lack of quality in the interior.

[@DanielE-oq1dt]

I hope you put new tires on it by now.

[@alexgdaq8146]

I have 07 si w/ 254,509 miles! Ps look up Gene Kim on KZbin

[@planetfabulous5833]

Okee doke

[@KingJ_EL_Sali]

Original clutch?! Mad respect ✊🏾! Reliability!

[@yiihn]

Scoop em up quick. They wont be stock long. :(

[@SmittyProductions]

Thankyou 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻I asked on your previous video, planning on buying one within next few months but being patient for one for the right price with not to many miles and no mods preferably

[@knryland1]

Excellent Video! Well done! I myself own an FG1 and it's 2006, so far it's rocking 229km in Canada and no clear coat issues, however, I have definitely seen my fair share. Mine only has the R18, I couldn't seem to find a good SI. So I settled with an EX 5 speed. Keep up the good work!

[@cumberj001]

I own a 2009 Si, completely stock. 167km. Keep rocking! I had a 2000 SiR with 440k before that

[@jazbuh1794]

Great vid man! I knew about most of this except the 3rd gear pop.. my previous Gen (04) had a 5th gear pop-out, went through two trans and a broken fly wheel. Also on your Gen the sun visors if they are falling down, it was recalled by Honda.

[@mayndog0559]

I just got my first 2007 so from a old guy with 1 owner it’s great I love it

[@MatthewJohnsonDC]

I have a silver 08 Civic SI Sedan. Bought it brand new in 2008. Such a cool car and I particularity like that body style. I only have 70k miles on it too. Since it was new I've replaced clutch, struts and shocks, rotors and brakes. I love the way they sound stock. I plan to keep the engine and exhaust in tact. I almost sold it as I wasn't driving it but after I had the brakes done and started driving it again, I fell in love all over again. It's just fun to drive.

[@that1kidjr]

I just bought my first SI FG2, 3rd Owner, 97k Original Miles, Bone stock for $5500... LOVE this car!

[@pspfreak204]

Lucky bastard Just got mine 06 si 6 spd 142k MILES 7.5k 😂

[@ScrappyDew22]

@@pspfreak204 where were you located?

[@edwpolanco]

Mfs be asking 12k for that same car where I live💀💀

[@spicychum9936]

Dude I bought mine from was ab 60 and just wanted a stick car and bought an SI coupe. 70k miles all highway commuter miles, I got so lucky man

[@shalooom]

How would you say the car is? Would you think it’s a fun car to drive ? I’m looking forward to getting a fun manual car so I’m just wondering what an owner thinks of there own

[@slitherman7883]

@@shalooom yes man is a great car

[@patrickjmoynihan]

Thanks for the info. In the market for an 8th gen so glad I found this. Nice wheels.

[@davisk9315]

Going to purchase a 06 tomorrow, thanks for this video. Super helpful I’m going to use a lot of your tips

[@kkelv]

I’m buying mine soon here too! Any problems?

[@VDub07]

@@kkelvhow was it?

[@kevinarocho5472]

Thank you so much for the info! It’s really helpful. Keep up the awesome work

[@chemsrus4914]

Just bought a 2009 4 door SI with 130k for $6200, rebuilt tittle. Its a 6 speed manual with an after market clutch and 2.4l engine. I kind of briefly watched this video after I bought the car to get some perspective on my purchase. It's my fist rice burner so I'm not up to speed on basic do/don'ts. I've noticed there is a 3rd gear grind from time to time, but usually when I throw it into gear quickly, if i'm light putting it into gear it goes in smooth with no grind. It doesn't happen often. Made it home (about a 400 mile trip) for 19 bucks in gas. Beats the hell out of my 7.3l Powerstroke Diesel.

[@Gamerdudeascher]

I think the 09-11 sedan looked better than the 06-08, I agree with you on the coupe though. I got a sedan because I want to make it look like a type r.

[@disturbedones60]

great vid man!! thanks for all the pointers

[@dawandorsey2635]

Thanks for the video. Now I know what to look for when I get an SI.

[@jsm8268]

Great video thanks for uploading.

[@thedragonreborn7444]

Another tip to check for a reflash is to look at maintenance minder on dash. If oil is at 100%, ask when oil change was last done. Cars get reflashed using only the map sensor and maintenance minder works off of maf sensor so it always shows 100%. Make sure you get the flashpro unit and password if it's flashed or you will be locked out of your cpu in future.

[@Athurin12]

Very helpful video, might buy my a friend's 2010 Civic Si coupe.

[@mr.pillsbury7610]

I'm actually looking for a 8th Gen Si.. great video bro! Thanks

[@erikbradyrather]

same

[@rubenjunior3118]

This is so helpful 🙏🏻

[@alexgdaq8146]

Look up Gene Kim n Chuck missler on KZbin

[@braydencollins4516]

This was actually so helpful thank you man

[@tayumapower]

Super informative video I currently own an 8th gen civic LX (2008) with an automatic. I'm currently heavily thinking of getting an 8th gen Si because 8k redline and manual trans Thank you for all the tips and infos

[@ciscokid602]

First thing I check is Vin numbers

[@masdoe6384]

Francisco Javier thats not gona tell you shit beside insurance claims and km and lean besides that you dont look at that with a racer they can fix it them self or at a shop no reports

[@tonychau1983]

Mas Doe I think he meant doors engines etc for stolen parts

[@CesarMartinez-wi7wc]

@@tonychau1983 yeah, pretty big issue sometimes

[@bdove2007]

Just bought a 2011 coupe with 110,000 miles stock and I love it

[@fortuna_7777]

Bro, thanks for such detailed review, I will post this to my page!!😊

[@jwestf]

Thanks for the info! The check engine light is very useful information to me. I wasn’t aware of that. Looking at a couple tuned low mile civics

[@Novaah803]

Something not talked about commonly that happened to me is my Clutch Pedal bracketry/assembly cracked. The small welds that keep the pedal connected to the flat part of the assembly where it bolts to the firewheel cracked for me. Had it welded and put it back in, and that helped with my shifting issues. I feel that my CMC rod wasn't entering my CMC straight. Also make sure to adjust CMC. For some reason mine loses adjustment every 6 to 8 months or so. For the paint issue I just wrapped. When you buy a CMC just pay the extra and buy the one from Hybrid Racing. I went through like 3 of the stock style ones from Rock auto & local auto parts stores.

[@denisnatera3633]

Nice video bro was really helpful

[@hibutmars1024]

I actually found and bought my 8th gen civic si 08 recently... bone stock, one owner... it was hard to find, but luckily I snatched it up and it was fairly close to home. I don't plan to modify it, just drive it to work, friends, whatever. I did my own inspection, and it seemed okay for daily driving... it just needs a brake fluid/pad change, manual trans fluid change, 100k check up coming up soon (valve check, spark plugs, etc.), and tires.... the car is all beaten from years of constant sun damage (exterior rubber linings are gone lol... plastics are white) and the wheels and paint obviously show signs of an owner who wasn't aware how low the car is in comparison to a normal sedan. The car was definitely abused,, but it seems so solid and there were many signs that the previous owner was an elderly man, so I putting my hopes into the idea that it was only abused once in a while. Otherwise, I'm so happy I got my Civic Si... its my first sports car, so I'm really enjoying it. Part of me wants to put lowering springs and wider wheels but the other part of me wants to garage it as much as possible and just abuse it the way it was meant to be abused. Good luck to yall looking for an 8th gen! But be warned, it is not practical lol... 3500 rpm shifts just to get it moving from a stop - 30kph or so... it really just wants to rev and nothing else.

[@rogeliorodriguez8349]

I’m working on getting my won civic si,nice video by the way

[@lamlangthien3882]

very nice wheels man. Love it!

[@TurboFunder]

For anyone curious, I own a version 2 (09-2011) Civic Si coupe. My example has some paint problems, and I've experienced some 3rd gear pop-outs. However that could've been a driver mod because it hasent happened in a while. *knock on wood* The 09-2011 si might have "fixed" the major problems, but take it w/ a grain of salt. Each example is going to offer a different experience.

[@uzziell3456]

Such a nice looking car. I really want one like that but so far no luck finding one around here but I just started looking yesterday. I sure hope I can find one that's stock and well maintained but of course I'll be doing my own modifications.

[@MyNameIsCorey]

About to get a one owner bone stock blue 07 si sedan seems to be well taken care of but thanks for the upload I'll make sure to look out for those things

[@karltaguinod1771]

this video was very informative thank u

[@rubica1]

thank you my dude, very good video

[@Anyeloann]

Really helpful I am trying to buy one si and I learned some things a did not know

[@bsbabcock]

My old FA5 has been such a great little car.. 102k miles. Swapped Exedy Stage 1 clutch and Koni/Tein shock/spring change.. Other than that completely stock, except for a MECA SQ level sound system. Love seeing all the love for these old cars. I'd love to really keep the car up for another 100k. People have mentioned "bushings".. What are they referring to?

[@CarVidz]

Great video. Very informative.

[@HashMaster1776]

Majority of civics I see are stock with 150k.. then again I’m in Texas and the only thing modified around here are American muscle, Trucks and jeeps.

[@gibememoni]

same here in florida. way too many fuckin miles

[@tapinaldoilovepenalties7103]

gibememoni they last over 200k miles or more mine is at 220k and still running I’ll definitely rebuilt it when it gives up though

[@jeffsafawi7947]

Civics are good cars 150 is nothing man

[@zonedout6432]

Living in texas definitely helps since there's no salt on the road

[@TheMangokushking]

im in the Dallas metroplex and we have a pretty good import scene. a lot of European car lovers as well. im not disagreeing with you that most are domestic but definitely not the only cars being modified.

[@Robbie2Fly]

My nighthawk black pearl 2008 Si had 2 miles on it when I bought it from the dealership. That new car smell and the first time I heard that sweet VTEC sound, I felt like I was a king!! I would do anything to go back in time and relive that day.

[@cakeboss921]

Oh man, nothing beats that first pull. I have a black 2007 fg2 but with 100k miles haha. I beat the piss out of it but I've never loved a car more

[@joshbespoolin]

Looking back at your vid haha, made me realize how crazy it is that I’m still on stock CMC/Slave through c30 supercharger, turbo, and now c38 lol i don’t wanna keep testing my luck

[@the1.87]

My man knows his business

[@jamalallen8047]

FYI if you have 2010 2011 this year and next year is your last year to warranty your paint.

[@Pelon771]

Really good vid man! Always owned older Nissan Zs and looking to get a 09-11 Si and this video helped out a lot. What part of South Cali do you stay at?! I stay in San Diego.

[@roylan6686]

have an 09 si, with 96K miles only mod is on Stech teins and K&N typhoon air filter I’m the first owner, love the car still has the Factory CLUTCH!

[@eastcoastboii1743]

Great video lost of useful info very helpful

[@ParsaUndead]

Great video!

[@YouSt0leMyHe4rt]

So I have a 2.2 Diesel. What You mention about the Gears is exactly what I felt since I bought my car, second hand 149 miles on the clock. Now it got to the point I need to change the all clutch kit. ...

[@rmjbauer]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@nickramundo6720]

Thanks for the tips ..good video make sure you add the cracked engine probs and the warranty that comes with it

[@yukonstriker1703]

That was R18 only

[@nickysterling2]

I got a 2012 9th gen civic si and it was stock for 9k from a private seller and its perfect

[@gc7967]

Great info!!

[@IamdanimalFg4]

Brotha, every kinda of car rolling fenders is common lol. The bloopers tho

[@miura25yearsago52]

*Found an 06 coupe for sale today with no price but a number on the window and it looks 100% stock.* *My concern mainly is the miles and vehicle history, will have to call the owner soon before it gets bought because this might be one of them needle in the haystack kinda situation.*

[@ramiromartinez7826]

Thanks Tony for the video today I'm gonna buy 8th Gen. Honda civic is all stock And. It's nice to know about the issues that you guys Been going through. Thanks Tony

[@TdaKid]

Ramiro Martinez yeah. It’s mechanically for the si brand but chassis for the whole 8th gen si and non si Good luck on your buy

[@ramiromartinez7826]

@@TdaKid thanks bud

[@elianaramirez4051]

🤎

[@Gocubs2345]

​@@TdaKidis that a Convertible car or Hard Top?

[@agarciaagarcia3598]

Good vid, I'm looking to buy an si so thanks.

[@xav1er512xo]

Thats how i bought mi 08 si everything was perfect but the transmission i rebuilt it and it runs smooth af

[@TekkengodJets]

I’m gonna watch this video again the day I go get my used 15 Si

[@racer2k5x43]

Tekkengodjets those are 10th gens though

[@hsl2208]

Haha how much was it?

[@mdayeh9712]

Good video, thank you!

[@GROGU123]

2006-2009.5 have faulty HVAC panels which cause the AC clutch to not turn on. They redesigned the circuitboard in the 2009.5+ circuitboards. It was a running change. Typical symptom is the A/C clutch doesnt engage and the cooling fans always run at high speed all the time when it’s turned on.

[@civic_noob9125]

just got my 06 si for with 70k miles stock it was a hard fine

[@ivancadavido9989]

Great Video, I'm in the looks for a civic si as my first car and a broke college student, around my area I can find them for 5k to well over 20k from dealers.

[@cristiana9529]

im getting one hopefully soon if god permits , going a 2009-2011 fa5

[@justins7796]

man i love your rims

[@Promisedland_garage]

Low millage is posible , Know a guy that changes clusters,puts tape on check enginge light ect

[@dubsteppwarrior]

Jean Tek it would be a concern when you insure the car when the insurance person sees the mileage is lower when you buy insurance compared to the last policy on the car, they would probably make you show a legitimate reason how that could happen, which there isn’t any legal way mileage can ever go down so they wouldn’t want to insure it

[@iiilllillliilililiiilill703]

Thanks for the video. I found an 08 with 90,000 kms. Bone stock too.

[@Donjuliooropeza]

Bought my 2011 blue fa5 brand spanking new. The paint is toast, the ac went out, my sun visors melted off (I live in Las Vegas) but at 125k it feels strong. And being my daily since October 2010 I'm going to drive it till it dies.

[@athiety9711]

wish i saw this video before i bought mine, i bought a 2007 black si coupe for 5k 148000 miles, i’ll make sure to use some of these tips

[@JustMtnsandTrees]

I DRIVE A 19 YEAR OLD SILVER , 2004 HONDA CIVIC SI HATCHBACK 2,0 VTEC 5 SPEED RALLY SHIFTER WITH 317,000 SAME ENGINE STILL RUNNING DOWN THAT ROAD MR FRIEND! GOOD LUCK YOUR SEARCH ! I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 2004 ITS AN AWESOME CAR! I HAVE HAD NO SHIFTING ISSUES EVER ,

[@ShakaNFSW]

Amazing thank you.

[@harrison4ever125]

Thanks for the tips

[@ejaokay]

Just found a stock Black sedan Si with 61k miles. I want it lol

[@codylynch2469]

Thank you. Going to look at 2006 8th gen with 115k miles

[@kelvjr8588]

Thanks because I’m looking to get a FA5 soon.

[@sethking3]

👍 thanks for the tips

[@charliewatson9581]

Just over a month ago, I bought an 07 si coupe for 8k with 150k km and it’s great, pretty quick but 3 rd gear grind is super annoying, all you have to do to avoid it is push hard in to third and then force it to the right😂

[@reroyals4206]

Just bought an 06 coupe for 6750 CA WITH 143Km. The transmission was recalled and they fized it plus the previous owner spent around $2000 upgrading the transmission wifth a short shifter, upgraded cables, and other things. All in all its absolutely mint and was taken care of sooo well

[@Simplemuch]

I would granny shift in my first FA5, going to def buy the linkage bushings for my second! Let’s not even mention top hats 💀😭

[@thedragonreborn7444]

Early models had 3rd gear synchro recall. Just ask dealer to run vin to see if it was done. 09 and up came with updated synchro. Also some colors like black and blue had paint recall for front end and roof. There is also a service bulletin for an updated cmc from Honda. Also 06 si had no traction control and 06, 07 don't use tpms which is a plus since those sensors break all the time.

[@jamesdickson7173]

09 still sticks going into 3rd , good engines dumpster transmissions

[@davidstingray69]

I test drove a 2011 si with around 24,000 kms (about 10,000 miles) and it had the 3rd gear issue also. Worked perfect at low- mid rpms but didn't want to go into gear at high rpms.

[@andrewmoseley4029]

james dickson Same on my ‘11. I agree; I love the engine but these transmissions are trash.

[@ghostpimp]

I can call any Honda dealership?

[@saintknight6451]

Great video

[@lowlifeangler]

Thank you for the your info,.. heading to the Subaru dealership

[@michaelevans8074]

Look at getting an 08 si thanks for the tips

[@maniac1628]

My 9th is all stock and That’s the way I’m keeping it

[@PulledPurk]

There's a barber shop next to where I work. So many slammed Hondas and Kia Optimas oh, and BOOM da BOOM TISH BOOM da BOOM TISH BOOM da BOOM TISH all day long every day.

[@nathanabromovich8329]

Between you and Gerb I decided to my am 8th gen. Just bought it on Saturday. 2006 coupe si with 135,000mile for $5k

[@rad636]

hows it been so far

[@commentmancommentman1658]

Good vid but here in canda i dont really see highly modified 8th gens, rarely see slammed 8th gens and paint problem is almost non existent (maybe because out climate is colder)

[@wilfreddiazvellon7896]

My 2006 coupe si has no grind issue.Well I have K24-a2 bottom block them K20-a2 head.It’s fast very fast very fast.

[@Leslie23a]

New sub 👌🏽

[@dyingwish914]

I have a stock 8th generation si 192k miles things immaculate im gona be modding it proper

[@BillSands2112]

great Info thank you and by the way what kind of rims and tires you got on that Beauty of a car? thanks

[@juanmontanez4986]

i got a si and i can say confidently i at least have 5 of these issues lol

[@maximehebert5233]

You sound so much more smart than Gerb guy

[@pomona187]

I got a 8th gen with 280k miles and it drives like new still and it's for sale also ..I only use Mobil 1 full synthetic oil and filters

[@jdmfans6078]

i just went to see one at the dealer . wish me luck I'll go back sunday with some cash.

[@okinawanah3463]

Im picking up a 2010, the roof is fading too and the hood had to be repainted Honda make good cars but they have the worst paints and painters. I’m going to get the whole car re-clearcoated if I end up keeping it, if not I’ll be looking at a 2015 Si to upgrade to

[@grasshoppersmokeweed8824]

This is good showing video for not to get full

[@pebblez_]

Shyyt thanks for da info