[drmarvincat]

I have a 2011 Civic LX with only 19,000 miles, and an extended warranty that goes to 2020. However, I am intrigued by the collision avoidance technology. Do you think it's worth giving up for trade or sale a car with such little mileage in order to have the new safety features? I am 66 years old, my work office is just a mile from my house. So I don't really drive really extensively. As they say, most accidents happen near home.

 

[hondo]

Well, you would be getting a lot more than just sensing. You have a 9 yr warranty? Most accidents near home because that's where most people drive. If aren't driving that much, that's also less chance of getting into an accident. Honestly, if it's just for sensing I wouldn't upgrade.

 

[goflyakuite]

I agree with Hondo that solely upgrading for sensing wouldn't be worth it. However, if your financial situation supports it without a worry then that may be a different story.

 

[drmarvincat]

Very logical answers, and financially sensible. I appreciate your responses. Yes, just before my 2011 Civic LX 3 year factory warranty expired, I bought a 6 year/80,000 miles warranty from AAA insurance services who deal with IWS insurance for $1350 (pro-rated refund would be given to me if I traded in). It is bumper to bumper, no deductible. That covers mechanical coverage until March, 2020. It's the same warranty insurance most of the credit unions sell. Still on the original tires that came with the car, and have some more life on them.Car is garaged, and waxed every 2-3 months (live in Florida). Financially, at age 66, better off without debt, never know what could happen. It's just that the new technology/safety is so great. Thanks!!!!!

 

[hondo]

Thanks for the info on the warranty, I may explore that option since my wife puts a lot of miles due to her commute (50miles/day). The extended warranty from Honda was too expensive.

 

[4Tires]

Not sure if the extra safety feature is worth the extra cost and trading in your 2011 Civic LX may only cover half of the cost of a new civic.

 

[Josh Aden]

Don't do it. Going into debt to buy a new car is stupid when you already have a perfectly good car. That 2011 will last a very long time the way you drive it.

 

[CanGuy]

If you don't have ample money to burn, I wouldn't do it. The safety technology is great, but you're 66, not 90. I'm sure you are a fine driver and are capable of braking the car yourself before running into what's in front of you.

You could consider leasing in the future and then you at least wouldn't be in debt and instead would be kind of renting the car from the brand instead.

 

[CanGuy]

You could also check out this thread on the topic of Honda Sensing.

http://www.10thcivicforum.com/forum...ic-videos/5730-honda-sensing-walkthrough.html

 

[Nessuno]

IF you DO decide to do it. Get the 2.0 IMO, who knows what happens with the Turbo after 5-10 years...

 

[hondo]

IF you DO decide to do it. Get the 2.0 IMO, who knows what happens with the Turbo after 5-10 years...

I picked up a Hondacare warranty for 7yr/120000 miles for that very reason. Only cost me $920.

 

[Nessuno]

I picked up a Hondacare warranty for 7yr/120000 miles for that very reason. Only cost me $920.

hey thats not bad!! 7 years after the factory warranty expires?

 

[hondo]

hey thats not bad!! 7 years after the factory warranty expires?

No, it extends it to 7 years.

 

[binko]

I have been using the lane assist some but am most delighted with the adaptive cruise control. FAR supperior to having just regular cruise.
With the lane keeping assist, it would be nice to have the function work longer without human intervention. Right now is holds the lane for about 20-25 seconds at a time then prompts you for steering input from the driver. I can see why they did it -so that you don't totally rely on it to do all of the driving however I would still welcome it running for several minutes at a time on really open freeways with no driver intervention. I'm sure it's a software thing mandated by their lawyers but it would be nice if someone found a way to over-ride it (any smart software guys or gals out there..... lol)?

 

[drex]

IF you DO decide to do it. Get the 2.0 IMO, who knows what happens with the Turbo after 5-10 years...

For what it's worth, the units from the earlier years of gen 1 of the Acura RDX have been around for 8 years or so. It's been noted by Jeff on TOV (generally a very reliable source) that Honda mechanics have said that the 2.3L turbo on the gen 1 Acura RDX has been extremely reliable. That doesn't guarantee that the Civic's turbo engine will follow suit, but it does show that Honda can build a reliable turbo. So perhaps there's hope...

That said, if you're more inclined to go with proven tech, the 2.0L would be the better choice for you.

 

[KansasTouring]

Upgrade

I will not be buying another car without the active safety features. The adaptive cruise control can be used at all speeds. In rush hour traffic I have used it on my daughter's 16' Civic and my 16' Subaru Outback.
You also have to use your head with these systems. If there is someone at a stoplight and you are approaching at 45 MPH you are going to have an impact. If however you are following a normal driver it will simply match their pace braking or accelerating. Most of the people I work with have had their teens rear end someone as their first accident. My hope is that the Honda Sensing will keep my daughter from also rear-ending someone.

The brake hold feature is also great on the Civic. Once set you arrive at a stoplight and the car is held at a stop. Simply step on the gas and the brake is released. If you get stuck in a lot of stop and go traffic a great feature.

As you are in your 60's, I think the Honda Sensing is a great aide, an extra set of eyes if you will. I am approaching 50 and I find the system to be well worth the cost. I also know my reaction time and reflexes are not what they once and I am now a fairly conservative driver.

Take one out for a test drive and see what you think, I bet you will be impressed! HondaCare is available for $1015 for 8 year, 120,000 mile zero deductible (ahh wait, you are in Florida and I don't think you can buy you warranty from out of state(same with California))

Let us know what you decide to do...

 

[4Tires]

I have been using the lane assist some but am most delighted with the adaptive cruise control. FAR supperior to having just regular cruise.
With the lane keeping assist, it would be nice to have the function work longer without human intervention. Right now is holds the lane for about 20-25 seconds at a time then prompts you for steering input from the driver. I can see why they did it -so that you don't totally rely on it to do all of the driving however I would still welcome it running for several minutes at a time on really open freeways with no driver intervention. I'm sure it's a software thing mandated by their lawyers but it would be nice if someone found a way to over-ride it (any smart software guys or gals out there..... lol)?

I don't think you can extend the ACC time unless someone comes out with a hack for it later on but if it's a long stretch of open freeway, you can turn it back to normal cruise control by pressing and holding the Distance button. On the MID display, you’ll see an indicator that says “Cruise Mode Selected”.

 

[RedCivicTouringMA]

If you don't beat on the Turbo it should be just fine

 

[5TAR]

If you don't beat on the Turbo it should be just fine

That's what I've understood it to really come down to, best not to wear it out sooner than it should, but if you can get lifetime warranty on it or warranty that will last well into when it breaks into the high mileage range, then you're in the clear.