1998 Honda Civic VTI-S from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing at all.

I remember being unsure as to whether I should buy this car... but was converted after the test drive. Hit 5500rpm and all hell breaks loose. Hitting 60mph in 2nd gear whilst the car is bouncing off the rev limiter is one of motoring's finer moments.

As for the every day grind, the car hasn't missed a beat, and given that the VTI-S was a dealership special, it came with air con and a sunroof as standard, all the better to hear the VTEC howl.

As a cheap, second hand hot hatch, the car has been unbeatable, and having used it for the occasional track day at Donnington Park my respect for the car gets ever higher. It's so easy to control the car on the limit (using Toyo Proxes T1-R tyres) and yet when you need it to, it will do the Tesco shopping run with ease and still return 30mpg in the urban cycle.

The only modifications to the car have been a K & N air filter and a Recaro Seat (the original driver's seat was awful, and it's good to see that the current Civic Type R is now fitted with Recaros).

Age may wither her, but I plan on keeping the car, buying the newer Civic Type R, and using the VTI as a trackday car. Long live Honda. Long live VTEC.

Just as an update to the previous review, my car is now coming up to 9 years old and is about to be booked into the local garage for a new front engine mount and rear suspension bushes. All in all not bad as the only issues in such a long time of motoring.

Honda, I salute you...

Further update: car still running faultlessly, and the engine is still more than willing to bounce off the red line.

I'm thinking of upgrading to a turbo charged car next (perhaps a GTI or a VXR) but the little Honda just keeps on going...

Get a VXR, you'll never look back, I didn't.

Get a vxr if you like calling the AA, stick with honda mate, I've had vauxhalls before and they are not worth the hassle.

And I've had a VXR for 2 years and never missed a beat. No doubt you had an old Carlton or Vectra and are judging a VXR by their low standards.

p.s. I came from a Type R and they're not as reliable as you Honda boys make out; in 3 years a wheel bearing went, cable going to the clutch got a hole in it, and a spark plug went; still loved it though.