Sold '20 SI after 1 year of ownership - '22 SI worth the leap or will it leave me similarly disappointed?

[I used to vtec]

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of a quandary. I have been a die-hard SI fan for going on 20 years now. I regretted selling my 07 SI for the longest time, and last year purchased a 2020 Civic SI to fall back in love with these cars.

Except, that isn't what happened. The 10th gen SI is a great civic. Comfortable, reasonably good tech, phenomenal efficiency. But, it's a terrible SI, in my humble opinion. I really believe Honda put all of their efforts in the CTR and really neutered what used to be an amazingly fun to drive car.

My problem with the 10 gen SIs is that I found the motor to be soulless. It's great for efficiency and moving you from A to B, but it has no zest. No spunk. No drama. I used to redline my 07 SI multiple times every drive I took. I can't remember the last time I revved past 4k in my current SI because it just doesn't reward you in the same way to do so. I know I'm living in the past longing for a new K series, but I think Honda could do a lot more to make this 1.5t to be fun than they had done with the 10th gens.

So, back to my quandary. I need a new car. I was planning on moving away from the SI, but I do value the things that make it a good commuter car (reliability, gas mileage, etc.). Problem is, no one will let me test drive a '22 SI. They are just all sold before they get in. I'm hesitant to make the leap into this car fearing that it will be plagued with the same issues that made the '20 SI feel so soulless to me. For people who have driven the 10th gen SI, and now the 11th gen, do you believe Honda has sufficiently improved on that aspect of the car? If you have any experience with older SIs, do you think their changes to the powerband have at all harkened back to the way SIs used to be at all? I know it won't be the exact same, but a little more of what they used to be and a little less of what they just previously were would be a big step in the right direction for me.

Thanks

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[zeroptzero]

You will find the 22 engine a bit better but it will still have the same characteristics as the engine you detested in the 2020. It has some upgrades which are nice and boost builds at higher rpms, but it is not VTEC redline burner like the good old days.

Maybe consider the BRZ that revs to 7500 rpms, more like the old Honda NA motors.

 

[addy27190]

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of a quandary. I have been a die-hard SI fan for going on 20 years now. I regretted selling my 07 SI for the longest time, and last year purchased a 2020 Civic SI to fall back in love with these cars.

Except, that isn't what happened. The 10th gen SI is a great civic. Comfortable, reasonably good tech, phenomenal efficiency. But, it's a terrible SI, in my humble opinion. I really believe Honda put all of their efforts in the CTR and really neutered what used to be an amazingly fun to drive car.

My problem with the 10 gen SIs is that I found the motor to be soulless. It's great for efficiency and moving you from A to B, but it has no zest. No spunk. No drama. I used to redline my 07 SI multiple times every drive I took. I can't remember the last time I revved past 4k in my current SI because it just doesn't reward you in the same way to do so. I know I'm living in the past longing for a new K series, but I think Honda could do a lot more to make this 1.5t to be fun than they had done with the 10th gens.

So, back to my quandary. I need a new car. I was planning on moving away from the SI, but I do value the things that make it a good commuter car (reliability, gas mileage, etc.). Problem is, no one will let me test drive a '22 SI. They are just all sold before they get in. I'm hesitant to make the leap into this car fearing that it will be plagued with the same issues that made the '20 SI feel so soulless to me. For people who have driven the 10th gen SI, and now the 11th gen, do you believe Honda has sufficiently improved on that aspect of the car? If you have any experience with older SIs, do you think their changes to the powerband have at all harkened back to the way SIs used to be at all? I know it won't be the exact same, but a little more of what they used to be and a little less of what they just previously were would be a big step in the right direction for me.

Thanks

I was in a somewhat similar situation as you. Not that I hated the 10th Si or owned one but I wasn’t sure about certain things about the 11th gen and like you I couldn’t get my hands on one to test drive. Although I had driven the 10th gen Si decent bit through friends.

I picked up my 11th gen in SGP today and I am afraid you aren’t going to be that impressed with the motor. It’s improved but not by any stretch to give you that feel of older K series NA motors.

However, I will say the steering, handling, shifter/linkage/throws are much much improved in the 11th gen. For its price, the car handles extremely well even with the average all seasons that come with from factory. It will be a beast with stickier summer tires. These factors for me are enough to consider the Si if I were in your position. Not sure if I helped you or confused you. Lol !

 

[Jabberwocker]

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of a quandary. I have been a die-hard SI fan for going on 20 years now. I regretted selling my 07 SI for the longest time, and last year purchased a 2020 Civic SI to fall back in love with these cars.

Except, that isn't what happened. The 10th gen SI is a great civic. Comfortable, reasonably good tech, phenomenal efficiency. But, it's a terrible SI, in my humble opinion. I really believe Honda put all of their efforts in the CTR and really neutered what used to be an amazingly fun to drive car.

My problem with the 10 gen SIs is that I found the motor to be soulless. It's great for efficiency and moving you from A to B, but it has no zest. No spunk. No drama. I used to redline my 07 SI multiple times every drive I took. I can't remember the last time I revved past 4k in my current SI because it just doesn't reward you in the same way to do so. I know I'm living in the past longing for a new K series, but I think Honda could do a lot more to make this 1.5t to be fun than they had done with the 10th gens.

So, back to my quandary. I need a new car. I was planning on moving away from the SI, but I do value the things that make it a good commuter car (reliability, gas mileage, etc.). Problem is, no one will let me test drive a '22 SI. They are just all sold before they get in. I'm hesitant to make the leap into this car fearing that it will be plagued with the same issues that made the '20 SI feel so soulless to me. For people who have driven the 10th gen SI, and now the 11th gen, do you believe Honda has sufficiently improved on that aspect of the car? If you have any experience with older SIs, do you think their changes to the powerband have at all harkened back to the way SIs used to be at all? I know it won't be the exact same, but a little more of what they used to be and a little less of what they just previously were would be a big step in the right direction for me.

Thanks

The 10/11th gen are turbo 1.5s. The difference is going to be minuscule as the 9th gen was the last naturally aspirated Civic Si. The obvious question needs to be asked, but you have tuned your 2020 Civic SI right? Because Phearable 1.5 tune with some better tires than the all season you probably got are going to be the biggest difference makers and will go a long way. At about 4k rpm to 6k is where the engine actually picks up, with a decent tune.

 

[KimzEP3]

There's a huge difference between my stock '03 Si and stock '22 Si: literally in every category. The '22 handles phenomenally, but coming from a V8 most recently, I'm getting a little antsy to tune it. I imagine the extra bump is going to make this car so much more fun than it already is! Couple that with sticky rubber, and you can't go wrong...

 

[HardLuckFE1]

Went from a ‘21 mustang GT performance pack to my current ‘22 si.
KTuner, Prl goodies, etc.. wouldn’t do it again. Should’ve went with the new brz.

 

[Romeoridgee]

Get a 2.0L it’s almost the same as your 8th gen but no vtec on exhaust. Get an intake, dp, and tune and I believe you would be more satisfied.

 

[Romeoridgee]

You will find the 22 engine a bit better but it will still have the same characteristics as the engine you detested in the 2020. It has some upgrades which are nice and boost builds at higher rpms, but it is not VTEC redline burner like the good old days.

Maybe consider the BRZ that revs to 7500 rpms, more like the old Honda NA motors.

Vtec is implemented in all 22 turbo civics on exhaust side.

 

[I used to vtec]

I don't even know why I made this thread. Even if the SI is the most spectacular car in the world, this is the shit I keep getting from dealers who are literally advertising their cars at MSRP:

Honestly, fuck these dealers. 42k + tax!? I'm legitimately insulted they would think I would be dumb enough to pay anything close to that for a civic.

 

[Shankmeyster]

This is why you have to look around the entire state or states around you to find any decent deal. This isn't new, dealers have been doing this on every brand since the day the news reported the chip shortage. I'd suggest trying to find a good condition used 8th or 9th gen if you are looking for that type of feel again. You're not going to get it with the 10th or 11th. Or you could try another manufacturer like Mazda, Toyota or Nissan.

 

[Pielo7]

Conclusion: look for other car

 

[sgtmorph]

I have driven a few 22 Si’s at this point. That car is what I call “bittersweet“!

Its a REALLY GOOD car!!! Like they hit a home run. It’s got PLENTY of tune ceiling! $449 for a Ktuner and a free tsp tune….can’t beat it with a stick! And it handles amazing. They done good I feel.

BUT…..

ONLY if u can find one for UNDER $30K OTD!!!!

Car isn’t worth $30k
Maybe $27k - $28k OTD
Just my opinion ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Good luck ???

 

[Naija Bull]

I don't even know why I made this thread. Even if the SI is the most spectacular car in the world, this is the shit I keep getting from dealers who are literally advertising their cars at MSRP:

Honestly, fuck these dealers. 42k + tax!? I'm legitimately insulted they would think I would be dumb enough to pay anything close to that for a civic.

I had a dealer quote me for $7,000 over sticker before TTL, which would have brought the total cost to about $38,000. And I thought that was crazy, wow. Crazy times we're living in.

 

[zeroptzero]

Vtec is implemented in all 22 turbo civics on exhaust side.

Yes , but it isn't like the VTEC experience that he had in his old Si's and with high redlines, it is a totally different experience and it sounds like he doesn't care for the new powerband of these small low rpm turbo motors.

 

[I used to vtec]

I have driven a few 22 Si’s at this point. That car is what I call “bittersweet“!

Its a REALLY GOOD car!!! Like they hit a home run. It’s got PLENTY of tune ceiling! $449 for a Ktuner and a free tsp tune….can’t beat it with a stick! And it handles amazing. They done good I feel.

BUT…..

ONLY if u can find one for UNDER $30K OTD!!!!

Car isn’t worth $30k
Maybe $27k - $28k OTD
Just my opinion ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Good luck ???

This is where I'm at as well. At MSRP, this car is a stretch. I do not think this is a 28k+ car, but given the market, it is what it is. Above MSRP is a joke. This is a Civic, and it may be a great Civic, but it's a Civic. One dealer that has their car listed for 38k (still available 3 weeks later) would not let me test drive it because it's "rare". Dealers acting like this thing is an Aventador.

I had a dealer quote me for $7,000 over sticker before TTL, which would have brought the total cost to about $38,000. And I thought that was crazy, wow. Crazy times we're living in.

Greedy bastards indeed.

Yes , but it isn't like the VTEC experience that he had in his old Si's and with high redlines, it is a totally different experience and it sounds like he doesn't care for the new powerband of these small low rpm turbo motors.

I will say that I'm not expecting the 1.5t to wind out to 8k rpms like my 07 did. I realize those times are in the past now. I guess the purpose of my thread here was to see if they had improved on the enjoyability of these 1.5t's over the 10th gen. I see a lot of reviews saying the car is a lot more fun to drive, and I'm wondering how much if any of those is because of the motor tweaks they've done.

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