How Many Miles Does a Honda Civic Last? (& How to Make It Longer)

When a Honda Civic is cared for and undergoes routine maintenance, it can last around 20 years. Since the inception of Honda Civics, people have been baffled at how long they last. It seems like all you need to do is have a Honda Civic serviced regularly, and it will last forever. Not only do Civics provide years of reliability and service, but older models also remain stylish long after the year they are released.

How Many Miles Can You Expect?

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Honda Civics are reliable cars that are efficient, practical, and fun to drive. If you take good care of a Civic, it will return the favor with years of service. It’s not uncommon for a Civic to last upward of 20 years, and you can tack on the miles during that expanse of time. You could get from 200,000 to 300,000 miles with a Honda Civic before it completely breaks down or requires extensive repairs.

These are subjective numbers that rely on many different factors, such as how the car is driven, how often the vehicle is serviced, and the quality of workmanship that went into building the car. Other factors that can affect a Honda Civic may include the quality of parts, if it sustains damage in an accident, and the location where the car is driven.

Locations with extreme climates, such as Alaska or Texas, can have a negative impact on vehicles. Extreme cold and hot can wreak havoc on electronics and other components of a Honda Civic, resulting in a shorter life span. In addition, the type of terrain you drive your Civic on can impact its suspension, wheels, brakes, etc. Ideal climates and driving conditions will have less of an effect on the longevity of a Honda Civic, and you may just see the odometer reach that 300,000 mark.

When Can You Expect Rust?

For the most part, you really won’t have to worry about your Honda Civic having an issue with excessive rust. However, there are areas where rust could become a significant issue, such as coastal or northern areas.

If you own a Honda Civic and live on the coast, the high concentration of salt in the air from the ocean can cause excessive rusting if the vehicle isn’t washed, waxed, and detailed regularly. Rust is worse when it starts on bare metal, such as in a deep scratch in the paint or on exposed parts of the Civic’s frame and body panels.

In northern areas, the use of salt and chemicals to melt snow and ice on roads can cause your Civic to experience an increase in rust over time. The best way to avoid rust in this situation is to clean your Civic’s undercarriage when washing the rest of the vehicle. You will also want to ensure that all the protective plastic lining in the Civic’s wheel wells and underneath the car are intact and not damaged.

What Is the Maintenance Schedule?

Per the Honda Civic maintenance schedule, it is recommended that Honda Civics receive regular service every 7,500 miles. This service recommendation pertains to oil changes and tire rotation. It is also recommended that you find and use a Honda service center such as the one found at Ike Honda. If you need a trusted service center with certified Honda technicians in the Marion, Illinois, area, look no further than Ike Honda. The Honda Civic maintenance schedule suggests extended service when your Civic reaches specific mileage, as follows:

15,000-Miles or One-Year Service

Every 15,000 miles or a year, depending on which one comes first, Honda recommends that you have your Civic’s oil changed and tires rotated. Several other suggested services include brake fluid replacement, cabin air filter replacement, and parking brake adjustment. Other components a certified Honda technician will inspect are exhaust, suspension, and cooling systems for any signs of excessive wear and tear.

30,000-Mile or Two-Year Service

At 30,000 miles, all services performed at 15,000 miles are repeated with the addition of inspecting and possibly replacing your Civic’s brake pads. Brake pad wear varies depending on your driving habits or how often you drive.

60,000-Mile or Four-Year Service

All previous services from the 30,000-mile service are repeated, with the addition of inspecting all fluid levels and their condition. If not needed before, your Civic’s transmission fluid should be changed by 60,000 miles.

Thanks to an advanced feature of newer Honda Civics called Maintenance Minder, your car will alert you when specific maintenance tasks need to be performed. In addition, Maintenance Minder provides you with codes when a service is required, including:

• Main Code A: Oil change.
• Main Code B: Inspect brakes, check parking brake adjustment, oil change, and oil filter replacement.
• Subcode 1: Tire rotation.
• Subcode 2: Inspect drive belt, replace cabin air filter, and inspect fuel tank.
• Subcode 3: Replace transmission fluid.
• Subcode 4: Spark plug replacement.
• Subcode 5: Replace engine coolant.

How Does the Honda Civic Compare to the Competition?

Two of the biggest rivals of the Honda Civic are the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra. Though these are tough competition for the Honda Civic, it still manages to come out on top. So let’s see how these vehicles stack up against one another.

Civic vs. Corolla

There’s no doubt that the Toyota Corolla is a reliable vehicle averaging 300,000 miles. Both the Civic and the Corolla have similar practicality and longevity, but what sets them apart? Style, available features, and performance set the Honda Civic apart when compared to the basic sedan that is the Corolla.

Civic vs. Elantra

Though the Hyundai Elantra is a durable vehicle, it has a significantly shorter life span than the Honda Civic. The Elantra may get you 250,000 miles at the most but still comes in at 50,000 miles less than a Civic’s average of 300,000 plus miles. The Civic beats out the Elantra with available features, style, and unmatched performance.

Contact us or visit Ike Honda for more information about the longevity of the Honda Civic. Our expert sales and service teams are happy to help you with all your Honda needs. So be sure to check out our service specials and our vast selection of new cars and pre-owned vehicles.