The Honda Civic (Specs | News) (FC) in Malaysia is widely regarded as a masterstroke, cementing its legend status by muscling in with turbo power, a well-balanced drive that quickly won fans, with the cherry on top being a cabin the missus will appreciate.

If at one time it was a little out of reach, today it could be your gateway into C-sedan ownership. Prices of used Civic FC in Malaysia attractively starts from RM 85,000 (cheaper than the upcoming 2023 AC100 Toyota Vios), and slightly more if you favour the facelift model.

Overview and standard specs

The pre-facelift model was sold here from 2016 to 2020, with the updated car coming in right at the cusp of the pandemic before making way for the 11th-gen, all-new Civic FE in 2022.

Also read: New 2020 Honda Civic (FC) facelift launched in Malaysia - Sensing, LaneWatch, 173 PS, from RM 113k

No matter which year of manufacture you choose, there's three variants of the FC with two engine options between them:

• 1.8 S - Naturally-aspirated R18 SOHC (141 PS/174 Nm)
• 1.5 TC/TC-P - Turbocharged L15B7 DOHC (173 PS/220 Nm)

Every variant was sold with a CVT automatic. In our experience, the naturally-aspirated engine is just as smooth and refined as the turbo is, with the obvious caveat being slightly muted performance.

Yet the brilliant, class-leading interior space remains. Inside it's cavernous; and for someone of average height you'll get about nearly four tennis balls worth of legroom, and one tennis ball of headroom.

Also read: Review: 2020 Honda Civic FC 1.5 TC-P facelift – still better than the Corolla Altis and Mazda 3?

Pop the boot and there's 519 litres of space. Keep in mind however that the facelift model allows you to expand that by a bit more, as the rear seats can now fold 60:40. The pre-facelift car only had a fixed bench.

Equipment lists were suitably long. Indifferent to facelift or not, these are what's standard:

• LED DRLs
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Rear air-cond vents
• 7-inch info. sys. with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Full-colour LCD digital instrument cluster
• 6 airbags
• Vehicle stability assist (VSA)
• Electronic parking brake with auto brake hold (EPB, ABH)
• Regular cruise control

On the pre-facelift range, LED headlights are only available on the 1.5 TC-P. The facelift extended them to the 1.5 TC too.

Later on the facelift added front parking sensors, and automatic wipers. LaneWatch was also introduced then; appearing on the 1.5 TC and TC-P variants.

Also read: 2020 Honda Civic (FC) facelift - new vs old specs, what's new?

If Honda Sensing ADAS is a must for you, then your pick is limited to the facelift model's 1.5 TC-P, which came with the full suite of features. Bear in mind it also got larger 18-inch wheels.

The facelifted model was also blessed with revised suspension, so the ride feels slightly plusher compared to its pre-update sibling. But the gap isn't too big to leave you feeling like you've made a huge compromise if you can only afford the older car – remember to not stretch your wallet too much.

Also read: If you need a 9-year loan, you can’t afford the car, and do understand Rule of 78

Costs: Maintenance and problems

Nothing extraordinary when it comes to road tax, fuel, and tyre costs, though note that the facelifted TC-P variant has bigger tyres. Your basic running costs should look as follows:

Very, very important to note: the Honda Civic (FC) has three seperate recalls throughout 2016 to 2019. Below are the details:

• 2016: Three-way hose in engine
• 2018, 2019: Fuel pump

To be safe, make sure you note the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) and run it through Honda Malaysia's recall checker here. If the car you're looking at so happens to be part of a recall, don't worry, just get in touch with Honda and have the necessary fixes done.

Also read: Honda Malaysia recalls 55,354 cars - City, Civic, HR-V, Jazz

When new, the Civic FC came with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, so some 2018-2020 cars are still protected. Just note that coverage is contingent on what's been done to the car prior to its sale – usually if a car's been modified or missed one too many service intervals, the warranty will be void.

Barring that, the Civic FC is relatively easy to maintain. Over the years the suspension takes a beating, and its commonly reported that the steering rack is first to give way. Other components like lower arms, tie rod ends, and engine mountings too frequently get damaged after years of use.

It's also just good discipline to check its tyres (if it's older than 5 years, change them), thickness of brake pads, and fluid levels before you sign the dotted line.

Also read: A "cheap tyre” is going to kill you, here is why good tyres costs more

Or just get one from CARSOME Certified, or even Carlist Qualified with all that done and ready for you, each with their own set of extended warranties too. For a limited time, get up to RM 1,500 more in cash offers when you trade in your existing car for a new CARSOME car. 

Speaking of which, CARSOME these days have their own CARSOME service centres popping up in an area near you, offering quality service and repairs at attractive prices.

No better time to get one with big discounts

For Vios money (okay, a little more if you want the newer ones), the Honda Civic FC is one of the more compelling used cars in the market today. It's still a looker with a great powertrain and specifications that still hold up well into today.

Plus, a good deal is always made sweeter when there's discounts and offers to be had. From 17- to 19-March, head down to CARSOME Automall PJ for CARSOME Autofair 2023! Nab yourself up to RM 8,000 in discounts, longer warranties and free services, on top of special offers at CARSOME Service Centres too.

Register here to enjoy all the benefits and more.