• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

Honda Civic Hybrid 7 Years On – The Verdict

August 12, 2013 @ 22:18 By Gavin Webber 9 Comments

In a few weeks, our car is seven years old. Happy Birthday car!

However folks, it is not your ordinary internal combustion engine car, but a hybrid/electric car.  Just one of those crazy, unthought through decisions one made in the very early years of greening.

If you have read the free eBook, “The Greening of Gavin“, you would no doubt have read about how I came to lease this car only a week or two after my green epiphany.  It was a huge statement of sorts that I was serious about greening my lifestyle, however in hindsight, I probably would not have rushed into such a purchase, and just lowered car usage instead.

So, now that I own the Honda Civic Hybrid (2006), and have driven it for just shy of seven years, what is the verdict?  How has it performed?  Did anything major go wrong with it?  Would I buy another hybrid?

Performance

On average I get about 5.2 litres per 100km, just under 800km to a 40 litre tank refill.  The petrol tank holds 50 litres, but I have never chanced my luck, and always filled it as soon as the warning light appeared on the dash.  So the fuel economy is very good.  That means that technically, for just $60 of fuel (current price $1.60 per litre), I could drive from Melton to Adelaide, or to Sydney if I chose to.  With a full carload, it would be cheaper than flying and take around 7 hours.  A lot less greenhouse gas emissions as well, even compared to a normal family sedan or SUV.  I also offset the small amount of GHG emissions via GreenFleet.  It make a whole lot of sense to me.

Major faults

Well, I would love to say that nothing went wrong, but I can’t, because it did.  The Hybrid Battery failed.  However this only occurred during the last two weeks, and thankfully was covered by a warranty.  My local Honda dealership diagnosed the fault, and ordered in the new Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery pack at no cost to me.

It doesn’t look like much, just a metal box with lots of Nickel Metal Hydrate cells packed into it.  The dealership told me that it would be sent back to Japan to be recycled into a new battery pack.  At least it wasn’t going to landfill.

Fortunately, the hybrid battery has been the only fault for the entire 7 years with  just over 98,500 km travelled.  The battery fault did not put a dampener on my ownership, and it was picked up early as I ensure the car is serviced as per the plan.

However, I would highly recommend that if you do purchase a hybrid or even an electric car for that matter, ensure you fully understand the warranty period for the battery bank to understand possible replacement costs if you intend on owning the vehicle for a long time.

Would I buy another hybrid?

Maybe, as hybrid technology has advanced in the seven years since I bought mine.  On the other hand, probably not.  If forced to purchase a replacement for the one I already own, I would probably buy an electric car if it was not too expensive (but they currently are).  I want to break reliance on fossil fuels with my next purchase.  I could charge it very cheaply from my solar PV system, but would have to add a few more panels to balance the costs.

Alternatively, and it depends on Kim’s health, I would love to get rid of reliance on cars altogether.  Yes, no car ownership would be my ultimate dream.  Maybe if I had a Flintstone car, we would still get around!

Better still, Ben and I are still riding our bikes, so with more practice, and a trailer, it could be a viable alternative.

Anyway, that is my experience of owning a hybrid car.  With cheap fuel bills, and low emissions, what is not to like about a hybrid (besides the battery fault)?

What do you think?  Would you buy or have already bought this type of car?  What is your experience?

-37.6777778144.5686375

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Honda Civic Hybrid

← Soy Candle Workshop Tell Ben That You Care →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. Lynda D says

    August 12, 2013 at 22:57

    Im commenting only so you know im here, reading, gathering & processing information but i do not deserve to be part of this conversation. What i drive would make your toes curl so i had better just shut up! I do know that when my beast need replacing that i will be making a much greener choice. (Am i forgiven?)

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      August 13, 2013 at 10:20

      Hi Lynda, Just remember that acknowledgement of an issue is the first step in making changes in the right direction.

      There is nothing to forgive, my friend.

      Gav x

      Reply
  2. Penny Pincher says

    August 13, 2013 at 08:14

    My workplace has hybrids which I just love to drive and book them every time. We changed our largish sedan for a little car which is very economical on fuel. I don’t miss the bigger car. Now we fill up every second week where before it was weekly. We have more than halved fuel costs and thereby emissions. I would love an electric car but only if brown coal wasn’t the source for the electricity.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      August 13, 2013 at 10:30

      Hi Penny, I totally agree with your concerns about the energy source for an electric car. If powered by brown coal, there is no point, but solar and wind would lower considerably. If the car owner changed to a GreenPower scheme, then that would work as well in my humble opinion.

      Gav x

      Reply
    • Pavel Bentham says

      August 16, 2013 at 09:39

      I work for the gov’t and the best we have got is diesel Holden Cruzes – it’s a small portion of the overall fleet. On principle, to support the local car industry, this is what they have chosen.

      Thankfully a lot of people use public transport, their own bicycles, or taxis to get to meetings, etc.

      Reply
  3. Pavel - Desirable World says

    August 14, 2013 at 09:45

    I think you demonstrate the longevity of a quality car here. Many people that I have spoken to about electric or hybrid cars complain about the perceived repair costs. Repair costs don’t exist if you don’t need to repair your car or have a decent warranty. And good on you for not changing your car with the trends like so many do. Not that you would do that. 🙂

    Would I consider a hybrid (or electric car)? Nope. Not at all. I have never gotten around to (read: wanted to) get my drivers licences and have driven a car once – when I was 15, down my dads long driveway in the bush. I have always lived within public transport, cycling or walking distance of where I need to be the majority of the time. People ask me “But how do you get to X?” I don’t go to X. I go to places that are within my grasp. If I want to holiday in South Australian countryside I choose a destination I can catch a coach to – not somewhere I can’t.

    And so I face the biggest “movement” challenge in my life. I am looking for land in rural Victoria on which to build a tiny house. My trusty bicycle will remain my primary mode of transport. How do I address this? Well, by making mindful decisions from the outset. The land I buy needs to be within a reasonable distance of services I need to access on a regular basis (one block that I am inspecting in a week has a general store, pub and post office within 5 minutes cycle and is on a well-served regional bus route) and be on or near a reliable public transport route (I am happy with one that has services at least 3 times a week). Other than that, and I see this coming in handy during the build, I wish to seek the assistance of people in the community – something people are generally to scared to ask for. If I can be so bold to share a blog post I wrote on the subject. It’s called “Rural Living Without a Drivers Licence”: http://desirableworld.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/rural-living-without-a-drivers-licence/

    Reply
  4. Linda Woodrow says

    August 15, 2013 at 17:51

    We installed a 4.5 kva stand alone solar system early this year, and very quickly found that we just couldn’t use a fraction of it. So, after a lot of research, we bought a second hand Prius and a plug-in kit for it. We plug it in to charge up overnight, and with our household consumption, it drops the batteries to 80% which is within the range of OK. If the next day is fine (even in winter), the batteries reach 100% again by the middle of the day. It means we are getting fuel economy of around 3 litres per 100 km, even living at the end of a very steep dirt road. Prius’s are the choice for many taxis because they are so long-lived and reliable. A pure electric would be nice but they are so expensive, and there are so few places you can charge them yet, and we need to travel bigger distances than possible on one charge. So far I’m loving the Prius (we jokingly call it our Pious).

    Reply
    • Pavel Bentham says

      August 16, 2013 at 09:35

      That’s a very permaculture, Linda. You obtained a yield and now you’re sharing the surplus – kind of. You have great commitment – I am sure a lot of people would have gone “Excellent, we have enough energy left over to buy that big TV we wanted!” Actually, I am not sure many off-grid people are like that at all.

      I have crunched the numbers and will be installing a 720W system (4 180Ws). It’s more than enough for me and I can build it for around $2,000. I spoke to a guy at work about my desire to go off-grid and it turns out on the side he runs a business installing off-grid solar. He said I would be looking at about $25,000.I nearly fell over. Sure, it probably would cost that much if I wanted a system that would allow me to live a careless life where electricity usage doesn’t fall into the scope of things to be concerned about.

      Reply
  5. rabidlittlehippy says

    August 26, 2013 at 16:44

    At this stage I don’t think there is a hybrid or electric car that suits our needs. With 3 children and our animals and rural lifestyle we need a fairly large car and one that can haul a trailer loaded with wood harvested from the forest. Our old Renault was up to the task with small trailer loads and dry easy access roads but not all the wood is in such locations so we’ve bought a Turbo Diesel Delica. Our green qualifications here are more about what we can do with the car and it being second hand rather than the actual car. Am I happy we had to get a bigger car? Nope. Am I happy that we have a car at all? Not really but the reality is that at this time in our life we do truly need a car and this was the most suited to our lifestyle. One day in the hopefully not too distant future I hope that having a a car would be of little use to us, but at this time…

    Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

Strawbridge Family Inspiration
The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Quince Paste
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Black Aphids On Garlic
It's Not Easy Being Green TV series
Broad Bean Rust
Broad Bean Seed Experiment Results
African Horned Melon

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023