Bought used Honda Civic Reborn Prosmatic 2008 giving bad fuel economy

[rehanfarhat]

We bought 2008 Civic Reborn (Prosmatic) at 46k odometer (genuine run as per mechanic and my team of car experts. Previous owner (1st owner - car leased in his name) may run it less because fuel prices were high during 2008-14) but car is in immaculate condition. Masha Allah.

(UPDATE!!: Found out that the car was under use of Meezan Bank CEO and company sold it to seller from whom we bought.)

CNG never installed.
The seller told us that it gives 11 km / Litre (HOBC run) in city and 15 on highway.
But my average is appearing to be at 7km / ltr. (247km in 36 liter HOBC only) Irrespective of whether I run it totally on HOBC or mix it in 20:80 ratio (80 being RON).
Idle RPM is 800-900 and I drive usually at 1500-2000 rpm 50-60km/h as in Karachi, you will eventually put brakes after reaching that speed in much of area.

My mechanic checked plugs which had golden color on tips and said that it is perfect color for any car.
Engine Oil is not changed yet but I will change it in next week.
As per my mechanic, car doesn't even need tuning and that it is giving a normal average for city drive and changing plugs might enhance mileage from 7 to 8-9km/ltr.

I want suggestions of experts at Pak Wheel in following issues:

1. Which Engine Oil to be used? Honda generic or Liqui Moli or German brand or Caltex or what? Refer with viscosity etc. Update: Put Zic X7 5W-20 on mechanic's recommendation.

2. To rectify bad mileage problem, people are saying to put iridium spark plugs by NGK. Will it resolve the issue? From where can i get genuine iridium plugs in Karachi?
   (Update: After one month, Mechanic installed NGK G Power plugs @ Rs. 1,000 for 4 plugs (250/plug).

3. I have not got the car checked with computer diagnosis. Suggest if I should go to Honda or some local expert in Karachi (suggestions req). My cousin is recommending Racers' Edge Karachi. [Update: Finally got the time to go to a mechanic who is operating near Saifee Institute, Block F, North Nazimabad. He started the engine and immediately told me that there is problem of calibration in idle. When started, idle is at 800 RPM, but when accelerator is pressed, needle was going up, then touching 1, then raise again a little and then went down to 800. He said this is problem and reason for fuel consumption. He plugged in OBD2 Bluetooth, did some test for 10-15 min and said all is done. Now I am looking forward to get at least 9-11 avg insha Allah which is bearable]

4. From where Can I get a checklist (preferably by Honda, Pakistan) for monthly, periodic checking of common components of car? So far I am just refilling wiper spray bottle and checking radiator coolant.

5. Tires' rigid friction sound comes in compartment while driving on old roads and sound reduces significantly when driving on Sharah-e-faisal or newly carpeted roads. Tires are OEM (as per owner, never replaced, stepney is brand new, tool box is brand new too) and needs not to be changed as per mechanic. As noise is annoying, which low db tires will be best if I have to replace them? Someone said to order from Peshawar. Other said Yokohama low Db are best. (For the time being, I am not changing tires). [Update: Turn out to be a problem in wheel bearing. Estimated expense mechanic told is 1k to 5k depending on situation and work req on wheel.]

6. How to auto lock doors after shifting gear from P to D or unlock doors when P is active? (Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2w_91ct-jg) Any one configured this in Pakistani Reborn variant? (Update: apparently this feature is not available in Pak Reborn)

7. Engine got very heated (but cooler bar always remains in the mid, and coolant is full, and fine). Mechanic said that 1800 cc engine usually got this much hot. Yesterday I drove it for 10km and parked car outside home at 6pm and it was still slightly warm around 10pm. Is this normal? (From comments below, it seems normal.)

8. I push accelerator very delicately to remain in 1500-2000 rpm range. But sometimes when I push it more, it takes few seconds to respond in higher pick. Is that also normal? (Now I am used to it :P)

9. Tracker is installed. Should I keep it and pay yearly premium or go for Auto takaful (auto insurance)? (After research, auto takaful seemed best)

10. There is a broken wire attached with Fuel tank cap. Whats that? Should I get it fixed? (Still figuring out. One commentator told that its just the wire to keep hold on the cap)

11. For mileage calculation, I am using odometer. For Eg, when orange light in fuel gauge starts, i put petrol of Rs. 2,000, got 28 litres of petrol, reset the odometer, run the car till orange light appears again and check odometer that shows some 160km, so i divide 160 by 28 to obtain the mileage of 5.8km per litre. Recently I was told that it is incorrect method and I should fill the whole tank, then run car 100km, then refill the tank and check the additional litres that refilled the whole tank and then divide 100 by that no. I will do it next time as my daily traveling is limited to 3 km and using civic in alternative days.
    Please guide. I will add more questions in original thread as I encounter any new issue. [My method is showing same mileage as compared to 100km method mentioned above]

[shery_leo]

*strong text**
I want suggestions of experts at Pak Wheel in following issues:

Which Engine Oil to be used? Honda generic or Liqui Moli or German brand or Caltex or what? Refer with viscosity etc.

liqui moly zic and caltex are good i prefer liqui moly

To rectify bad mileage problem, people are saying to put iridium spark plugs by NGK. Will it affect the issue? Where can i get genuine iridium plugs in Karachi?

if your mechanic said plugs are okay then i dnt think so its necessary to change them
bad milegae in city or on highways ? by the way reborn max avg is 10 according to my knowledge while 8 9 is okay by the way the condition of most of the road in karachi are pathetic might be too much brakes is causing this try to check the car in a high way

I have not get the car checked with computer diagnosis. Suggest if I should go to Honda or some local expert in Karachi (suggestions req).

you can goto honda

From where Can I get a checklist (preferably by Honda, Pakistan) for monthly, periodic checking of common components of car?

honda shahr-e-faisal you can call and ask them

Tires friction sound comes in compartment while driving on old roads and sound reduces significantly when driving on Sharah-e-faisal. Tires are OEM and needs not to be changed as per mechanic. Which low db tires will be best if I have to replace them? Someone said to order from Peshawar. Other said Yokohama are best.

michilen and yokohama both are best

How to auto lock doors after shifting gear from P to D or unlock doors when P is active?

no idea regarding this

Engine got very heated (cooler bar always in the mid in dashboard, coolant is full). Mechanic said that 1800 cc engine usually got this much hot. Yesterday I drove it for 10km and parked car outside home at 6pm and it was still warm around 10pm. Is this normal?

how much warm ? its not normal if you checked after 4 hours and it is still warm

I push accelerator very delicately to be in 1500-2000 rpm range. But sometimes when i push it more, it takes few seconds to respond in higher pick. Is that also normal?

no idea regarding this

Please guide.

rest you can ask capsat m sure he can give you fruitfull advises

[Zish79]

First of all you would be a one lucky guy if you have bought a 2008 model car with genuine 46K on Odo...after that the average is something that primarily depend upon the driving style plus the route on which you drive daily. For example the previous owner may only drove the car on shahra e faisal at normal timings (no peak timings) so that he got 11Km/lit....which is a very good average considering 1800cc car....I live in Khi and i drove Reborn for more than 2 years...it usually gives 8 to 10 Km/lit doesnt matter you use HOBC or normal petrol.....Now remember the average of the car depends upon, engine condition, driving style, road conditions, traffic jamming etc etc....so its not at all standard.....coming back to your queries,

1- In my opinion you should consult the previous owner what oil he was using previously...if the condition of the car is immaculate like u said then i assume he was using a good brand with viscosity according to Khi weather...Mobil and Zic have good repute in the market provided they are genuine....Honda uses 5W-30..but since ur car is now almost 10 years old so you could use 10W-30 or 10W-40 as well..

2- The science behind spark plugs is if you use performance plugs they will improve the acceleration and pick but reduce the average of your car...on the other hand if you use normal plugs they will reduce or normalize the pickup but improve the average.

3- If you are not getting any major prob dont go for diagnosis...thumb rule stay away from the mechanics as much as possible...the more you go to the mechanics the more you find problems in your car.

4- No need to follow any checklist, you can make your own.

5- Its difficult to assume that ur car is still running on its first tire till date....again ask the previous owner when did he replace the tires....if its more than 4 years change them. Yoko or Continental both are great and available is the market easily.

6- I dont understand what do you mean by auto door lock after shifting gears....door locks have no connection with gear shifting.

7- Temp bars remains just slightly below the exact mid point of the gauge so its completely normal. Just check you coolant level for your satisfaction. Otherwise its normal.

8- Its normal in automatic cars.

Further to the above i suggest you to check the catcon of ur car and if it needs cleaning or replacement then do it.

[MADDYBOY2]

dont worry about the average its normal
reborn is famous for its low fuel average

[rehanfarhat]

Auto lock Civic programming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2w_91ct-jg
(I can't program it by following instructions, so is this feature n/a to Honda Atlas assembled cars?)

Engine Hud was slightly warm (like you can feel the slight warmth outside bonnet).

Thanks for suggestions.

[ali454]

If you drive this car slow (40-60km/h) and accelerate with a very light foot it gives a bad mileage. This is my personal experience.

Accelerate quickly but not too hard (at rpm around 3K) and maintain your cruising speed around 80 km/h and it will give you more than what you are getting now.

The rest of your observations are all normal. This car already has Iridium Plugs from the factory. No need to change.

[adil5855]

Reborn Prosmatec will give you max around 8-9km/l.

[noobie]

What would be deprecation rate if you go for insurance on your car (2008 Model?)..and which company would you choose.Just curious as I have Civic 2011 and haven't gone for insurance in the last 2 years as I thought deprecation would be too much.

[shab53]

Get CATCON cleaned. Choked CATCON also results in high fuel consumption. Also keep air filter clean. If it needs changing, change it.

[Rahat083144]

Bro you seem to be OCD as far as car is concerned (just like me). I'll give some responses based upon my experience with a 2007 Reborn prosmatec.

Don't use more than 25% HOBC in any given tankful

Expect it to give you no more than 8-9 km per liter, no matter what you do

If you're confident the engine is in good condition, use 5w30. That's what I'd do

NGK IZFR6K11 are recommended iridium plugs for it. Don't even think of any other plugs and don't expect miracles after installing them. They are supposed to last 100k Kms but if I were in your place, I would still buy new plugs after purchasing the car

I used Yokohama Advan dB in my Reborn, go for them

Engine being warm after 4 hrs in Karachi is perfectly normal. Just make sure your coolant level is fine and that both fans are working - by turning AC on and looking under the hood

My Reborn's throttle response was electric. Some simple things I would do are - new plugs, 5w30 oil, throttle body cleaning (by professional otherwise your idle and TPS gets messed up) and fuel filter change. Also, early model Reborns had belt adjuster problems - when I replaced the serpentine belt and adjuster I was amazed how much it freed up the engine and improved response

Wire on fuel tank cap is there to keep it from falling when you take it off. If it's broken then either it's been mishandled or car body has been repaired from that area. But nothing to worry about if it's broken.

[imrankakar]

i had a 0'7 reborn brother . and its average was 7-8 kms per liter. reborn is notorious for poor fuel economy. so it doesnt necessarily mean there is something wrong with the car.

[avm1989]

I have a 2011 Reborn. I recently checked the average fuel economy for the car in city driving with AC in Peshawar. After multiple checks I got an average of 460 km in 45 litres of RON 95 petrol on AC. Its a manual oriel. On the motorway it gives around 13.5 km/litre. On RON 87 I got around 400 km in 45 litres. Both in city driving at peak times. My odometer is at 30,000 km now.

[omer.aplho]

1) your 1st point is about Engine oil, first of all honda dont have their own oils or refining or blending, they can use other companies oil with a wrap of their own name, so you go for Liqui moly, Caltex or some other, as the engine is now 10 years old you can go of 10W 40 grade, bcz a little thick oil can avoid any leakage if occur.

2) secondly as far as your milleage concern, change the plugs but it didnot effect your milleage it only improve to burn the petrol more efficiently, resultantly more spark more pressure, it have more pick. one of the member suggest here that change of spark eat more petrol, please note its an efi engine and efi always spray a continuous fuel, only new plugs burn them completely due to its enhanced spark as the previous one failed to produce.

3) go for honda checkup but your car only have a little bad mileage and more heat of engine according to you, but in my opinion you dont need any checkup.

4) i will share the maintenance schedule with you (but i have a schedule for honda 2015 model but i think most of the cars have same maintenance schedule and i also use the same for 2008 reborn)

5) your car is around 10 years old, please change the tyres bcz rubbers get hard bcz previous owner occasionally use this car, due to hardness of tyres your car produce friction sound, you can change the tyres then feel the comfort, michelin is best if you can use the tyres on plain roads for bumpy roads select some other tyre like dunlop or good year

6) auto lock doors are not understood, sorry for it

7) engine heat problem is only due to its fans or some fuse, please check both fans or AC and also without ac, you can find the problem if there is any, i also have 2008 reborn but keep it with you mind that you are driving a 1.8 engine not a 800 cc, big engine always produce a lot of heat

8) automatic engines are less responsive as compared to manual and your point 9 & 10, sorry for that

and lastly your fuel mileage concern, i am failed to understand that who recommend the HOBC in 1.8, civic reborn normally gives 9-10 km/L in the city with AC and 2013-16 model is more efficient with 12-13 km/L, your civic gives bad mileage there is some problem with your car, i use 92 RON petrol never use a hi-Octane (95-97 RON) in both models and 2008 model is very economical on long routs, it gives around 17-18 KM/L with AC and an average speed of 120-130 kms as compare to my Vitz of 1999 model which gives 16-17 km/L @ 120-130 kms. i read the adds on Pakwheels and number of people remarks here that civic reborn has a very bad milleage, but i think most of the people are those who never use this car.

[UJ]

Pakwheels

Agreed....my personal experience from 2010 to 2016....Reborn in city around 10 Km/l but on long route on motorway with AC around 17-18....was pleasingly surprised

[rehanfarhat]

I just want to let everybody know that I valued every single response be it one sentence or long detailed one. At the time of buying this car, I was sure to get at least 9-10 average. The average is not a big problem for me but I wanted to ensure that there is nothing wrong with this car. This thread has answered / helped lots of questions. Thank you every one for your kind responses. After oil and plug change, If i noticed any improvement regarding fuel efficiency, I will update the main thread.

[rehanfarhat]

[defiance599]

if ur problem is not fixed then get ur cat checked, it might be plugged.