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The Honda Civic is a great car, but it does have some faults. The 2020 model was the second-to-last year in the Civic’s 10th generation, and not much had changed from the 2019 model. See our top four reasons why a used 2020 Honda Civic compact car might not be the best choice.

Do Honda Civics have a lot of problems?

Honda is known for its reliability, but its cars aren’t without their problems. There are a handful of common Honda Civic problems that have been documented over the years, and the 2020 Civic model had a few pain points of its own. Most of its problems are caused by technological annoyances, but there are a few more reasons that a used Civic could be more trouble than it’s worth.

#4: A frustrating and complicated touchscreen system 

To be fair, the 2020 Civic infotainment system is better than it used to be for older models, but it’s not perfect. Far from it. The controls can be confusing for drivers at first, and the system uses a lot of digital controls instead of easy-to-use push buttons and physical knobs. It’s not impossible to use, but the learning curve is a little longer than other brands’ systems

#3: Issues with driver-assistance systems

Red used 2020 Honda Civic Touring Sedan driving on a paved road
2020 Honda Civic Touring Sedan | Honda

In the 2020 Honda Civic, the Adaptive Cruise Control can sluggish and jerky. The Forward Collision Warning System can give you false warnings of collisions, which is not only annoying but can cause a distraction for drivers. These aren’t the biggest problems in this popular compact car, but they have been reported in multiple Civic model years.

#2: It’s not in the most recent generation of Honda Civic cars

Honda completely renovated the Civic for the 2022 model year, and fans and critics often praise the 11th generation as the best so far. A part of the 10th generation, the 2020 Civic is missing out on many of the latest designs, features, and updates that you can find in the newer models. Its exterior styling is more subdued than the most recent Civic, and the cabin isn’t as premium as the 11th-generation model.

#1: They’re crazy expensive right now

Used red 2020 Honda Civic Coupe driving at night on the highway with street lamps
2020 Honda Civic Coupe | Honda

The amount you should pay for a used Honda Civic will always fluctuate based on the condition of the car, the location you’re shopping in, the availability of used Civic cars in the area, and the used-car market as a whole. But, used Civic prices are crazy right now. On Autotrader, most 2020 Civic models with less than 60,000 miles are close to $20,000. A brand-new 2022 Civic starts at $22,350.

What to buy instead: try a used 2020 Toyota Corolla

Used cars are expensive right now, and even a used Honda Civic could cost you big. For those prices, it may be worth looking for a new Honda Civic instead. Car Buying Strategies recommends shopping around for prices.

Another alternative to a used 2020 Civic is to shop around for a used 2020 Toyota Corolla. Corolla is one of the most reliable used vehicles, Toyota’s infotainment system is a little easier to use, and the Corolla received a major redesign for the 2020 model year. Even buying used, you can be sure you’re getting the latest tech offered by Toyota.

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