I Just Wasted $50K On a 2025 Honda Civic, My 2005 Honda CR-V Had More Features Than This New Model

Why would a 2025 Honda Civic owner have buyer's remorse shortly after he got the new car?

Rich Pinto (@rpinto1124) takes to his TikTok video to explain a unique perspective on the 2025 Honda Civic he just purchased. It doesn't have several features that his 2005 Honda CR-V does. Are they enough to make it a deal breaker? 

Rich says, "I wasted $50,000 because I bought a 2025 Honda Civic. I can't believe my 2005 Honda CR-V had features that my new Civic doesn't have. There are at least four that I can think of that are missing on my new 2025 Civic Type R model."

Before we look at the 2025 Honda Civic's deficiencies, imagine for a minute that you own a 2005 Honda CR-V, and it's been a great vehicle. However, it now has over 200,000 miles, and you know it won't last forever. 

You bought the small SUV brand new and took excellent care of it. However, it doesn't have the latest high-tech infotainment features and safety tech that the new model Honda cars have.

Because you are a Honda enthusiast, you do your research and land on getting a 2025 Honda Civic. You don't just want any Civic but decide to get the performance-oriented Civic Type R. 

The Honda Civic Type R is $50K

It has a starting MSRP of $45,895, and when you get it out the door, it's $50,000 with taxes, license, and manufacturer delivery and handling fees. The car is a far cry from your 2005 CR-V. The four-cylinder turbocharged engine and rev-matching six-speed manual transmission make it more than a commuter car. 

The new Type R produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Your old 2005 Honda CR-V only has 160 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.

However, after you drive the Civic Type R for a few days, you realize it's missing several features that you loved about your CR-V. 

1. The Sun Glasses Holder Is Missing

The first time you park your new Civic Type R, you reach up to put your sunglasses in the holder above your head like your CR-V, and there is a speaker there instead. You push it several times to release the sunglasses holder. It doesn't have one. 

2. Where's the Sunroof?

The next time you drive the new performance Civic, you reach up to open the sunroof, and it's a sold panel above your head. How did you not get a sunroof with your new $50,000 sports car? You can't believe it. Without it, it feels dark inside the cabin. 

3. There's No Spare Tire?

Your Honda CR-V has a full-size spare tire mounted on the back of the tailgate that allows for more cargo space behind the rear seat. You think, a spare tire is a necessity. What does my new Civic have?

What you see is disappointing.

So, you pop the trunk lid and pull up the cover, and there is no spare tire. What you see is a tire repair kit instead of a spare tire. The only thing you have is a tire repair kit. You see a tube of sealant and a small compressor that can fix a flat temporarily. 

Your Civic Type R doesn't have this critical lifesaver. 

Now, imagine the inconvenience of not having a spare tire when you need it. You're left hoping you can reach the nearest tire shop if you have a flat.

4. A Folding Table

The next thing you can't live without is a folding table that you carry in the back of your CR-V. You realize there is no room in your new Honda Civic to carry any cargo for trips to the lake this summer. Where are you going to stow your gear? 

The Type R comes standard with speeding tickets.

Rich did not have even one speeding ticket in his Honda CR-V. Now? Yep, you guessed it. 

So Rich can live without a sunglasses holder, sunroof, and folding table, but how does he live without a spare tire?

Why doesn't the Civic have a spare tire?

The 2025 Honda Civic, like many modern vehicles, does not come with a full-size spare tire. Instead, it typically includes a tire repair kit, a temporary spare, or no spare at all. A few key factors drive this decision: 

• 1. Weight and Fuel Efficiency: A full-size spare tire and its accompanying tools can add considerable weight to a vehicle, negatively impacting fuel economy.
• 2. Cost Savings: Removing the spare tire can reduce manufacturing costs, which car manufacturers often pass on to consumers through lower prices.
• 3. Space Optimization: Modern vehicles often utilize space previously dedicated to spare tires for features like larger trunks, more passenger space, or battery storage in hybrid and electric models.

What Are Other Civic Owners Saying?

Reddit user kirsion says, "The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid hits everything I want, slight face refresh, hybrid powertrain that gets 50 mpg, 200 hp, roomy interior, and at a decent price. It's better than the Corolla Hybrid, Mazda 3, and Hyundai Elantra. A few cost-cutting drawbacks that are not deal breakers for me are no rear vents or usbs, fog lights, lumbar support on the driver's seat, spare tire, and low resolution on the backup camera. The 2025 Camry is probably a better value, but I prefer the Civic styling and compact size.

Igozoom9 says, "The only thing I can find wrong with it is the lack of a spare tire (which I find so stupid, but I know it's to save weight, cost, and fuel). Honda- please add a compact spare tire kit to the accessories list. Toyota does the same for the Corolla."

What Are Civic Type R Owners Doing Without a Spare Tire?

Some Honda Civic and Civic Type R owners have purchased a compact spare tire kit from companies like Modern Spare, including a jack and lug wrench. 

Many Honda Civic owners utilize roadside assistance services like AAA, which can provide tire changing or towing if a spare tire isn't available. 

"Rich concludes, "There are no heated seats, no sunroof, and no options. You buy the Type R basically as is."

It's Your Turn

How about you? Do you own a Honda Civic or Civic Type R? What do you like and dislike about the compact sports car? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my 2025 Honda Civic story: I Just Bought a 2025 Honda Civic Sport With Only $1K Down, a Co-Signer and Have a $558 Payment, Because I Wanted a Brand New Car With CarPlay

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Rich Pinto