Honda Civic Type R

Originally Posted by ClemsonSV

If you want something more comfortable I would go something else...like a newer mini!

Type R: Cool

New Mini: Camp

I had a 54 reg type R for a couple of years. Loved it. If you can find one for a good price, try and get Aircon (the only option there is, unless you want the dealer fit leather seats which I had too). I was 'encouraged' to get shut of it by the missus when we found that we were expecting a baby. To be honest, sitting in the back was pretty much unbearable. The suspension is developed for track day performance first, comfort second. Unlike the non type r cars, there are only two seatbelts for the rear seat, presumably because Honda wont say that the suspension can cope with 3 adults in the back.

On the plus side tho, my better half did buy me my SV and encourage me back onto two wheels after an accident enforced layup.

If you could manage with something like an mx5 as an alternative (ie you dont need a family car) then the CTR is a very practical car as you have the option of taking a couple of rear seat passengers if you want, and of course you have a great boot size. If you need a practical family hatch then it is a bit too performance focused.

If you do get one and would like a full size alloy spare, I have a badly painted (black) orignial CTR alloy with a tyre which you can have if you are passing. It was from a set of track alloys which I had. Some pea brain broke into my garage last year and stole amongst other stuff the three other alloys. Keep your eyes out for reliant running black 17inch wheels!

Originally Posted by scWirral

Some pea brain broke into my garage last year and stole amongst other stuff the three other alloys.

Keep your eyes out for reliant running black 17inch wheels!

Buy my type-r...

Black, 53 plate, 27k, alpine mp3/cd stereo, pentagon security film...going in for a major service next week to spruce it up before putting it up for sale.

£8500

As long as it has been regularly serviced there's very little to 'look out for' so to speak.
The vast majority of niggles that any came into our garage with were generally related to low oil - so just keep checking it regularly even on a young car and you'll be fine.

Oh yeah - you may go through brake pads if you're a bit heavy on the feet, and it does pay to stick to genuine Honda parts.
Having seen the difference in build quality even on something as simple as the oil filter... well, it's worth it to keep your Honda a Honda in my opinion.

Things to look out for in Honda Civic Type R.

1. People stopping you and asking for a loaf of bread
2. RX-8s overtaking you
3. Avoid the ones with neon lights underneath and an owner in a baseball cap - wikkid innit

Originally Posted by Jools'SV Now

Things to look out for in Honda Civic Type R.

1. People stopping you and asking for a loaf of bread
2. RX-8s overtaking you
3. Avoid the ones with neon lights underneath and an owner in a baseball cap - wikkid innit

I didn't think RX8's were all that quick!? Besides, that would imply that the rotary engine hasn't already blown up! My mate bought a new Rx8, went back to the dealer 13 times in 6 months until he said enough and got his money back.

230 hp in a rear wheel drive car, only weighs 1300kg.

They do go some, sir.

The rx8 will go round the corners quite a bit quicker.
Shouldn't think there's much in the insurance cost, but the 8 will be thirstier on the petrol.
I average about 23mpg in the 8.

Don't get me wrong the civic is a good car and more than pwerful enough for most.

Originally Posted by Jools'SV Now

the 8 will be thirstier on the petrol.

and oil.

My friend had the old Type R when it first came out, and just traded it in for the new type R. He reckons the old one was a bit more raw and frantic, with more of a hit when the VTEC came in.

Oil and regular servicing are required, on his sometimesthe V-Tec wouldn't come in when it required a service/some work but generally very reliable. I took it round the ring (much to his squeals of "Easy Tim, easy..") and found that although the write up claim dead steering that it's communicative at speed, and nice to drift through miss-hit-miss. The only problem I had with it was hitting the rev limiter so quickly, it sounds like it wants to keep on going....

Find a good one that's been maintained and it'll be am ace buy.