Civic type R 01-05 questions

ganesh

ganesh

ganesh

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Joined
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Wiltshire
Hello chaps,

My fiancé would absolutely love one of these and I have a few questions.

Is 2.5-3k enough to buy a non ruined and mechanically sound example?
Do the engines take high mileage well?
Are there any optional extras that are particularly good I should look for?
What are the main weak points I should check?
And probably most importantly, how do the running costs compare to a non type R of the same era? I'm mainly referring to cost of parts and tyres etc.

I'm pretty handy with a spanner so am confident in tackling most jobs. Her previous car was a 2001 1.6 civic, hence the above question regarding running costs, she only does about 5k miles a year so fuel consumption and tyre wear aren't a concern.

Thanks all.
 
£3k should get you a decent example if you look about. May get a really decent pre-facelift or an average facelift. However, these are now the choice of car for the boy racer stereotype. Rag it to death but don't spend anything maintaining it.

The engines will take high mileage, as long as they've been cared for. Timing chain/tensioner should be done between every 80-100k miles. Regular oil changes should be noted as well as they do love oil. Make sure the engine sounds healthy and the gearbox goes into every gear. If lifting off throttle, you hear a whirring/wooshing noise, or if the clutch is up, you hear it and when the clutch is down it stops, walk away.

Main weak points would be rust, but give everything a check over. Make sure it hits VTEC once the oil has warmed up. Any rattles or unfamiliar noises walk away.

Parts are available, as they're a common car. Running costs aren't expensive for what they offer.

The back seats are a little cramped, and the ride is very stiff.
 
Limited experience here... Joined the Type-R club just over a week ago, but have done a fair bit of reading leading up to this. I'm also not a mechanic so can't be that helpful around stuff to check!

1) Yes that should be enough money to get something mechanically sound. Based on my experiences don't expect the bodywork to be spotless, likewise the alloys. Also expecting 100-150k mileage with you being around Wiltshire. (my experiences were that anything within moderate range of me in Bristol was a lot more than anything in the midlands...). Like Vita said you should be able to get a decent pre-facelift for that. For context mine is a facelift which had just under 100k for just under £3.5 Pics/more details here - could probably get it cheaper if you are patient!
2) Yeh they seem to be pretty much rock solid unless they've been completely abused.
3) Not really aware of any optional stuff beyond aircon which is worth having. Although iirc having it can make certain work on the engine more tricky/expensive.
4) See post 13855 in the Type-R owners thread and other buyers guides. They're pretty solid if they've been looked after. Make sure vtec kicks in (yo) and that the gearshift is light and positive. Contrary to what Vita said I don't remember reading too many warnings around rust, but obviously something to keep an eye out for anyway!
5) Can't help you there I'm afraid! :D

Back seats don't seem to bad tbh. Got my ~6'4 workmate in the back behind another guy the same size as me without too many issues. You'd not want to do a long journey like it but it's not awful for the size of the car imo. Nice and comfortable in the front though despite the firm seats. Quite tiring over a long drive due to the quick steering/firm ride compared to what I'm used to previously (Mondeo)

Feel free to fire any other Qs my way...
 
PinkFloyd said:
Quite tiring over a long drive due to the quick steering/firm ride compared to what I'm used to previously (Mondeo)

Feel free to fire any other Qs my way...
Click to expand...

Can you be more specific on this aspect please? Is it very firm and quite jarring when you go over bumps? How much worse was it compared to your mondeo?

I only ask as she liked the soft ride of the standard civic and the way it would absorb bumps. And whenever we go out in my car (MR2 mk2) it's quite jarring driving over big potholes etc. And she doesn't really like it.
I have explained that's just because it's a performance car and they're designed to have stiff suspension!
 
ganesh said:
Can you be more specific on this aspect please? Is it very firm and quite jarring when you go over bumps? How much worse was it compared to your mondeo?

I only ask as she liked the soft ride of the standard civic and the way it would absorb bumps. And whenever we go out in my car (MR2 mk2) it's quite jarring driving over big potholes etc. And she doesn't really like it.
I have explained that's just because it's a performance car and they're designed to have stiff suspension!
Click to expand...

It's not so much so that it can't absorb bumps or that when you go over a bump it will shatter your spine. It's just that the ride is firm, the car doesn't feel wallowy or like a boat on water. It feels agile, stiff. The seats aren't the most comfortable but they're very body hugging. That's just my opinion though.

I did a stint from Leeds to London when I had mine and at the end of it, I actually thought I was more tired in this car then any other car I've done the same trip in.
 
ganesh said:
Can you be more specific on this aspect please? Is it very firm and quite jarring when you go over bumps? How much worse was it compared to your mondeo?
Click to expand...
It's the opposite end of the spectrum to how the Mondeo was. The Mondeo was a very tired MK2 that I'd only ever fixed when it failed an MOT, the suspension was very wallowy but also managed to be crashy over big bumps (probably broken/loose bits :p)
It usually felt pretty disconnected over a bumpy road.

The suspension on the Civic is fantastic by comparison, it's firm but still feels composed and in control. It can deal with big bumps in the road pretty damn well, including potholes. However due to the relatively limited travel and low profile tyres, plus the lack of padding on the seats it's not what you'd call a relaxing drive. In combination with the lack of sound proofing it's really not a long distance cruiser, drove from Bristol to Burnham on Crouch on Friday - really tiring drive. Although enjoyable towards the end with some nice NSL roads!

I'd get your fiancée to go for a test drive in one. Not worth spending a lot of time researching what can go wrong in them if she doesn't like the firm ride.
 
The ride is definitely very firm (for a "normal" road car), if that's something that usually bothers her there's pretty much no chance it'll be acceptable
 
rodenal said:
The ride is definitely very firm (for a "normal" road car), if that's something that usually bothers her there's pretty much no chance it'll be acceptable
Click to expand...

Is the standard suspension the best in terms of comfort? Or are there are aftermarket springs that are better?

The only experience of firm suspension she has is my car (93 MR2 mk2) which can be quite jarring and crashy over potholes, I'm hoping technology has moved on since then so it's more compliant than mine.

We'll take one out for a test drive and see how she gets on.
 
I don't find it that harsh a ride. Much better than my Evo and MR2 mk3. I'm not totally sure about the seat because I have a Premier and that has Recaro seats as standard. My brother also has one and it's covered 127k miles without missing a beat.

I'd probably spend a little more and buy a facelift model as they have a few improvements. Rust can be an issue, my rear arches are rusting pretty badly and it's a 2005 model but my bro has a 2004 model and his rear arches are fine.
 
Sadly it is not to be, she has decided that practically is key and wants another 05 1.6 civic. Oh well, perhaps next time.
Thanks for the help chaps.
 
always confused my why they never made a 5 door option for the EP3 or FN2.

I'm having to trade my 3 door FN2 CTR in soon for a focus or similar. The current CTR has 5 doors so Honda have obviously realised some people value practicality and performance in 1!

Having bundled my toddler into the back of the CTR for the past 3 years its time to move on, but £22k+ for the next CTR and its outlandish styling is pushing me to more sensible options.

Unless you have kids, or plan to have them whilst owning the EP3 CTR its a very versatile, entertaining and rewarding car for the money.
 
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