Type R and VTEC owners

Super-Spy said:
Amongst other cars I am considering an early Mk1 Civic Type R (EP3 I think).

I am interested in people's opinions.

- are the mechanicals as bomb proof as rumours suggest ?
- how hard is the ride for pot-holed town driving ?
- Is it tiring keeping it in the power rev range (which I understand is quite high) ?
- Is it possible to find a good condition, sub 100k mile early car for under £2.5k or am I dreaming ?

Thanks
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EP3
2001 - 2003 for the pre face lift
2004 - 2006 for facelift

I am coming up to two years of ownership in February. The car has needed nothing bar regular oil changes.

Suspension is not as harsh as some would suggest. nowhere near as bad as an FN2 [2007+]

its not tiresome keeping it in the rev range if you like driving, if you are lazy then look at a turbo car. you have to be involved to get the most out of it. go and test drive a few to get a feel for if it will suit you.

£2.5k is really scraping the bottom of the barrell. you will be in pre facelift territory which will no doubt net high mileage examples with questionable modifications that barry has done to impress his mates.

on the plus side, the engines are good and will take the abuse so a 100k+ example isnt the end of the world. buy on condition and you should be ok.

if the advert has Vetec or Vtech in it, then avoid as the owner is clearly a moron. its Vtec.

an extra £500 on your budget could net you a facelift which is arguably better.
 
Noxia said:
What do you mean by nice? I specifically got 18" wheels because the ride on 19" is even less 'nice' than those. Or do you mean generally.
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Like yourself I was orinigally looking for a car with the standard 18's fitted, as I'd heard the 19's spoil the ride. But when I saw this car the price was too good to miss, so I got one with 19's already fitted, and it came with a set of 18's for winter use.
I've only ever driven on the 19's (as like I said I've only had it 6 months) and the ride I'd say is on the firm side, but it still rides really well, it's not crashy and it doesn't bang or clonk over bumps etc. Personally I prefer a firmer ride anyway and I think the car rides brilliantly. I'll be swiching over the to 18's in a couple of months or as soon as the weather turns for the worse, so I'll report back with my findings then.

When I said nicest car I've driven, I meant generally, not just the ride. The steering is so responsive and presice, the gearbox is superb and the gearshift is close and possitive. Oh and I love everything about the interior, it's so driver orrientated, I Love it :D
 
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Driver orientated until the Driver gets thirsty and then hits his arm on his drink every gear change ;)
That aside yes I do quite like the interior too minus all the rattles but get used to them.
 
Noxia said:
Driver orientated until the Driver gets thirsty and then hits his arm on his drink every gear change ;)
That aside yes I do quite like the interior too minus all the rattles but get used to them.
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Ah I never drink in my car anyways ;) There's a drinks holder in the door pocket as well, that way gear changes wouldn't be obstructed :D
 
Any FN2 owners have the rust around the top of the windscreen / roof seal problem ?

This might have been mentioned here before , but its all new to me ;)

I noticed it around mine this week whilst cleaning ( only had it about 4 weeks ! ), its not as severe as some of the pictures , but theres some clear cracks and paint starting to lift.

http://www.civinfo.com/forum/bugs-faults-irritations/81264-rusty-roof-honda-recall-20.html

Luckily mine still has about 6 weeks corrosion warranty left, although i think Honda are generally agreeing to repairs on older cars with a service history. If you read through the thread, most of the dealers seem pretty ok about it, only a few have played up.

Am taking mine tomorrow for the dealers to take a look, fingers crossed no messing about.

Recommend any FN2 owners take a close look asap.
 
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cheers , doors look ok.

Painless so far, dealer all clued up, said the Warranty has been extended to 6 years by Honda due to this.

Waiting the call to take it in, mines pretty mild compared to some, but it still needs doing.
 
When I had one (2008 model, bought as a Honda AUC Jan 2013, I was the fourth owner) the rusty roof was fixed under warranty. I'd had the car for 4 days and I was provided with a courtesy car free of charge.
 
After multiple times of saying I would but chickening out I've finally gone and got myself a DC5 - It's 2002 CW with a few mods here and there, some of which I'll possibly end up changing. I can happily say it has left me grinning from ear to ear and I love it.

What are some good forums to read for resources?
 
BenjiSayers said:
I'm registered on there but whenever I try and go on it's always down with database errors.

Just took my mate out in it and I think he nearly wet himself with excitement lol
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They've been having some site problems recently but it is the best place for info :)

I still miss my DC5, they are built to be thrashed!
 
Will said:
When I had one (2008 model, bought as a Honda AUC Jan 2013, I was the fourth owner) the rusty roof was fixed under warranty. I'd had the car for 4 days and I was provided with a courtesy car free of charge.
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One reason I wanted the glass roof on the FN3
 
rjkoneill said:
What about your civinfo sticker? Its quite fitting, as your civic has a lot of information on it

You could get an aerokits badge for the rear too to highlight the new front splitter that was 100% from a genuine mugen m200 and had a rich and vibrant back story until you opened it and realised it wasn't any of those things...
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I have the unboxing video, should I post it?

Genuine Mugen 'till I die.

NO REGRETS.

BEST FRIENDS ARE FOREVER.
 
Give us unboxing video :)

I am after PVC Valve anyone knows where i can get one besides Honda ?? Cleaned it 2 times and still sticking :/

If not i will get like 5 from US and sell remaining ones on ebay uk... cause for 40 pounds at at honda i can order like 5 from usa with shipment :P
 
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I'm in the middle of negotiating on a modded FN2 which looks great, however it has aftermarket wheels and I would prefer the 19" Rages despite warnings over ride quality.

If I had to buy the Rages myself, how much should I be paying and where from?
 
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