[Closed] 2008-2010 Honda Civic Type R

I own an older EP3 type (2002) and seats are ace - you can slot 2 bikes in very nicely.

Costs of running are pretty high depending on how you drive - they love a drop of oil and I hate to think what I average mpg - probably 22-25 on a good day.

All that said I bloody love it.

I have one, or rather my wife does.

Its a great car, the boot area is huge because of the way the seats folds down (as you have mentioned).

Running costs are pretty good I would say, probably typical hot hatch costs, you might get 30-35mpg on the motorway, less round town. Service every 12k I think, hasnt cost more than £200 at service time, and nothing else has ever needed doing.

The wifes has been pretty reliable, only issues have been a sticking rear brake caliper and a leak in the air con system.

Ours doesnt use any oil at all.

downsides? - it has a very harsh ride, but the upside is that it feels super sharp on turn in.

Engine needs to be revved to make it move, it does not feel 'effortless'. It would probably feel slow compared to a turbo charged golf gti, but in reality probably is about the same performance in terms of acceleration.

I had one of these ( 57 plate tbh) thought it was a great car,
quick enough and very reliable but when the little red v-tec light comes on forget about fuel economy.
The boot is very big with a nice drop down floor which is handy.
Sadly it had to go when our twins arrived.

Ive owned a new shape one for around four years now, no problems at all and a complete bike, with both wheels fit in the back. Honda servicing costs £200/300, bridgestone tyres are £120 each, front last around 12,000 miles, rear have done 70k,, average 32mpg on my 25 mile commute, insurance around £500, tax £270/year (i think).

I owned the previous shape before, also a very good car.

My mates got one its a lovely car, I looked at the previous shape and really liked it. Some people who read too many magazines complain about the 'steering feel' turning in at low speed but I've not met anyone who has owned one who found this an issue. I spoke to a few owners when looking most have gone on to buy another.

Mates got a 60 plate type r and I've got a 56 plate 2.2 diesel
Would suggest a 2.2 diesel type s gt
Get it remapped

Lots cheaper to run than the type r and decent mpg too
Although you'll want some decent winter tyres
Hondas don't like snow on the standard fit bridgestones

Hora will be along soon to say that he's thinking of buying one... 😉

Mate at work has a 57 plate - gets through a fair bit of oil, but he spanks it from cold, and always has done. Quick, but buzzy, not a relaxing drive, awesome fun though!

id suggest something else tbh

Awful. A modern diesel with 150bhp would actually be better.

Steering feel is still vague IMO

Plus the chavs will be able to afford them soon...

The VAG 2.0T engine is better to live with.

Oh and vtec-ho? Grow up tards 😆

I wrote:

Some people who read too many magazines complain about the 'steering feel'

Hora wrote:

Steering feel is still vague IMO

Ho ho ho 🙂

VAG 2.0T is a great engine, not particularly economical either though, but the newest versions are a lot better. I have the 197 bhp version and only see an average of about 28 mpg

Some people who read too many magazines complain about the 'steering feel'

Every Honda I've driven has the same numb steering. I also drove an EP3- it shouted ALOT but didn't seem to have the corresponding speed. I checked it for clutch slip- it was just a very wheezy engine. Oh and even though improved over the TypeS's steering it was still artificial. From what I gather a charge leveled at the S2000 as well. ANY 'performance' car should have steering sorted as its first priority.

I'm on my second but this one is a genuine Mugen...

Cheers for all the comments. I'm still not decided. I love my T5 but I really miss driving a nice car around

You own a T5 and your considering a TypeR? 😯

I've had mine for about a year now. Done 52,000 miles in it and cannot wait for it to go. It's expensive to run, the ride is absolutely terrible and it's just not fast. Mine uses a fair bit of oil and only feels at it's best when it's just been serviced.
Don't get me wrong, it has a lot going for it too. As long as you get a Type R GT with the LSD, the steering is fantastic and once you get it going, you don't need to slow down much. The boot is like the tardis. I've had two bikes with both wheels fitted and all the gear in there no problem. The cockpit layout, whilst really ugly, is design genius in terms of ergonomics. I will miss this dearly when it goes.

Obviously, I do high mileage and that's a big factor in my dislike of the car. I'm always uncomfortable in it, fuel economy is dire and, as mentioned above, it's slower than a lot of other similar type cars on the road.

If you do limited annual mileage, need a big boot and don't mind having to really rag the car to get the best out of it, you might just love it - It has a definite charm on b roads if you back is up to the abuse.

would the 2.2d not be quicker in many situations? It's not every drive you'd be wanting to reach the vtec zone in the type r but the diesel would be on par with it on the likes of twisty roads with shorter straights in between. Would it kick in sooner and easily keep up on this type of road? I quite fancy one of the older diesel models.

Edit: I mean a drive that's not flat out point to point where the type r would win hands down. Just a brisk drive but not going hell for leather?

martinxyz I'd say 90% of the time it'd be more enjoyable. A modern diesel turbo would be more enjoyable but an alien concept to most petrolheads. I don't own a diesel BTW but if your doing a fair mileage swiftly I'd go the diesel route with a good healthy torque figure...

Riding the torque of a good diesel is much smoother...less frustrating....

ALL IMO so please don't become personally offended- its a car not your manhood

Had to sell mine before it cost me my licence. You will smile on every journey. Great car!

Hora, have you driven a T5 ?

I road tested both the diesel and the petrol a few years back, I can confirm that the steering feels different but not really something I could put my finger on and nothing at all dangerous.
The petrol under-steered but with the diesel lump in, it was much better.

diesel better than type R petrol??? 8000 screaming RPM's versus 4500 rpm? motorbike sound effects vs tractor/taxi sound effects? Super sharp turnin vs wallowy understeer? Sharp looking car vs boring ?

shakes head at people suggesting a diesel over the type R 😉

Seriously chaps - you're saying that a diesel would be better than the type R for someone who is asking about the type R? I could see you point if the person was wanting a cheap easy to live with runabout, I wouldnt even suggest a type R in that case.

I think like all performance'ish cars you either get it or you dont, and if you dont get it theres no point paying more for it.

Golf GTI/any VAG product = boring.

Hora, have you driven a T5 ?

julians - no I'm saying 90% of the time. On balance a diesel with decent torque would be better for more journeys.

Golf GTI/any VAG product = boring.

Owned the older model Type-R, all in all it was a fast very reliable car. However, I wasn't really sorry to see it go, always felt that you couldn't relax in it - like the car was on edge all the time. Had a 170bhp TDI golf for 5 years now and it's been a brilliant car, if I was buy again though would get a 140 TDI VAG as better economy.

Hora - depends how you define better. Its not better in my book, would be far worse - I look forward to a drive in the wifes type R, its fun, if it were a diesel it'd just be a boring (but cheaper) journey.

I hear you and agree however if it was your main car would you be happy with it 100% of the time? The EP3 was too noisy/hardcore for me. IF I had any money I'd buy a boring Mondeo and something like an Elise 🙂

It is a harsh ride, there's no denying it. But driving a car with soft suspension is like giving into the nanny state and health and safety, you might as well all wear slippers and smoke you pipes in your cardigans all day long.

I actually find the car really relaxing to roll at 70 on the motorway in, pre-vtec revs it's a pretty refined drive, post-it's an animal.

Please note, I am also not a long distance driver per year, probably 12k at most.

If you enjoy driving up to the redline (where all the power of a vtech is) then they are great, in reality they are actually really slow, the older model is slightly quicker but I laugh when a new one pulls up next to my beast.

I wouldn't touch one due to my Toyota loyalty but they are fairly decent cars, if you don't mind driving the same as every wannabe boy racer 🙂

Pik n mix what do you drive?

I've the old shape - bought new in June 2002 and have done 110,000 miles since then. I've thought of changing it - but can't think of anything I want more. It's survived our 2 kids and done fine. It's got isofix in the back as well if that's an issue. We have done 2 adults, 2 kids, bikes (thule racks, 4 bikes!) and tent/camping crap for a week's camping trip in it (packing is like a slightly squishy game of tetris) - so practicality is not an issue.

Reliability - hmm.. I've had to change some brake pads and the discs a couple of times (consumables, in other words), and one of the gaskets in the exhaust needed changed at about 95k. A couple of very minor niggles - but nothing that stopped you getting to work - but other than that, it's not missed a beat.

About 30mpg all in. Servicing is not too bad at all - was about half the price of the Fiat Punto it replaced. I've long since stopped going to the Honda dealer though. Ride is harsh - no getting around that - but you get used to it. I think the new one is a bit more refined to drive in (maybe loses something in go-kart-like handling?). I really can't think of a reason not to get one if you fancy it.

yep - I'd drive one 100% of the time , I used to have an S2000 which is pretty similar in nature, owned it for 5 years, loved it.

Swapped the S2000 for an audi s3, but I hated it, the most boring fast car in the world, hated the turbo power delivery, hated the low rev limit, hated the way the power tailed off the higher up the rev range you got. Hated the way the throttle response was wooly. overall It had no depth of character.

Currently got an E92 M3 , which is similar in character to the civic type R ie not much low down torque, needs to rev to make it go fast, it is also ace.

Got a caterham 7 for weekends, another rev happy screamer.

I've decided I hate turbo charged engines (inc diesels), and the way they deliver power. Unfortunately though, due to emissions rules, turbos are the only way to get high'ish power and keep emissions low'ish, so we're going to be seeing more and more of them.

Julian which S3? If its the 1.8T I'd agree. With a remap its a whole lot better. Still as a car it was no-drama/sort of affair.

Quite a debate I've started here.
I want a fun car to drive, I've done the golf gt thing. I like the type r's styling, the diesel one looks naff.
It wether I want to be putting my dirty bike in the back,sometimes 5-6 days a week

rhysw go for it, I think you'll enjoy it. Great drivers cars and well resolved.

Hora - Are you the Stig?

forget the type-r, keep the t5 and buy a dirt cheap mx-5 for your driving fun!

hora - not the 1.8t, but the current model 2.0.

I have had one for 5 years an had no problems, only expense I have ever had is tyres which it eats. It's not bad on fuel unless you are having fun. The boot is big for a car of its size and there is a lot of leg room in the back and it goes like shit of a shovel.

[IMG] [/IMG]

This is in there, ok so the forks and chain set were of which I wouldn't do for a day trip but I was on holiday for a week and had loads of other stuff.

[IMG] [/IMG]

Chain set and forks removed.

Fantastic car. I had one from 2008 to 2011 and covered 56,000 miles in it from new in that time. Probably my favourite of all the cars I've ever owned (including Mk2 Golf GTI and Mk1 Audi A3) and quite simply knocked spots of the Audi TT which I replaced it with and only kept for 6 months.

When the seats are folded the rear space is huge. I once fitted 3 complete BMX bikes (with wheels on) in the back, plus kit.

Very affordable now as well. I might try to pick one up myself once I re-jig my current fleet and sort out getting a van.

Only downer is they're a little bit thirsty if driven hard - and they demand to be driven hard.

Costs of running are pretty high depending on how you drive - they love a drop of oil and I hate to think what I average mpg - probably 22-25 on a good day.

I have an EP3 and yep does use a little oil if using the vtec a bit..

great car and consumption is not that bad around 30.

only bad thing for EP3 UK cars is lack of LSD - think the next gens had these?

Theres Chinese Stig, Bunga bunga Stig then theres me Stig of the dump 😉

T5 and mk2.5 MX5. Good call

the Audi TT which I replaced it with and only kept for 6 months.

Can see that happening to me, if I'm brave enough to bring the subject up with Mrs Knob.

Should'a got the GTI MkVI with ACC I really wanted. : (

I drove one of these Type-Rs, loved it, especially the gearbox and vtec nutty, but it did give me a headache after half an hour. Too bumpy. And I'm accustomed to VAG plastics, unfortunately.

Also drove an RS Clio 200, loved that too, but bits of it came off in my hand and I think Mrs Knob would have left me.

King-ocelot - Member

Pik n mix what do you drive?

Corolla TTE Compressor 😉

sell you my Mugen M20, LOL

Think Id rather a golf R32/GTI & 130i, even Focus ST over the Tyre R for day to day life, for me it harsh & noisy, not very 'refined' imo.

I would buy your Mugen but I'm not aloud one.

Why not ?

Mike-at-dialled bikes , you not looking for a nice VW T5 are you ?

Large thumb.

rhysw - Member

Mike-at-dialled bikes , you not looking for a nice VW T5 are you ?

I've been looking at Caddys, Transporters and Vitos, but it looks like I'll be getting a Caddy Sportline next week.

Caddy sportline's are nice

in 2003 I had an Accord 2.2 Type R and loved it as a drivers as and hated it as a car to run, it ran 98RON petrol only and was stripped out for homologation so I thought I'd get a Civic which didn't need super unleaded and was a bit more civilised.

One day I was on the motorway when I got blew away by a Diesel Golf, I had to dig VERY deep to get the power and by then we were both well over the ton mark and it proved to me that modern diesels will be the death of the petrol engine, even in hot hatches.

I bought a BMW 123D which had 203bhp and 45mpg economy and ever since have had sporty diesels.

the civic is a nice car and extremely well built but the power is so far up the rev range it's only accessible by working the engine hard which means dire fuel economy. I now drive a 320D M Sport and it's still nippy but can do over 50mpg on a run and still handles really well went I want to throw it around.

The Civic S Type Diesel is a good option but they're not good on economy either, in comparison to VW's and French diesels.....

Cheers rhysw. Should be even nicer when I get the Revo remap to 185bhp and Eibach Pro Springs.

Modern diesels are all well and good but you've got to save some serious cash on the fuel to compensate for the bill for a new dmf or dpf that might just clock up. They're also.relatively heavy on the nose. For my day to day motorway bashing I can't fault my 8 year old Mondeo but its hardly fun on entertaining.

Back OT this has to be a heart thing. I cannot imagine a type r of any sort being a head / rational only choice. I love the idea of an Integra or 'bread van' CTR but I have always been reluctant because I do 20+k a year and when i drive for work I want lazy oomph not something I have to push hard. For that a VAG petrol turbo seems more logical if a little more mundane. We're thinking about a fun and useable at the minute but finding it hard to be inspired by current offerings!

What you want is a D5 and a motorbike. Keeps the refinement of the Volvo, but then the performance that wipes the floor with cars. (at way better mpg too)

One day I was on the motorway when I got blew away by a Diesel Golf, I had to dig VERY deep to get the power and by then we were both well over the ton mark and it proved to me that modern diesels will be the death of the petrol engine, even in hot hatches

Buy a 2000 Yamaha R1, you can beat anything but the fastest £500,000 supercar up to 150mph.... and beat them by THAT much at by the time they overtake you, you've pulled off 3 miles ago

I drive a big van and own a KTM990, my wife has a Type 'R'. So she pays the running costs, I just use it to have four wheel fun in.

However, as a car its a great combination of big space inside and a rapid vehicle. Grips the road amazingly.

She gets 34mpg in it. I turn off the mpg indicator when I drive it. Cant fault its carrying capacity though, we are taking it with two bikes in the back to the south of France for Xmass. More comfy/enjoyabe than my van as well as way faster.

Julian which S3? If its the 1.8T I'd agree. With a remap its a whole lot better. Still as a car it was no-drama/sort of affair.

You really do talk a lot of rubbish. When did you pass your test? What's your current car now? Have you driven a late shape Civic for any length of time?

Didn't think so...

the lecht rocks

Those Mugen M20's are pretty special!!

They were 40k if memory serves and only 20 built??

If it's the one I'm thinking of - nice motor!!!

You really do talk a lot of rubbish. When did you pass your test? What's your current car now? Have you driven a late shape Civic for any length of time?

Didn't think so...

😆 I'm guessing you own a car with its lineage/marketing written down the side..

I'm guessing you own a car with its lineage/marketing written down the side..

Ahh, I see. How relevant....

I'm guessing you own a car with its lineage/marketing written down the side..

What is this supposed to mean?

Finally got to test drive a FN2 with all the trimmings yesterday and I loved it.
I'm used to driving turbo cars and I found it fairly strange went the "thump" of the turbo never arrived, but when I looked at the speedo, it was going way faster then it felt.
I think I'm going to take the plunge, your only young once hey?

Anyone one want to buy a nice T5 ?

What's your current car now?

Citroen C1. What is your point? If I don't get an additional car intime I'll also drive it to South Germany for NY's eve this year.

BTW I don't mean to sound cockish. Afterall you could point out a multitude of sins in my current car (and I wouldn't get offended). It only has 65bhp but by 'eck its about having fun first then power... Funnily enough I was watching Dave this lunchtime at home and Clarkson drove both Gen's back to back in a shoot out. It actually made me want to revisit a circa 53plate again..

rhysw - Member
Finally got to test drive a FN2 with all the trimmings yesterday and I loved it.
I'm used to driving turbo cars and I found it fairly strange went the "thump" of the turbo never arrived, but when I looked at the speedo, it was going way faster then it felt.
I think I'm going to take the plunge, your only young once hey?
Anyone one want to buy a nice T5 ?
POSTED 57 MINUTES AGO # REPORT-POST

Buy it! 🙂

The first mingin horrible ride you go on with only a Honda, you'll regret not having something like the T5/MX-5 combo

I'd still have my beloved MX5 now if it wasn't rear-ended by a blithering idiot.

Someone else wrote off your MX5 and you bought a C1?

No - C1's a really cheap lease car. The last two decent cars that I had were chucking up some epic bills so I wanted something small/cheap/reliable for a while. I don't rule out a third Subaru however I'm aiming for something different next...

BTW- due to my area postcode a EP3 is over £1,200 for me to insure. A 3.0 Legacy Sportswagon would be £500.... 😯

It actually made me want to revisit a circa 53plate again..

Jesus wept....revisit? You mean 'have another go in'...stop being such a marketing victim

I'll drive anything. If you turned up in a tuk tuk I'd ask if I could have a spin in it. 8)

What??!?!?

Jesus Chris could you be any more random? You just churn out random statements one after another. This thread started as a discussion on whether an FN Civic Type R is a decent car. You're now justifying why you bought a C1 (hateful) and that you'll 'drive anything'. What the hell are you on about man?

your staying ontopic after 3 pages? 😆

Jesus Chris could you be any more random? You just churn out random statements one after another. This thread started as a discussion on whether an FN Civic Type R is a decent car. You're now justifying why you bought a C1 (hateful) and that you'll 'drive anything'. What the hell are you on about man?

This ^ Hora did you own a Type-R? I'm confused? By revisit do you mean test drive at a garage after seeing one on TV? And what was that earlier stuff about marketing/heritage down the side of a car all about?

[b]You're[/b] a law unto yourself.

Carry on....

Every Honda I've driven has the same numb steering. I also drove an EP3- it shouted ALOT but didn't seem to have the corresponding speed.

Tell that the Astra sri I burried off the roundabout on the A14 yesterday. We'd been sat at a set of lights for a bit watching the road empty out ahead of us, I should have been better behaved - but it was a fun little drag race till I had them beat and eased off.

To the OP - get one, enjoy it - have fun and don't worry about the fact it'll cost you a little more than something more tedious.

Astra sri

oh dear. do yourself a favour and don't go looking at what engines that bulk of SRi's are sold with. If you're really lucky, you might just have beaten an Astra EcoFlex 😉