There's something about the way a car ages, even over its first few years, that really changes the way in which it's perceived. Rather than judging a car for what it isn't, which is what we do when a car is new, we instead begin to appreciate it for what it is.
Perhaps it's because new cars have direct rivals and any shortcomings against the competition are plain to see and difficult to ignore. A few years pass by, the car in question is no longer on sale and - maybe because it has aged or depreciated differently to its old rivals - it's no longer judged in the context of the class leader.
More appealing now than it was new?
That means those shortcomings fade from the consciousness and the merits are allowed to shine brighter. There is, it has to be said, a very good chance that all of that it utter drivel and I'm just vainly trying to justify my low opinion of the FN2 Civic Type R when new against my desire to own one now.
It might simply be that once a car has lost two thirds of its value we're more willing to turn a blind eye to it flaws; we expect much less for our £6K than we do £20K. Regardless, a six-year-old Civic Type R now looks like a very tidy purchase.
I had occasional access to one a few years ago, as I did a VW Golf GTI Mk5, and I had a fairly turbulent relationship with it. Judged against the Golf it felt slow in a straight line, it was uncomfortable and unrefined and the seating position was too high.
On the flip side, the gear change was wonderful, the seats themselves were supportive with their firmly padded wings and it looked like nothing else on the road.
Sci-fi interior, weird looks, thrilling drive
To this day I still don't know if I like the way it drives. The drivetrain was exciting and the engine span up so freely and with such ferocity once into the VTEC range, but it never felt quick in a straight line. It seemed to make a lot of fuss about not going very far. The direct steering allied to the ultra stiff, roll-free chassis made it feel like a touring car. It was responsive and agile in a way the Golf couldn't even imagine, but the firmness made it difficult to judge grip levels. On occasion it would just plough on in massive understeer rather than attack the apex and there was no mobility to the rear end.
I've done more laps of the Nordschleife in the Type R than any other car, which is to say about four, and around the most challenging of circuits it really won me over. Despite not knowing the place terribly well I felt confident enough to really push to my limits and by keeping the Civic pinned on the brakes at turn in there wasn't a suggestion of front end push. With the engine kept well on top of its power band it also felt plenty quick enough.
I can only conclude that the Civic Type R is a complex car, but at this price point I just wouldn't be bothered that certain rivals are more intuitive down a tricky stretch of B-road. I'd just rev the nuts off that firecracker engine and enjoy a completely unique driving experience.
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (FN2)
Engine: 1,998cc, four-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual, FWD
Power (hp): 200@7,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 142@5,600rpm
MPG: 31.0
CO2: 215g/km
Recorded mileage: 83,265
First registered: 2007
Price new: £18,615
Yours for: £6,195
See the original advert here.