Honda was off to a good start by using a saloon shell for the Type R rather than the less rigid hatches of most of its rivals. It was then further braced to improve torsional strength by 40 per cent compared to the standard model. There's little to give this away other than the discreet Type R badges, subtle bodykit and twin exhaust pipes. The only real tell-tale is the tall rear spoiler that most new owners specified and Honda claimed that it provided genuine downforce. From the 2001-on facelift, the mesh front grille was replaced by horizontal slats.
They don't all have the spoiler, believe it or not
The first check you need to make when inspecting any Type R is for rust. Check around and under the seals on the doors for any signs of corrosion. You should also inspect the wheel arches and under the bonnet along the upper bulkhead joints. Take a close look at the back of the inner arches too while you have the bonnet up as this is a known water trap on this generation of Accord. Fixing this rot will cost around £800 from a professional.
The boot can leak and let water in, so look under the carpet for damp or any hint of mould. Another point to look for is the rear door handles. Do they work? It's a common fault for them to fail due to a broken internal clip.
You also need to make sure the automatic headlight self-levelling works on both lamps or you can end up with lopsided illumination. Water can also get inside the lenses and mist up the glass.
PHer's view:
"It's a Honda, so it'll never go wrong - afraid not. My first one was rotten as a pear and I had to scrap it. At least it taught me where to look for rot when I got my second one."
Iain Garfield