Civic Type-R - common problems

[kiethton]

So as the GF's E46 has been giving a bit of grief, despite sorting out the issues she has fallen out with it and wants something that is fun, has a good image and most importantly reliable, not worn out and as a result newer (08/70k miles oldest).

We should get about £2.5k for the BMW and will likely have to finance an additional £5k or so.

The only thing I can find in budget that matches the requirements is a DC2 (?) civic. After having an EP3 last year she liked it and the way it drove, there is a pic on my road trip thread from last year for people wondering... (although thought it was chav) so any replacement must be unmodified and not suffer the image problems.

Fuel economy and running costs are also considerations. No BMW's (her top pick) seem to meet the requirements (timing chain in 4 cylinders and costs for the 6's) whilst fords etc are not of interest.

This leaves just the civic really - anything to look out for beyond accident damage/clutches?

[billy939]

Ensure good quality oil has always been used and is regularly checked and topped up - low oil levels can cause these real issues.

I think windscreen seals can also be a problem for some so check this.

I'd say that a standard car from a reputable dealer with FHSH and as long there are no glaring issues then you should be good.

THe important question really is......could you stretch to a Championship White one? :P

[TheJimi]

kiethton said:

The only thing I can find in budget that matches the requirements is a DC2 (?) civic. After having an EP3 last year she liked it and the way it drove, there is a pic on my road trip thread from last year for people wondering... (although thought it was chav) so any replacement must be unmodified and not suffer the image problems.

This leaves just the civic really - anything to look out for beyond accident damage/clutches?

DC2 refers to the Integra Type R

If you're talking about the next model up from the Civic EP3, then it's the FN2.

[Speed Badger]

£7.5k? Like Honda? You'll be wanting one of these then...

[Riknos]

You'll be better off with the EP3 and a lot less finance. If you consider interest rates and depreciation. Tell your missus to shove her "newer than xx year" rule out as that doesn't reflect a car's reliability as much as picking something reliable in the first place...

[TangerinePool]

If you do go for an FN2 they're brill. Never had a problem with mine.

The only advice is be wary of the very hard ride. It crashes and bangs over bumps/humps/through potholes etc. so miss as many as you can. Not easy when you're 'attaining VTEC yo' of course

[vtecyo]

Go for an EP3 with a lot less finance. Make sure it has air con though. Mine doesn't and it sucks.

Engine mounts,
Oil starvation at any point in its life
Cam chain
Major service at 75k
Syncros


Have a read of this:

http://type-r-owners.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?8...

[SaqibCTR]

How about the Japanese market (JDM) EP3?

Diff, more power, proper Recaros, shorter gears etc. And it comes in Championship White.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/h...

[rossub]

The FN2 Civic (2007-12) suffers from:

Rusty roof at the windscreen seal
Electric folding mirrors stop working
Stone chipped bonnet and screen
Poor quality gearstick gator that wears easily
Knocking rear suspension links
Squeaky rear shocks when wet (yes really)
Squeaking clutch pedal (new master cylinder needed)
Front wiper linkage disconnecting

Mine suffered ALL of the above and I just sold it at 5 years old and 41k miles. Didn't sell due to the issues though.

[kiethton]

rossub said:

The FN2 Civic (2007-12) suffers from:

Rusty roof at the windscreen seal
Electric folding mirrors stop working
Stone chipped bonnet and screen
Poor quality gearstick gator that wears easily
Knocking rear suspension links
Squeaky rear shocks when wet (yes really)
Squeaking clutch pedal (new master cylinder needed)
Front wiper linkage disconnecting

Mine suffered ALL of the above and I just sold it at 5 years old and 41k miles. Didn't sell due to the issues though.

Thanks for that, interesting about the windscreen, didnit ever have one replaced?

I know about the cost and EP3 etc (I had one last yer) but they aren't her cup of tea (CHAV/femininty comment, plus with the string of things that have packed up on her 04 BMW she wants something more reliable, I've done well to steer her towards this! Haha

Budget is fairly fixed so don't want to spend more unless necessary, white isn't our cup of tea (never has been) and can see it looking awful in 5 years time

What does the GT pack give over standard? Any must have options? Do they come with iPod/AUX integration as standard?

[TheJimi]

SaqibCTR said:

How about the Japanese market (JDM) EP3?

Diff, more power, proper Recaros, shorter gears etc. And it comes in Championship White.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/h...

You have email

[rossub]

Off the top of my head, the GT pack adds:

Electric folding mirrors
Front fog lights
Cruise Control
Dual zone climate control

Think that's about it.

[750turbo]

rossub said:

The FN2 Civic (2007-12) suffers from:

Rusty roof at the windscreen seal
Electric folding mirrors stop working
Stone chipped bonnet and screen
Poor quality gearstick gator that wears easily
Knocking rear suspension links
Squeaky rear shocks when wet (yes really)
Squeaking clutch pedal (new master cylinder needed)
Front wiper linkage disconnecting

Mine suffered ALL of the above and I just sold it at 5 years old and 41k miles. Didn't sell due to the issues though.

I have ran 2 FN2's from new in recent times, doing 40K & 60K respectively. Only issue I had was with the chipped paintwork, easily kept on top off.

There are a couple of cracking type r forums out there, users very friendly. I would suggest spending a few hours on them.

http://civictype-r.co.uk/forum/

http://type-r-owners.co.uk/forums/

[snoopy25]

civinfo.com is also pretty good as well

[themanwithnoname]

rossub said:

The FN2 Civic (2007-12) suffers from:

Rusty roof at the windscreen seal
Electric folding mirrors stop working
Stone chipped bonnet and screen
Poor quality gearstick gator that wears easily
Knocking rear suspension links
Squeaky rear shocks when wet (yes really)
Squeaking clutch pedal (new master cylinder needed)
Front wiper linkage disconnecting

Mine suffered ALL of the above and I just sold it at 5 years old and 41k miles. Didn't sell due to the issues though.

Really? I've got a 2009 FN2 Type R with 93K ish miles on it. I've had none of these things.

[Troubleatmill]

Speed Badger said:

£7.5k? Like Honda? You'll be wanting one of these then...

This. Much better built than the UK Honda's

[volturb40]

rossub said:

The FN2 Civic (2007-12) suffers from:

Rusty roof at the windscreen seal
Electric folding mirrors stop working
Stone chipped bonnet and screen
Poor quality gearstick gator that wears easily
Knocking rear suspension links
Squeaky rear shocks when wet (yes really)
Squeaking clutch pedal (new master cylinder needed)
Front wiper linkage disconnecting

Mine suffered ALL of the above and I just sold it at 5 years old and 41k miles. Didn't sell due to the issues though.

3rd gear Synchromesh has been known to fail, mine was on its way out at 34000 miles, bought it second hand sold it after 4 months, rusty roof, squeaky clutch pedal, outside temp gauge haywire, intermittent wipe not working, really disappointed, nice inside but very tinny sounding, hated the rear suspension on a bumpy road.
Looked a smart car though with Rage alloys

[AMG01]

rossub said:

The FN2 Civic (2007-12) suffers from:

Rusty roof at the windscreen seal - replaced under 6 year corrosion warranty
Electric folding mirrors stop working - simple fix through user on civicinfo
Stone chipped bonnet and screen - seems to be a honda paint issue, doesn't bother me
Poor quality gearstick gator that wears easily - easily replaced, takes 10minutes to do
Knocking rear suspension links - not affected my car
Squeaky rear shocks when wet (yes really) - not affected my car
Squeaking clutch pedal (new master cylinder needed) - replaced under warranty
Front wiper linkage disconnecting - not affected my car

Mine suffered ALL of the above and I just sold it at 5 years old and 41k miles. Didn't sell due to the issues though.

Have had mine for 3 years and commented on the issues above as shown. Love the car, fast and practical (can get my road bike in the back) was thinking of changing but don't want to get rid of it. As another poster said, shape has aged really well, still looks good.

[DUMBO100]

I can confirm all of those defects and add gear linkage cable issues. I've had mine 4 years and i despite a few niggles it's a bloody good car that provides a cracking driving experience. I'd recommend it.