Civic Type R (FN2) as a 16K pa daily. Am I mad?
Discussion
DanielJames said:
but he still did the upgrade... that says a lot.
I've just sold my EP3, and if I had been looking for a lazier, plusher and more GT style car I'd have probably been looking at FN2s also. They are a nicer car to live with day to day compared to the EP3, with a nicer interior and lower VTEC engagement point. If I had to choose one of the two to thrash down some empty roads I'd want the EP3 every time.A lot of EP3 owners did go on to own FN2s, I've seen plenty who regretted it, just like others who didn't, but I think it's fair to say that owning a car as raw as an EP3 would be enough to remind many people that they'd probably enjoy something a little more comfortable.
Get one bought, you won't regret it if you get the right car. I've done full circle back round to Type R's again after around 8 years of not owning one and to be honest I can't recommended an FN2 more highly. Good fun and just over 300 miles to a tank on motorway and a bit of blasting @32-33mpg. Do it!
Cheers for all the intresting reading. Having now driven a couple I can confirm they perfectly suit my needs of decent daily drive coupled with being able to have some grins when a nice bit of road pops up.
I was out at a meeting today and there was one at a local used car place. Red and a shed. Next!
I get the feeling this could take some time!
I was out at a meeting today and there was one at a local used car place. Red and a shed. Next!
I get the feeling this could take some time!
Mastodon2 said:
DanielJames said:
but he still did the upgrade... that says a lot.
I've just sold my EP3, and if I had been looking for a lazier, plusher and more GT style car I'd have probably been looking at FN2s also. They are a nicer car to live with day to day compared to the EP3, with a nicer interior and lower VTEC engagement point. If I had to choose one of the two to thrash down some empty roads I'd want the EP3 every time.A lot of EP3 owners did go on to own FN2s, I've seen plenty who regretted it, just like others who didn't, but I think it's fair to say that owning a car as raw as an EP3 would be enough to remind many people that they'd probably enjoy something a little more comfortable.
Sorry but 'EP3' and 'raw' always make me chuckle a bit.
I've not driven an EP3 so can't comment (Mrs RobM77 wanted a newish car as everyday transport, thus the FN2), but the OP must always bear in mind the tendency for PH contributors to equate raw/noisy with 'better driver's car'. The most notable example is the Elise S1 compared to the S2 - the S2 was an improvement in almost every area, but PH regard the S1 as the better driver's car purely because it's noisier. Likewise the S2000 vs the competition. Ridiculous. This may or may not apply to the EP3 vs FN2 debate, but it's well worth mentioning at this stage in the discussion.
The main engineering difference between the cars that I'm aware of is the rear suspension design, but how much of an effect that has (especially in a hot hatch, because they usually run very stiff rear ends indeed), I don't know cause I've not driven an EP3. I'm not aware of any other major differences; is anyone else?
The main engineering difference between the cars that I'm aware of is the rear suspension design, but how much of an effect that has (especially in a hot hatch, because they usually run very stiff rear ends indeed), I don't know cause I've not driven an EP3. I'm not aware of any other major differences; is anyone else?
Adam190 said:
Look forward to seeing the FN2 down Reading Gate in a not too distant future.
Lucky you like red as they do seem to be the cheapest FN2's out there...have you tried the civic info forum? There is usually a couple for sale on there.
I'm all over the civic forums like a rash in a wLucky you like red as they do seem to be the cheapest FN2's out there...have you tried the civic info forum? There is usually a couple for sale on there.
e house! 
Mastodon2 said:
DanielJames said:
How come you sold yours mate?
Sorry but 'EP3' and 'raw' always make me chuckle a bit.
Fancied doing my bike licence and getting an R6 mate. Sorry but 'EP3' and 'raw' always make me chuckle a bit.
I suppose I'll find out why bikers chuckle when "DC2" and "raw" are put together.
Sorry for the hijack OP. Found an FN2 yet? Civinfo should have some.
Mod edit - mind the language please, even if mis-spelt.
Edited by burriana on Thursday 31st October 10:09
I'd describe an Elise, Westfield or a Caterham as 'raw'. I find the DC2 really comfortable and quite happily drove 80 miles yesterday without the need to book an appointment at a Chiropractors. The EP3 was more refined and the FN2 another step up again.
Quite often owners forums are a good place to look as the cars are owned by enthusiasts. Look out for rust spots which have been more common than they should be on a relatively new car and issues with engaging third gear. The boxes can be quite notchy, but a transmission fluid change helps a lot. I used to get the transmission fluid changed every other year. I think you'll find most FN2's suffer from stone chips to the front end. That was my one and only complaint with my Milano EP.
I personally would look for a car that's been serviced by one of the many respectable Honda specialists. Also if the owner doesn't know where the dip stick is, walk away.
Feeling the love for the FN2 here, makes a change 
Loved mine 
People will slag it off due to it's cheap trailing arm suspension, as used by Renaultsport models... to be fair there was only a handful of times I got any movement from the rear, however this does make the car supremely stable and almost idiot proof to drive. Braking mid corner? No problem!
That said it's not like I'm getting the back-end out on my Megane 265 on every bend - on that the biggest difference is to the front of the car (thanks to that LSD no doubt) which resists understeer much better than the Civic did.
Good economy - high 30's mpg is very easy, while getting the same in the Megane is very difficult, but expect to drop to mid 20's on shorter journeys with VTEC application (once warmed up).
Shorter gearing doesn't effect economy or refinement, happy to spin at 4000rpm all day long if you want.
I'd probably consider it a more 'interesting' alternative to something like a Golf GTi rather than comparing it's to the rawest Type-Rs.
Interesting comments about paint... after 2yrs and just under 20k miles the bonnet on my red FN2 was peppered in white spots (where the paint had chipped away) is it just the flat red being thinner than the metallic colours or what?
Loved mine People will slag it off due to it's cheap trailing arm suspension, as used by Renaultsport models... to be fair there was only a handful of times I got any movement from the rear, however this does make the car supremely stable and almost idiot proof to drive. Braking mid corner? No problem!
That said it's not like I'm getting the back-end out on my Megane 265 on every bend - on that the biggest difference is to the front of the car (thanks to that LSD no doubt) which resists understeer much better than the Civic did.
Good economy - high 30's mpg is very easy, while getting the same in the Megane is very difficult, but expect to drop to mid 20's on shorter journeys with VTEC application (once warmed up).
Shorter gearing doesn't effect economy or refinement, happy to spin at 4000rpm all day long if you want.
I'd probably consider it a more 'interesting' alternative to something like a Golf GTi rather than comparing it's to the rawest Type-Rs.
Interesting comments about paint... after 2yrs and just under 20k miles the bonnet on my red FN2 was peppered in white spots (where the paint had chipped away) is it just the flat red being thinner than the metallic colours or what?
I've owned 2 EP3's (second was a premier) and a crystal black FN2 with LSD/xenons. As a place to sit and with the extra toys/much nicer interior the FN2 wins. I also thought the steering on the FN2 was a little better than the EP3 too. Having IPOD connectivity, cruise and other comforts was great. However I still think the EP3 was more fun to drive. In reality (ignore Hondas BS) the FN2 GT is well over 100kg heavier with basically the same engine. The FN2 never felt as lively acceleration wise, mid range or standing start. The ride was if anything even more harsh than the EP3 (that was on standard 18's not 19 rage alloys). Rear visibility was very poor and build quality probably wasn't much in it. Paint on all civics is poor. Don't get me wrong the FN2 particularly the late ones with all the kit are very good cars, and for most people preferable to the EP3. Purely for driving fun for me the EP3 is still better.
MarkRSi said:
Interesting comments about paint... after 2yrs and just under 20k miles the bonnet on my red FN2 was peppered in white spots (where the paint had chipped away) is it just the flat red being thinner than the metallic colours or what?
No, my silver bonnet is looking quite poor after 33k.rossub said:
MarkRSi said:
Interesting comments about paint... after 2yrs and just under 20k miles the bonnet on my red FN2 was peppered in white spots (where the paint had chipped away) is it just the flat red being thinner than the metallic colours or what?
No, my silver bonnet is looking quite poor after 33k.
Same with our black one at about the same mileage. The forums are full of stories of resprays and even Honda warranty claims.
DanielJames said:
It isn't inferior to an EP3!! I can't even see an EP3 in your Garage, so I can't even put it down to another brainwashed EP3 owner.
No, I've never owned either, so my judgement is purely down to an objective an dispassionate analysis of each car. If I were being sentimental, I'd lean towards the FN2, as it was the first 'fast' Honda I drove and when I started working for the company I now work for, they were the 'in' thing to have and all the young lads wanted one. That said, I simply couldn't say it was better than the EP3 because it's just not. As I've mentioned, I find it inferior in many regards. The price of EP3's makes them an even more attractive proposition now compared to the FN2. You might 'laugh' when hear the EP3 referred to as 'raw', and no, it's hardly going to challenge a Caterham in that respect. But it is definitely of a different breed to the hot hatches you can buy now (as is the dulled and awkward looking FN2).
I owned a CTR FN2 for a year.
It had the worst suspension set up of any car I have ever owned - compliance wise. I don't think the car actually had any suspension - hit a pothole and you will shatter your spine. The ride is, frankly, unacceptable.
Rear visibility is poor. The front seats have no memory function when they have been tipped forward to allow access to the rear seats - a daft fault.
On the plus side the seats are excellent. Engine/ induction noise is addictive. Performance/ handling (apart from the harshness of the ride) is good.
Would I have another ? Nope. Focus ST is a better car.
It had the worst suspension set up of any car I have ever owned - compliance wise. I don't think the car actually had any suspension - hit a pothole and you will shatter your spine. The ride is, frankly, unacceptable.
Rear visibility is poor. The front seats have no memory function when they have been tipped forward to allow access to the rear seats - a daft fault.
On the plus side the seats are excellent. Engine/ induction noise is addictive. Performance/ handling (apart from the harshness of the ride) is good.
Would I have another ? Nope. Focus ST is a better car.
DanielJames said:
Patrick Bateman said:
A friend has just bought one after owning an EP3. He says the ride is horrendous on anything but smooth tarmac.
but he still did the upgrade... that says a lot.It's on 18's Rob.
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