FN2 Type R/Alternatives?

FN2 Type R/Alternatives?

Author
Discussion

JLC25

Original Poster:

572 posts

122 months

Tuesday 13th March 2018
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So, after 2 years, I have decided the ZC31 Swift Sport has to go. Incredible fun, incredible value, but an opportunity to only need a car for the weekends is approaching, so something with a bit more power (at the expense of MPG) can be justified.

The FN2 looks good - the interior/exterior has dated well, seems to be quick and practical when needed, and with Eurospec being nearby the potential for a bit of tuning is there. However, with a budget of 6k, is there anything else worth considering? I would like to keep something NA and high revving, but turbo isn't completely excluded, but I would worry leaving a DC2 or S2000 outside the house. Is there anything outside of these 2 with this budget worth looking into?

Kewy

1,462 posts

94 months

Tuesday 13th March 2018
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If you can stretch slightly more then have a look at CL7 Accord Euro R's – had one for a couple of years now and couldn't be happier with it.

rossub

4,442 posts

190 months

Tuesday 13th March 2018
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Kewy said:
If you can stretch slightly more then have a look at CL7 Accord Euro R's – had one for a couple of years now and couldn't be happier with it.
It’s a bit big for a weekend kind of a car though?

If he was to stretch a bit to £7k, I’d be looking at a JDM EP3. I had one for a year - super rare, fantastic fun, LSD, 215bhp and would hold value much better than an FN2. Wish I still had it as my daily actually.

Kewy

1,462 posts

94 months

Wednesday 14th March 2018
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rossub said:
It’s a bit big for a weekend kind of a car though?

If he was to stretch a bit to £7k, I’d be looking at a JDM EP3. I had one for a year - super rare, fantastic fun, LSD, 215bhp and would hold value much better than an FN2. Wish I still had it as my daily actually.
Ah I completely missed the 'weekend' bit! Just saw practicality and NA smile

Andy S15

399 posts

127 months

Thursday 15th March 2018
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In terms of a weekend car, an FN2 isn't really special enough. They make a good all round daily, but have certain compromises to improve practicality, which isn't exactly your priority.

For what you want, I'd be looking at an EP3 as it's a more focused drivers car, indeed an S2000 if you can get one within budget (are they really that nickable?) maybe DC5/2 if you can budget for one.

Commander2874

374 posts

85 months

Sunday 18th March 2018
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An fn2 is a fantastic weekend car! I love going for spins on the local b roads and couldn't be happier. I'd recommend getting one with an lsd so you can really smash those corners!

aka_kerrly

12,418 posts

210 months

Monday 19th March 2018
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Type-R-FN2-Supercharged...


Rotrex'd Fn2 for £6k?

Although if i were going for a more standard FN2 I'd try and hold out for a 2010 onward with a LSD or budget to put a diff in.

If you can't source a DC5 or JDM ep3 then it's still easy to pick up a late good condition EP3 and put some money into a LSD/final drive swap & refurbishing brakes/suspension to get the most out of it.

designforlife

3,734 posts

163 months

Tuesday 20th March 2018
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£7k should net you a higher mileage DC5...good blend of practicality and weekend car-ness.

I would go with that or an s2k.

S3000

511 posts

159 months

Tuesday 20th March 2018
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FN2 is practical... and has a huge Room in the back, that was the reason for me to get it.

JLC25

Original Poster:

572 posts

122 months

Wednesday 21st March 2018
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S3000 said:
FN2 is practical... and has a huge Room in the back, that was the reason for me to get it.
Part of the appeal - can jump between both when needed.

Thanks for the feedback so far -it will probably be one of these or something french...

chrismc1977

854 posts

112 months

Wednesday 4th April 2018
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An Accord R?

DC2 thrills on a budget.

You could get a really nice one for your budget- with change to make it go even better.

https://youtu.be/wyki7IDBCM8


Andy S15

399 posts

127 months

Sunday 8th April 2018
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Not sure now if OP has made a decision, but I stand by my previous comment.

I have an S2000 and an FN2. I guess your perspective on 'specialness' depends on what else you've had. For me, the FN2 is a fantastic all rounder for my daily needs, and a good handler with decent enough power for my daily country lane commute. However, once the new car glow wore off, it's just a good all rounder with nothing really special feeling about it. It's just good.

The S2000 though is an event every time I drive it. Top down goodness, completely driver focused and fantastic sounds - all at the expense of the other elements which make a car a good all rounder.

Since an EP3 an FN2 can be had for pretty much the same money, I'd still be leaning towards an EP3 for OP's needs.

JLC25

Original Poster:

572 posts

122 months

Tuesday 10th April 2018
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chrismc1977 said:
An Accord R?

DC2 thrills on a budget.

You could get a really nice one for your budget- with change to make it go even better.

https://youtu.be/wyki7IDBCM8
Be still my beating BTCC heart! - this is certainly the "budget" contender along side the Clio 172/182.

chrismc1977

854 posts

112 months

Tuesday 10th April 2018
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JLC25 said:
Be still my beating BTCC heart! - this is certainly the "budget" contender along side the Clio 172/182.
I’d definitely advise driving one. They feel small to drive.

I’ve had 2 ATR’s & now on my 2nd DC2! Only bought the Integra as it was too good to turn down- & for me the ultimate definition of the Type R.

A fresh & subtley tweaked ATR is a really good match though.

I’d have one ahead of the Renaults tbh. A decent bit of headway for more grunt as well (something the B18C lacks IMO)

edgeychris

3 posts

78 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
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For 6K could OP get a Very well specc'd EP3? K-Pro'd 230bhp 9K RPM LSD with change surely? abit for Raw, Special and Weekend'y than an FN2 IMO

chrismc1977

854 posts

112 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
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edgeychris said:
For 6K could OP get a Very well specc'd EP3? K-Pro'd 230bhp 9K RPM LSD with change surely? abit for Raw, Special and Weekend'y than an FN2 IMO
Depends on what you’re used to but the steering feel is so poor compared to a DC2 or ATR....

A better drive than an FN2 though. That would be way down the list.

A refreshed Clio cup would be another decent choice for me

df76

3,629 posts

278 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
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If I was looking for a weekend only "fun" car for £6-7k, I would be going straight to a JDM EP3. Would be a blast and a totally secure investment. With proper maintenance and care there would be zero deprecation.

dobly

1,181 posts

159 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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If you can find one, a VTEC CRX B16a will be fun - 150-160 BHP, up to 8200RPM, driving less than 1000kg with fantastic double wishbone suspension.

NicCTR

509 posts

87 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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I was deciding between the Clio RS and the EP3 but as my username suggests you can tell what I bought.

Main reason for picking the Honda was for its dependability being my only car. If I was buying for a fun/weekend car I'd have bought a Clio, fitted a couple of Pole Positions, have a fast road set up done and stripped it to shed some more weight (I'm 6ft and 80kg before anyone asks biggrin)

JLC25

Original Poster:

572 posts

122 months

Monday 23rd April 2018
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After doing some reading - the FN2 isn't doing it for me. The EP3 seems like a much more special car - and there's a fair few nice examples for around 3k. Will hopefully end up trying one back to back against a 182 cup. Accord Type R is too few and far between unfortunately!