Going to go look at (and hopefully buy) a FN2 Type R tomorro
Going to go look at (and hopefully buy) a FN2 Type R tomorro
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Discussion

Wixzylol

Original Poster:

44 posts

96 months

Friday 5th July 2019
quotequote all
Hi all,

Need some advice here, I'm going to go look at and hopefully buy a Type R FN2 tomorrow, it's at 77k miles and just had its major service done but I'm curious if it would still be worth getting an independent inspection from RAC/AA?

It passed its MOT with no advisories as well as had the major service done with valve clearances checked and had some work done in the last couple months which the seller has receipts for,

The car has limited service history and I checked the MOT history and it all looks good, just a few things gone wrong in the past like shock absorbers leaking and then the usual pads low...

So, would it be worth still getting an independent inspection on the car if it's in good nick? This is my first time purchasing a car a car so I'm not confident in my own ability to work out any issues and so this makes me think I should get one done, if you think I should get it done then what do you think is the best company + type of inspection? The car is listed for £4.5k.

Many thanks!

Edited by Wixzylol on Friday 5th July 17:46

jsims1

291 posts

147 months

Friday 5th July 2019
quotequote all

jsims1

291 posts

147 months

Friday 5th July 2019
quotequote all
I think these types of checks are a license to print money in my eyes.
Every single guy we've had come to our place for inspections bar one has not been a mechanic in the past. The majority of them have been farmers who do the inspections on the side for extra cash.
Most of the while we have customers report back to us with comments like "why is the locking wheel nut key not in the car" or "where's the tyre inflator" etc etc... every single time they've been in the boot exactly where they should be.
If you feel the need to spend the best part of £200 on an inspection then that's up to you but I think you'd be better off keeping that cash for extra fuel money to enjoy the car.
I've had 4 Type R cars and all of them have been absolutely fine (though my FN2 was only with me for 2 weeks as I really didn't enjoy it) so just buy the thing and have some fun!

Wixzylol

Original Poster:

44 posts

96 months

Saturday 6th July 2019
quotequote all
jsims1 said:
I think these types of checks are a license to print money in my eyes.
Every single guy we've had come to our place for inspections bar one has not been a mechanic in the past. The majority of them have been farmers who do the inspections on the side for extra cash.
Most of the while we have customers report back to us with comments like "why is the locking wheel nut key not in the car" or "where's the tyre inflator" etc etc... every single time they've been in the boot exactly where they should be.
If you feel the need to spend the best part of £200 on an inspection then that's up to you but I think you'd be better off keeping that cash for extra fuel money to enjoy the car.
I've had 4 Type R cars and all of them have been absolutely fine (though my FN2 was only with me for 2 weeks as I really didn't enjoy it) so just buy the thing and have some fun!
oh dear!

So you think the fact that it's had a major service and passed it's MOT with 0 adviseries is sufficent? I really don't know what to look out for myself I have a little checklist but I'm not exactly confident in my ability to work out if it's a good car!

Gareth1974

3,477 posts

168 months

Saturday 6th July 2019
quotequote all
I really liked my FN2 Type R - until I had to start using it for a 80 mile round trip commute each day, which it wasn't really cut out for.

They can rust on door tops - peel rubber seal back slightly on the top (the right angled corner which meets the rear window).

Some Type Rs would have been subject to recalls - you can check here if there's anything outstanding https://www.honda.co.uk/cars/owners/recalls-and-up...

I also had mine fixed (out of warranty but free of charge) for a annoying creaking noise from the front subframe, apparently it's a known/common issue and is/was on a service bulletin.

Wixzylol

Original Poster:

44 posts

96 months

Saturday 6th July 2019
quotequote all
Gareth1974 said:
I really liked my FN2 Type R - until I had to start using it for a 80 mile round trip commute each day, which it wasn't really cut out for.

They can rust on door tops - peel rubber seal back slightly on the top (the right angled corner which meets the rear window).

Some Type Rs would have been subject to recalls - you can check here if there's anything outstanding https://www.honda.co.uk/cars/owners/recalls-and-up...

I also had mine fixed (out of warranty but free of charge) for a annoying creaking noise from the front subframe, apparently it's a known/common issue and is/was on a service bulletin.
Okay cool I've got the following checlist so far:

When did you buy?
HPI check input info
Chassis number (base of windscreen passenger side)
Engine number (top of engine down one side)
Receipts for work done recently
MOT check
Major service check, valve clearences, where is it done? Call and check.
Any problems?
Any mods?
Tax not paid this year (hagling pont)

Vehicle checks-
Peel rubber at right angle window to check for rust.
4th and 3rd gear check for clunk
any creaking with the car
Does VTEC work?
Cruise Control?
Air con?
Brakes last checked/pads changed?
Check oil levels
Look underneath for rust
Check tyre tred and that each axel is the same
Check mileage on dash matches
How many keys?
Motor fold in mirrors work?


If you guys think I need to check anything else lemme know!

dave_s13

14,026 posts

298 months

Saturday 6th July 2019
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If it's your 1st time buying a car like that, ie one to get a bit excited about, then just admit defeat and come to terms with the fact your going to buy it.

I wouldn't get too hung up on picking over the minutae of what could go wrong with it, certainly check for any rusty bits and evidence it's been servifee,but if it looks right, sounds right, drives and stops right, it'll more than likely be right!

Tax isn't a thing anymore btw. You have to buy fresh car tax in your name whenever you buy a car nowadays. Any remaining tax is credited back to the previous owner.

Wixzylol

Original Poster:

44 posts

96 months

Saturday 6th July 2019
quotequote all
dave_s13 said:
If it's your 1st time buying a car like that, ie one to get a bit excited about, then just admit defeat and come to terms with the fact your going to buy it.

I wouldn't get too hung up on picking over the minutae of what could go wrong with it, certainly check for any rusty bits and evidence it's been servifee,but if it looks right, sounds right, drives and stops right, it'll more than likely be right!

Tax isn't a thing anymore btw. You have to buy fresh car tax in your name whenever you buy a car nowadays. Any remaining tax is credited back to the previous owner.
Okay cool, what about test drive? The car isn't currently taxed and I'm not sure how insurance works for these kinds of things, last thing I want is points on my license for driving something illegally....

Thanks for the advice though, I'll do general checks and make sure the Major service recepits and the MOT from last week adds up and that'll be enough, then I'll go home and get all my insurance and paperwork sorted and hopefully get the car within 2-3 days,

Good plan?

dave_s13

14,026 posts

298 months

Saturday 6th July 2019
quotequote all
No, the proper way is.

Get a mate, or your other half to drive you over to the car.
Have means of payment ready
Have a poke around the car
Check paperwork all looks legit.
Make sure seller isn't a crack head.
Take it for a mildly illegal run round the block to make sure it's all something like.
Agree a price.
Hand over cash, sign v5.
Get on the phone and/or online to insure and tax it.
Drive home grinning to yourself.

That's the way I usually do it anyway. When I buy a new car I can't stand going to see it, then coming back a few days later. I want it NOW!!

Good luck anyway. Cool cars, I had use of one for a week a while back and loved it.

And when I've sold cars privately, as long as the seller seems sensible then I'm happy for them to take it for a short ride round the block. It's a risk but then so is being alive.

Gareth1974

3,477 posts

168 months

Saturday 6th July 2019
quotequote all
dave_s13 said:
No, the proper way is.
Surely the proper was is to say "Wots ur best price M8" on a text message. And then offer half the asking price, 'cos it's cash innit.