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Hi everyone, first post (I had an account years ago but I can't remember what it was) I currently drive a 2016 fk2 civic type r, it's pros are, it's fast, 306bhp, but it's lighter than lots of it's peers and more powerful motors such as the focus rs, handling is sharp, loads of grip, the diff drags you flying out of corners, great seats and seating position, fantastic gear box, great brembo brakes, however I think whilst in my eyes it's considerably better looking than the current fk8 type r it still has a certain stigma around it's looks and it's underated as a driver's car because of that, people preferring the slower and less engaging golf r, when actually it punches above it's weight, I believe the type r Nurburgring lap time of around 7:50 is similar to the f80 m4.
However despite all of that I can't help but think maybe I should move on. Partly I think it's because the car is almost too good/new there isn't really anything I can do with it, no simple mods like upgrading the pads and hoses as the brakes are already great and mods like an exhaust for this car are pointless in my opinion because non of them sound good. I could easily get it up to 400bhp but I'm not sure that would really do it for me either. Strangely out of all the cars I've had over the last 10 years a T4 vw transporter was the one I connected with the most and it was rubbish, covered in rust, no third gear, slow as anything but there was always a job I could do on it.
So the criteria is as follows; I have a little boy so I need four seats, ideally isofix, I'd rather it was ULEZ compliant, engaging performance car, rear or four wheel drive, ideally not a hot hatch, I'd be keen to do a couple of track days, don't mind doing a bit of spannering myself, budget 17k (I don't want a PCP or hp on this occasion) there are only two cars that I've managed to come up with at the moment; e92 M3 or C63 AMG, my concern on the M3 is some people say it's like driving a 320d unless you're really on it and it's torque figure is the same as the type r with a lot more weight so I'm concerned it will feel a bit slow, my concerns with the C63 is my budget only gets me the 7g tronic gear box and coming from a sweet manual I'm concerned about not getting the gear I want when I want it. Can anyone throw anything else into the mix? Oh and no Audi's, I'm not into understeer
However despite all of that I can't help but think maybe I should move on. Partly I think it's because the car is almost too good/new there isn't really anything I can do with it, no simple mods like upgrading the pads and hoses as the brakes are already great and mods like an exhaust for this car are pointless in my opinion because non of them sound good. I could easily get it up to 400bhp but I'm not sure that would really do it for me either. Strangely out of all the cars I've had over the last 10 years a T4 vw transporter was the one I connected with the most and it was rubbish, covered in rust, no third gear, slow as anything but there was always a job I could do on it.
So the criteria is as follows; I have a little boy so I need four seats, ideally isofix, I'd rather it was ULEZ compliant, engaging performance car, rear or four wheel drive, ideally not a hot hatch, I'd be keen to do a couple of track days, don't mind doing a bit of spannering myself, budget 17k (I don't want a PCP or hp on this occasion) there are only two cars that I've managed to come up with at the moment; e92 M3 or C63 AMG, my concern on the M3 is some people say it's like driving a 320d unless you're really on it and it's torque figure is the same as the type r with a lot more weight so I'm concerned it will feel a bit slow, my concerns with the C63 is my budget only gets me the 7g tronic gear box and coming from a sweet manual I'm concerned about not getting the gear I want when I want it. Can anyone throw anything else into the mix? Oh and no Audi's, I'm not into understeer
Willuk said:
So the criteria is as follows; I have a little boy so I need four seats, ideally isofix, I'd rather it was ULEZ compliant, engaging performance car, rear or four wheel drive, ideally not a hot hatch, I'd be keen to do a couple of track days, don't mind doing a bit of spannering myself, budget 17k (I don't want a PCP or hp on this occasion) there are only two cars that I've managed to come up with at the moment; e92 M3 or C63 AMG, my concern on the M3 is some people say it's like driving a 320d unless you're really on it and it's torque figure is the same as the type r with a lot more weight so I'm concerned it will feel a bit slow, my concerns with the C63 is my budget only gets me the 7g tronic gear box and coming from a sweet manual I'm concerned about not getting the gear I want when I want it. Can anyone throw anything else into the mix? Oh and no Audi's, I'm not into understeer
After your Civic I think that you may well be a little disappointed with the E92 M3 in terms of its power delivery, however it does have a manic top end though which is hugely addictive and a lovely induction noise. The M3 does just feel like a 320d to sit in when stuck in traffic(well it did for me), however the chassis/suspension is a big leap over a 320d when you are pushing on in the corners/having some fun. Like you the auto puts me off a C63 and my ideal would be a E92 M3 with a manual gearbox...but with the C63's 6.2 V8 under the bonnet!
A Lexus ISF with its 5 Litre V8 could be a consideration for you perhaps? Although you are still stuck with an auto gearbox.
Hmm yes that Lexus is worth a look thanks, in terms of the gearbox I'm not too concerned with the DCT in the M3 as it's supposed to be quick and I thought it might help me keep it high in the revs, but the 7g tronic appears to be quite slow. Sound is also a key thing for me particularly coming from the Civic which doesn't sound great.
I can advise on the M3 as my brother has one I'd say budget to have the throttle bodies & Vanos done as well as the preventative work on the bottom end he had to do all the above.
As for the performance it won't feel as lively initially but they do have a heavy weight pull that the 4 pot turbo can't quite match also changing/modifying the exhaust makes a big difference to the whole event of driving the car.
As a sidebar I'd say find a saloon if you can as IMO they look better are more rare & thus hold their money a little better.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E90-M3-Saloon-Massi...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Now my OH had the C63 & I have the CLK63 they're bombastic cars now the 7g is actually fine change wise it's not MCT quick but it's a lot stronger & if the shifts aren't quick enough you can have them improved.
Some people will say headbolts are a potential issue but I've only known two cars that it proved to be a problem on although you can have preventative work done on these too, you can get some MCT cars in your budget.
I'd also say that finding a Performance Pack car with the diff makes a notable difference to how they drive or budget to drop a Quaife LSD (I can recommend these as I have one in the CLK) in & if the car hasn't got one then an X Pipe is a must.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There are two other cars I'd be looking at, the first is the Lexus IS-F
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-Lexus-IS-F-5-0-V8-...
Some people find the ride a bit stiff but these are cars that get under your skin they're underrated & the engine is a peach, some people that they lack torque but it's not true, they're lacking compared to the (but what doesn't) 6.2.
Maintenance wise they're great value as main dealer servicing is at the same level as a specialist for the other two.
The other car is the VXR8 another underrated drivers car that 6.0/6.2 is bombproof very tuneable & spacious, it'll surprise you on track too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
All are N/A & something that'll be missed in the future all have their own character & will be a great fillet to your Type R.
As for the performance it won't feel as lively initially but they do have a heavy weight pull that the 4 pot turbo can't quite match also changing/modifying the exhaust makes a big difference to the whole event of driving the car.
As a sidebar I'd say find a saloon if you can as IMO they look better are more rare & thus hold their money a little better.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E90-M3-Saloon-Massi...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Now my OH had the C63 & I have the CLK63 they're bombastic cars now the 7g is actually fine change wise it's not MCT quick but it's a lot stronger & if the shifts aren't quick enough you can have them improved.
Some people will say headbolts are a potential issue but I've only known two cars that it proved to be a problem on although you can have preventative work done on these too, you can get some MCT cars in your budget.
I'd also say that finding a Performance Pack car with the diff makes a notable difference to how they drive or budget to drop a Quaife LSD (I can recommend these as I have one in the CLK) in & if the car hasn't got one then an X Pipe is a must.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There are two other cars I'd be looking at, the first is the Lexus IS-F
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-Lexus-IS-F-5-0-V8-...
Some people find the ride a bit stiff but these are cars that get under your skin they're underrated & the engine is a peach, some people that they lack torque but it's not true, they're lacking compared to the (but what doesn't) 6.2.
Maintenance wise they're great value as main dealer servicing is at the same level as a specialist for the other two.
The other car is the VXR8 another underrated drivers car that 6.0/6.2 is bombproof very tuneable & spacious, it'll surprise you on track too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
All are N/A & something that'll be missed in the future all have their own character & will be a great fillet to your Type R.
Sound wise I'm sure that you'd be impressed by the C63/M3 and ISF because V8's make a lovely noise. 
I found my M3 a little too quiet from the exhaust as standard(although most performance cars now are like that), but it is an easy fix to improve the exhaust noise(gutting the rear silencer) of the M3 though.
I found my M3 a little too quiet from the exhaust as standard(although most performance cars now are like that), but it is an easy fix to improve the exhaust noise(gutting the rear silencer) of the M3 though.
Thanks for the suggestions! Good to hear a few more options, leaning towards the C63 at the moment, still thinking I will have to get a 7g tronic rather than MCT for my budget. Anyone know how well the engines cope with mileage? Also is the mpg much worse than the M3 or are they both equally terrible?
What about an F80 M4 manual? If you look they do come up and they’re not the favoured gear combination so you might get one for your budget especially after all this panic.
Yes yes I know about noise etc but they’re still a straight six and they have a hell of a wallop that never gets old. Everyone forgot how rough the YBT and CVHs sounded back in the day and now they’re “legends”.
I’ve had two and they’re great cars that will entertain you in the longer term, in my opinion. They’re also easier to exploit on the road than the earlier car because of the ridiculous torque.
Yes yes I know about noise etc but they’re still a straight six and they have a hell of a wallop that never gets old. Everyone forgot how rough the YBT and CVHs sounded back in the day and now they’re “legends”.
I’ve had two and they’re great cars that will entertain you in the longer term, in my opinion. They’re also easier to exploit on the road than the earlier car because of the ridiculous torque.
Willuk said:
Thanks! I'm also tempted to add the B7 RS4 to the list as despite not really being an Audi fan I've always loved that one, it's an older model of car than the Merc and M3 though, doesn't really have the mod cons.
The B7 is a great drivers car (I'm a bit bias as I had a supercharged one) you can always update the infotainment with ease but the interior is still good & the wing back recaros are worth seeking out.I will be honest though & say that I'd be buying a C63 (& would have no qualms about buying a 7G) followed by the VXR8 & IS-F with RS4 & M3 in joint fourth but I will say you can't really go wrong with any of them it'll come down to personal taste & how much you're prepared to leave aside for maintenance.
Julian Thompson said:
What about an F80 M4 manual? If you look they do come up and they’re not the favoured gear combination so you might get one for your budget especially after all this panic.
Yes yes I know about noise etc but they’re still a straight six and they have a hell of a wallop that never gets old. Everyone forgot how rough the YBT and CVHs sounded back in the day and now they’re “legends”.
I’ve had two and they’re great cars that will entertain you in the longer term, in my opinion. They’re also easier to exploit on the road than the earlier car because of the ridiculous torque.
I'd definitely be keen for one of those, I just don't think I would come in budget, my civic is worth 18-19k and I don't want to add any extra cash at the minute. M4 is on the list at some point though. Yes yes I know about noise etc but they’re still a straight six and they have a hell of a wallop that never gets old. Everyone forgot how rough the YBT and CVHs sounded back in the day and now they’re “legends”.
I’ve had two and they’re great cars that will entertain you in the longer term, in my opinion. They’re also easier to exploit on the road than the earlier car because of the ridiculous torque.
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