Civic type R 01-05 questions

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Hello chaps,

My fiancé would absolutely love one of these and I have a few questions.

Is 2.5-3k enough to buy a non ruined and mechanically sound example?
Do the engines take high mileage well?
Are there any optional extras that are particularly good I should look for?
What are the main weak points I should check?
And probably most importantly, how do the running costs compare to a non type R of the same era? I'm mainly referring to cost of parts and tyres etc.

I'm pretty handy with a spanner so am confident in tackling most jobs. Her previous car was a 2001 1.6 civic, hence the above question regarding running costs, she only does about 5k miles a year so fuel consumption and tyre wear aren't a concern.

Thanks all.

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Thanks for the replies chaps, they are most helpful. I have a couple of further questions -

How harsh is the ride?
I only ask as she liked the soft ride of the standard civic and the way it would absorb bumps. Whenever we go out in my car (MR2 mk2) it's quite jarring driving over big potholes etc. And she doesn't really like it. I have explained that's just because it's a performance car and they're designed to have stiff suspension!

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sandman77 said:

Are you sure it's your fiancé that's wants a type-r?

It's her dream car! But I must admit I'm putting a lot of effort in to make her think she needs to buy one.

The one and only stickler at the moment is the question of how firm the ride is, we're going to test drive one soon and see how she gets on. If she doesn't find it too bad then it's a definite I think.

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Mr2Mike said:

Some genuine parts can be stupidly expensive e.g. a full set of new engine mounts will set you back ~£400 and pattern one are not available. However most service parts are reasonably priced (pads, discs etc) and they do tend to be reliable. I don't have a good estimate of what I spend on mine each year, but it's certainly been one the cheaper cars I've owned. I get 30-35mpg on my 60mile round commute depending on how much VTEC action I feel like, though expect that to drop a fair bit if doing short journeys and thrashing it constantly. Best I have achieved is 40mpg driving like a comatose granny.

Edited by Mr2Mike on Sunday 30th April 19:10

Thanks for your most comprehensive reply!

I've found a couple near to us that I'd appreciate some comments on by you kind chaps -

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

I'm not sure what makes the bottom one worth £500 more, but it does say it's unmodified.
That's another requirement, she doesn't want some horrible noisy aftermarket exhaust or for it to be lowered on crap springs further reducing the ride quality.
Preferably she'd like it to be in standard condition.

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Sadly it is not to be, she has decided that practically is key and wants another 05 1.6 civic. Oh well, perhaps next time.