Honda Civic Type-R (2001 - 2005) 2.0i VTEC 3d (AC) (2004/54) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Slightly boy racer image. A Mk5 Golf GTI has the better image but cost more and is less fast. I don't care what people think.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
All positive comments. Seems to fairly "under the radar".
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, but I'd probably keep this one as a second car if I bought something sportier and impractical.
What are you likely to buy next?
BMW M3 or Mazda MX5.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£8,150
When did you buy the car?
August 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes. 5 years of depreciation, it was half the price of the new model. Low mileage, very well looked after and with a full Honda service history it was a bargain.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Its the combination of the reliability of a Japanese car, with the speed, handling as well as the practicality of a owning a hot hatchback. It's effectively like having 3 cars in one. I even packed boxes in the back, with the seats folded when moving house.
What was the dealer like?
N/A
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
A doddle at low revs, cheap and relatively efficient yet still fun due to the handling. It really screams at higher revs with the VTEC engine spinning at up to 8000rpm before having to change gear. Slightly harsh ride but certainly better than other "hot hatches".
What's it like to park?
Large electrically operated mirrors means you can point them at the rear tyres and get it inch perfect. Wheels are prone to kerbing if you're not accurate or rushing. Same as on all cars really.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Not once. Epic reliability. Only services and front brake discs and pads in 3 years of low mileage ownership.
What's most practical about your car?
Flat folding rear seats. No central transmission tunnel running though the middle of the car meaning a completely flat floor in the rear. Reasonably size makes use of tight gaps when parking or negotiating narrow roads with oncoming traffic.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The gear shift. A really metallic and mechanical short-throw feel. It's a real pleasure to use. The air conditioning and heated mirrors are very handy too.
