Honda Civic Type-R (2001 - 2005) 2.0i VTEC 3d (AC) (2005/05) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

In red or black, possibly that you are a boy racer. In grey (mine) people don't really notice it - it's just another Honda to the uneducated eye. Looks great to those in the know I think.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

No one dislikes it. I change my cars so often they are probably afraid to get attached.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not as there are so many other cars I want to try. Shame Honda doesn't yet have a decent replacement.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe I'll go back to scoobies (if I fancy 20mpg again). Golf GTI just a little too boring. Focus RS perhaps - just wish they were lighter. New Focus ST maybe.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

August 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I paid over the odds but it really is immaculate with low miles and completely unmarked grey paintwork (the best colour IMHO). I don't mind paying more for the best.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I love the whole Honda thing; clever engineering, screaming engines, fantastic gearboxes, etc. I didn't want another import type-r and a DC2 is a little harsh for a daily driver. New CTR is rubbish and the ATR too old.

What was the dealer like?

Typical 2nd hand car dealer but honest enough.

What's it like to drive?

Nothing polarises opinion like the old VTec v. turbo debate. I love scoobies and have owned a few - at times I miss them - but the genuinely astonishing engineering of the Honda is tremendous. No it doesn't have the lazy midrange power of a turbo but then a turbo doesn't have the throttle response or top-end power of the Honda. Horses for courses. Ignore the critics - it has a decent amount of torque at low revs and flies above 6k rpm. I've owned several supercars (GTR, porsche, corvette) and am still impressed with the CTR and what it can do with 2 litres.

What's it like to park?

Easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Steering had the characterist stiffness when I bought it. Under warranty I had them replace the plastic slider inside the steering rack which lightened things up a little. Still doesn't self-center perfectly but that's the car - steering feel isn't its best feature.

What's most practical about your car?

All said and done, it's a hatchback.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The gearbox - why can't other manufacturers do it?