JDM Civic Type R.....worth it?

[bdgriffiths]

Hi All,

Following some research and a recent topic in general gassing I have decided to swap my Fabia VRS for an EP3, even if it will be around March next year.

I've already made that decision, the next one is a lot tougher though, buy a premier edition or go the whole hog and get a JDM one.

So basically I want to know from experience, or knowledge, is it worth the extra cash for a JDM. At the moment I am leaning towards the JDM for the LSD and I think white is the best colour but thought I would put the question out there to the knowlegeable worl of Pistonheads.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[VeeTEC]

More power and better handling. Better interior and better image among fans of Jap metal.

What's not to like?

You'll pay a bit more than an equivalent UK model, but it should hold more of that value over time. A 2002 with average miles and good history is about £6.5-7k. A UK example should be around £4-5k

Insurance group 20. Not sure if this a problem for you?

Servicing, running costs etc basically the same as a normal EP3.

If I was getting another EP3 and could afford the extra purchase cost and insurance, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Just make sure it has all the import paperwork, and has had the under sealing and other work done properly when it was imported.

EDIT: You said you're looking at premiers. They start at around 6k for a half decent highish miler. You'll be paying more for an older JDM. Face lift JDMs do exist, but hard to find, and you'll be paying more still.

Edited by VeeTEC on Sunday 28th August 12:57

Edited by VeeTEC on Sunday 28th August 13:08

[Martin_Hx]

Only thing that stopped me getting a JDM instead of mine was the insurance, being under 25 at the time i would have probably been raped !

[bdgriffiths]

Insurance only worked out at around £300 more for me somehow

[bazza1000]

The main attraction is the fact that you can get a championship white paintwork - looks amazing!

The JDM versions tend to go for a couple of grand more than the UK spec EP3's.

Insurance will be more though as they are group 20 (top bracket), worth it for the exclusivity and LSD.

[havoc]

Make sure of the history, and that the underseal has been done properly.

Otherwise go for it. Alternatively, buy and fit an LSD yourself for less than the price premium on a JDM, as that's 80-90% of the difference.
(The "extra power" is on Japanese 100RON fuel - in the UK, even on super, it'll retard the spark slightly - probably still will be more than a UKDM, but not a lot)


Having driven a few, I can say that the engine mapping varies - some feel in very fine fettle, others feel rather flat. So I'd probably get the best 04+ (sorted some of the early-car niggles out) that I could, and hope that it was a JDM machine...

[diddly69]

Your yellow NSX looks brilliant Havoc!

[woodytype S]

The only thing that I can add is that white IS the best colour.

[SB10]

bdgriffiths said:

Hi All,

Following some research and a recent topic in general gassing I have decided to swap my Fabia VRS for an EP3, even if it will be around March next year.

I've already made that decision, the next one is a lot tougher though, buy a premier edition or go the whole hog and get a JDM one.

So basically I want to know from experience, or knowledge, is it worth the extra cash for a JDM. At the moment I am leaning towards the JDM for the LSD and I think white is the best colour but thought I would put the question out there to the knowlegeable worl of Pistonheads.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

I would definately get aPremier edition, then if required you can fit the LSD to it.

Nearly all the JDM EP3's appear to be pre-facelifts as from memory there was an issue with the model report for the facelift model, so only a handfull got imported. I could well be wrong though!