Looking at buying an FN2 Type R

[RossF1984]

Hi,

I am looking at buying an FN2 Type R in the coming weeks, as a weekend toy, after the recent article...

As this will be my first Civic just asking for a little advice...

I have seen one on a well know auction site but in the pictures the EPS light (Orange steering wheel with exclamation light next to it) is illuminated when the ignition is on but engine not running. Is this normal?

Also is it common problem on the Milano red cars for the lacquer to peel on the plastics?

Any other advice or common faults to look out for would be appreciated....

Thanks!!

Ross

[Mark-t]

I can't answer your question about the power steering as I no longer own mine to check.
Things to check:

Rust where the windscreen meets the roof - there is a Honda recall to rectify this but only up to 10 years old IIRC. They reprint the roof and replace the seal with a revised item.
Clutches don't slip but the pedal becomes heavy - it should feel nice and light with no crunches at high RPM.
Front sub frames can click when accelerating/braking heavy. Honda recommend greasing between surfaces and re-torque bolts. I found rigid collars were a more permanent solution.

They're great cars and don't deserve the criticism they received in the press at the time.

[RossF1984]

Thanks for the reply...

Just have to find one worth buying now....

[john7]

I’ve had my 07 plate for nine years and still love it. Ride my be a little harsh for some but that’s what the car is about. Check for water ingress in the front foot wells. This is due to the seal leaking under the roof rail where the roof and windscreen pillar meet. Easy fix.

[RossF1984]

Not overly bothered about the ride as only going to be a toy and occasionally used for a short commute.

I am looking for cars on the 18" wheels specifically as I have read that the 19"s make the ride even worse? Also I don't think the 19"s really suit the car.

[aka_kerrly]

I have an Ep3 Civic type r and I'm fairly certain the fn2 behaves the same way. if you leave the ignition on without starting the car for a few minutes the EPS light comes on. Switch ignition off and back on again+ starting the car an the light will appear for 2-3 seconds and go out. This is normal!

[turbodicky]

The engines are pretty solid, just the usual Honda stuff; sticking calipers, rust, check the oil level and make sure it's been serviced regularly throughout its life. Also check for smoke when VTEC kicks in yo.

[Pjhuk33]

Great cars when your in the mood...Can really hustle on a back road if you keep the revs up.

When your not in the mood can become wearing.

Look out for roof rust,. Honda did my fn2 this summer for free.
Look out for the gear change into third should go straight in and stay in. Some jump out of gear.
Stay away from a modded car, just my opinion.
Service history is a must.
The clutch pedal squeaks.
Sat Nav and phone is st.
Callipers love to stick.
The brakes are not the best.
Suspension top mount can creak when turning the steering wheel at a standstill.
Check the dipstick oil level and condition before the test drive. If it's below half walk away.
If the seller thrashes it from cold walk away.
I looked at about 6 before I got mine.

[RichFN2]

My reply to the EP3 thread incase you missed it:

Had my FN2 for a few years now, average around 32mpg on average on a fairly sedate 20 mile daily commute, tyre prices are very reasonable on 18's and servicing i do myself so again very reasonable

As above they like oil, i run mine on 5w40 as these engines can use alot if you use anything thinner

Bought mine on 48k and its now on 75k(09 plate) all that has broken on mine is the original battery died, front shock failed and now recently the VTEC solenoid unit which is quite rare but happens

On the EP3 access is much easier to the VTEC solenoid as the engine is much further forward than the FN2 so its worth changing the filter as over time they can become clogged and eventually you will 2nd larger cam switch over will not happen:
https://www.tegiwaimports.com/genuine-honda-vtec-s...

Tom @ Tgm sport said they seen quite a few on these over the years become blocked and sometimes like mine just fail. On the FN2 the cam cover, heat shield etc has to come off and took me about 2.5 hours to change the filter but on the EP3 you can get away with leaving the cam cover on. The good news is this fault will not leave you stranded anywhere

[RossF1984]

Thanks for all the comments, I have a few on my radar now...

But hopefully, all being well, an 09 Alabaster Silver one will be mine by the close of play Tuesday.

[Mako V12V]

Silver Type Rs look fantastic. A close second after Championship white (on a Mugen).
Ur there is a red Type R for sale at moment with silly low mileage, around 11-12k!

[RossF1984]

Managed to pick up an Alabaster Silver one on Tuesday. Now it is officially the best colour...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=18...