Buying an EP3 Civic Type-R

[Floor Tom]

I'm sure I'll get the usual people telling me to get something else, but I'm decided so some constructive comments would be helpful.
I have just started my search for a Civic Type-r and have 5k to spend. Looking around this seems to get an older but not too tatty one with about 80k on the clock. This is acceptable to me. I have heard horror stories about the steering rack going on them, will this problem have surfaced already if I'm buying at this mileage or is there still a real danger of it flaking out on me?
I saw one on a local garage's website and went to see it yesterday but I couldn't test it as they said it was needing a new gearbox Is this something that could have gone wrong under normal conditions, if it is then a new gearbox is a plus I suppose, or does it suggest that the car has been ragged and possibly forced into too low a gear. They said it had bearing whine in all the gears and they had to tow it onto the truck. Actually just writing this is setting alarm bells off in my head.
So is there anything I should know or be cautious of?

[Get Karter]

Look elsewhere....if the gearbox is wrecked after 80k milesit suggests the car has had a hard life and not been looked after.
They were a very popular model, so there are hundreds to choose from.
Just look at the classifieds on Pistonheads.

Now, have you considered a DC2 Integra?

[havoc]

They like to use oil, so you'll want to buy a car from someone who's owned it a while (less chance they're trying to shift a pup they bought recently) and who seems to know about it - enthusiasts check oil, posers don't, as a rule.

With that in mind, check the owners club adverts, and check PH MEMBER adverts first...IMHO part of buying a car is getting a feel for the previous owner...

As it's an older car you're looking at, you've a couple of options:-
1) Buy private and pay for an inspection (if you want to) and a warranty (if you want to);
2) Buy from a dealer and pay more but get SOME protection built-in.

[Floor Tom]

Thanks guys. Yes I have considered a DC2 and my mate is trying to sell me his so he can get an Impreza STi, however I want a younger lower miles car then I can get in a DC2 for 5k. How do I check for member ads? Is there a way to filter the classified section? Also, any thought on the steering rack? Was it a bach of faulty ones which will have failed at low miles or are they just a bit of a weak spot?

[sevros1981]

They are a pretty bullett proof car. Keep looking and view plenty of them - the market has tons for sale at the moment and you should be able to get a good example for 5K. Just make sure it has FHSH. Good luck!

[Floor Tom]

Most of them seem to have a FSH anyway, the servicing isn't that expensive so lots of people seem to keep up with it. I did phone up about one with 70k on the clock and the first 30k service history was missing Did not like the sound of that one bit.

[gti-ted]

Looking for one myself fella


look on here for some helpfull advice

http://www.civictype-r.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f...

[10 Pence Short]

A well looked after DC2 should be every bit as reliable, if not more, than a newer EP3.

[thetrash]

Floor Tom said:

Most of them seem to have a FSH anyway, the servicing isn't that expensive so lots of people seem to keep up with it. I did phone up about one with 70k on the clock and the first 30k service history was missing Did not like the sound of that one bit.

I'd have thought it would have been done from new. You can phone the dealers up and they can find out their system if it has been main dealer serviced.

[Floor Tom]

Thats what I would have though too but the seller (and it was a trade advert not private) told me the first 30k was missing. Not sure why you would do that, you probably loose more money in depreciation due to no service history than the services would have cost.

[havoc]

Floor Tom said:

Thats what I would have though too but the seller (and it was a trade advert not private) told me the first 30k was missing. Not sure why you would do that, you probably loose more money in depreciation due to no service history than the services would have cost.

If we're talking about a red X-plate ITR, then I've a fair idea...and it involves the words Jonathan and Palmer...

[Floor Tom]

Nope. A red CTR an 03 plate I think, in Newcastle.

[10 Pence Short]

If you must have a CTR, there are plenty about so you can afford to be fussy. Don't accept anything without a FHSH.

[Floor Tom]

10 Pence Short said:

If you must have a CTR, there are plenty about so you can afford to be fussy. Don't accept anything without a FHSH.

Thats what I'm doing. A friend is taking me to see one tonight, it a fair distance away but looks to tick all the boxes. Its a bit longer in the tooth than some others I have seen but it comes in under budget. I'll let you know tomorrow what happens

[fido]

darn, i notice you're on the other side of the UK .. i'm looking to part with my '52 CTR and get a DC5 .. and mine is relatively low-mileage with a/c. btw, i'd recommend one with a/c as they seems to mist up quite easily.

Edited by fido on Thursday 4th December 18:00

[HeavySoul]

The steering racks are a weak spot on the car but the majority should of been sorted out under warranty when they were newer. The top mounts on the front suspension are also fairly prone to going and this is something confused as the steering rack failing. Replacing the top mounts is a much less expensive fix.

If the steering clicks on slowe speed and full lock turns only then should only be the top mounts, if the steering knocks and pulls whilst driving then its a surer sign of a rack failure.

The oil consumption is high if the car uses above 6000rpm a lot of the time and the dipstick should always be at its fullest mark if your using the 'VTEC' area because it protects the engine to the fullest at these high revs. If you can talk to the previous owner/s and see if they have put some decent oil in the engine frequently then you can be sure the engine has been looked after.

The engine is the main thing on the cars to look after as most other areas are fairly bullet proof - they do suffer from sychro issue in certain gears (particularly second IIRC) which was also quite a widespread problems that should of been resolved under warranty. FHSH is ideal as also mentioned before.

As mentioned above there are loads of tips and threads on the CTR Owners Forum so join up and browse all the buyers guides over there is yoru serious about buying one.

There are plenty around and they are not shifting particularly quickly at the moment so you should have a good choice for your budget and be able to pick up something very good.

You will not regret it

[Floor Tom]

I got this one in the end http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/808424.htm
It seems to be all ok, in need of a service though so I'll get it booked into the specialist next week. Not going to get a chanceto drive it this weekend as I am away visiting the OH's parents.

[sevros1981]

Nice one mate - you will not regret it! go steady in this ste weather - mine tramlines like a tt on slushy roads!

[HeavySoul]

sevros1981 said:

Nice one mate - you will not regret it! go steady in this ste weather - mine tramlines like a tt on slushy roads!

Mine also does this on older rubber so perfectly natural!

Cannot see the advert now so post some pictures and your experiences up when you can - Honda are not too shabby on servicing if you have a dealer who knows what they are talking about either.

Great to hear you found one