EK4 Honda Civic VTI

[djchocice]

Hi guys and gals,

Ive recently been tempted by a Honda Civic VTI, EK4 hatch in particular. I'd originally decided on getting a DC2 Honda Integra Type R however though, the fact that the Civic VTI is cheaper to buy, run, insure etc im seriously tempted. Im just wondering what the Civic VTI is like to drive and own, if anyone has any experience with a Civic VTI, please share, im all ears as im damn tempted.

Thanks

[nottyash]

I had a Jordan version (actually no P01) when it was 3 years old, and I liked it, but it was a bit uninvolving to drive, and it attracted cops being bright yellow and got me 9 points in the year I had it. I used it to drive 300 miles to work, and it was comfortable, fantastic engine, but a bit numb for a "hot hatch". Averaged about 32MPG. Standard versions are a bit Boring pensioner like interiors.
I imported an Black EK9 Type R version in 2008, that was a lot better handling, bright red recaros and more power too (183BHP), thing is they are both gutless below VTEC, having said that you might like it.
Try a Prelude 2.2 vtec, They handle great with 4WS, are 200BHP and a lot cheaper to buy, suprisingly cheap to insure for a UK car with Swiftsure, and still do about 31MPG..

[djchocice]

Thanks for sharing, i must admit i quite like the Prelude. The problem is finding a decent standard one with a manual gearbox, most of them seem to have Automatic gearboxes in them which i can not stand on any car, especially a car that is meant to be involving to drive. I feel the same with the interior on the VTI's, there is one that has caught my eye on here, the colour is not great (Mint green) but its been well looked after. But the interior is shocking in all the wrong ways.
Im still waiting to test drive an Integra and a Civic VTI and coming to think on it possibly a Prelude, but with all this crap weather at the moment, im leaving it for a bit.

on what you said about EK9 Civic Type R's, what is the cheapest they go for now?
they seem to be pretty damn rare now but such a gorgeous car. I ve also had a quick look at Honda Accord Type R's as well, noone really has a bad word to say about them really but it is a bit on the big side (Being single, student working part time i wouldnt want to go for something that big.) But if the Accors type R is as good as everyone says it is, its a car i would consider.

Edited by djchocice on Saturday 9th January 01:32

[tkdsteve08]

i drive an Accord type r (atr) driving normaly i get around 30mpg but BUT vtecing it around 13 mpg but it keeps up with most cars including the new civic type r as i found out on friday pissed it lol

[nottyash]

The EK9 is sought after so prices remain high especially for a car built 1997-2000.
I imported mine myself through Mashamoto, It took a while to get a good grade black one, as most are white (and marginally cheaper) I paid £5800 mid 2008 to get it back on the road. However I had the wheels referbed powder coated white, and new decent BF Goodrich Profiler tyres put on (It came across with Snow tyres fitted), spent about £6300 in total.
Insurance is OK with Admiral or Elephant. Its called a Vtec R as I phoned and it was confirmed.
The Yen has increased so if anything prices have gone up so now is not really the time to import. See the link for info.
www.isitaboat.co.uk/cars/honda_civic_type_r__ek9_/

As for Preludes, I have had 3. A J plate import being easily fastest. The Japs tend to save the best for themselves. I had a V plate later model blue UK car with just 17000 miles on, and it redlined in top gear, strange as the Jap one never so must be lower geared. The later red top engine is the UK 200BHP one to get(1999 on I think). They have different wheels and heated seats, Some have Motegi kits on.
Ive also had an old N reg uk car, although only 183bhp, it was solid, went well handled great and I only paid £183 fully comp with Swiftsure. Imports are always more to insure. Oh and your right, I always get a manual.

[djchocice]

Hi everyone sorry to drag up my old thread, could anyone tell me what reliability is like on the 1999 Honda Civic VTI?
I have found a car which I am seriously considering buying, went to see it and drove it today and im in love, not quite as good to drive as an Integra type R but its not that far off, didnt feel much slower but it is a lot more comfy and luxurious (Air con, central locking and all that). The car has 108,000 miles on it, Is it worth buying a VTI with the B16a engine with such high mileage?

Car has a full service history as well.

Thanks for any help

[BlueJazz]

I had a year 2000 Civic VTi coupe. No problems with reliability although through the 8 years I had it, the main dealer serviced it. Pads, discs and exhausts seem to be their only weakness in terms of consumable parts. They’re fast, comfortable cars which handle and ride well. My only real dislike was the slightly numb steering, but that seems common on all Honda’s unless they’re the Type R variety.

My sister now has the VTi and despite her complete lack of mechanical sympathy (driving around with no oil in it etc.), it’s still going!

[djchocice]

Cheers mate.

I prefer the VTI to the Integra type R that i had a drive in, not much slower than the Teg, not quite as good to drive. But the VTI is a lot more comfy and quiet, yet it puts a huge grin on my face. Plus the fact the car will be in uni with me for most of the year, the VTI is a lot more subtle than a bright white Integra.

Thanks for the help.

[scuba steve15]

This may be some use to you if your keen on a EK9.

Sure other users sell ek4s on there aswell.

http://www.ek9.org/

Also im sure there are normally a few Ek4s for sale also on.

http://www.civiclife.net/forum/

[beaniexx]

hi mate i have owned a civic vti mb6, civic jordan and now own a accord type r.

to be honest i loved them all and they all have there faults.

yeah the accord is slightly on the big side but dam its fun and will see off most cars n/a of course.

personally if you can afford the insurance then the tegs are well fun and i would go for that.
vti is still nice though so just comes down to money really mate.

good luck

[RobCrezz]

How much have you got to spend? I looked at DC2s for a while, but strugled to find one in the condition I wanted without spending lots. Went for an EP3 Type R in the end.

[djchocice]

lowered my budget so a Teg is out of the window, as is EK Type R because they are retailing for at least £4,500-£5,000 at the moment. As for EK4 VTI's they are few and far between at the moment, car I was looking at getting sold before I sold my car because some dozy bint messed me around with the car. Sold my car again, seen a very nice EK4 VTI for £2,795 but compared to MB6 VTI's, the EK VTI's look quite over priced. Especially considering the MB6 VTI is quicker, more comfy and practical and both are pretty similar to run. Some point this week im going to have a look at another MB6 VTI and an EK4 VTI in Cheshire, simple thing is I will be without a car soon and I dont fancy waiting for weeks and weeks for a good condition, standard, Supersonic Blue EK4 VTI to come along. So I would be more than happy to settle for a MB6 with lower miles that has been looked after.

[RobCrezz]

I bought an 02reg EP3 Type R with 67k in very very good condition for £5400. Bear that in mind when you look at the good condition VTIs.

[Kozy]

I have a 96 Ek4, and the reliability is no better than any other car. Admittedly the engine never ever goes wrong, but everthing else has needed replacing in my ownership. Calipers, bushes, wishbones, exhausts, drop links...

I do use it for autotesting and trackdays though so perhaps that is just general maintenance for such an abused car...

[tozerman]

Stephen YHM.