Type R time - FK2 or FK8
Discussion
Just some Sunday morning musing - thought about putting this in the Honda forum, but not much activity there.
I really want to scratch the Type R itch; I’ve never had a Honda of any sort (except a Wave to scoot around Saigon for 6 months years ago).
I’ve had a few of what might be called ‘Evo’ cars, so MX-5, Panda 100HP, GT86, and currently have a ZC32S Swift Sport. Operating at the lower end of the budget, so a Civic Type R would probably be my most exciting purchase since the GT86, like an attainable dream car for me.
My question is, assuming the gap in values remain the same, is the FK8 worth the extra £5k-ish outlay? I’d be looking to buy in a couple of years’ time in all honesty, which does pull me towards the FK8 as the FK2s will be that bit longer in the tooth then. The plan is to keep the Swift as that’ll become my wife’s first car, and ideally the Type R would be a keeper, assuming practicality (1 child now, likely another by then) isn’t an issue.
£5k to me would be quite a significant difference, so it’s not as easy a decision as it might appear to others.
I really want to scratch the Type R itch; I’ve never had a Honda of any sort (except a Wave to scoot around Saigon for 6 months years ago).
I’ve had a few of what might be called ‘Evo’ cars, so MX-5, Panda 100HP, GT86, and currently have a ZC32S Swift Sport. Operating at the lower end of the budget, so a Civic Type R would probably be my most exciting purchase since the GT86, like an attainable dream car for me.
My question is, assuming the gap in values remain the same, is the FK8 worth the extra £5k-ish outlay? I’d be looking to buy in a couple of years’ time in all honesty, which does pull me towards the FK8 as the FK2s will be that bit longer in the tooth then. The plan is to keep the Swift as that’ll become my wife’s first car, and ideally the Type R would be a keeper, assuming practicality (1 child now, likely another by then) isn’t an issue.
£5k to me would be quite a significant difference, so it’s not as easy a decision as it might appear to others.
Not driven either but I've owned similar cars to yourself and currently have a ZC32S in the garage as well.
I wouldn't even consider the FK2 but the FK8 is almost perfect on paper. The FK8 just seems like the car the FK2 should have been.
The main thing I would be concerned about is your previous cars are very "fun" and from what I've read the modern type rs can lack that unless at silly speeds but of course you can test drive both.
I wouldn't even consider the FK2 but the FK8 is almost perfect on paper. The FK8 just seems like the car the FK2 should have been.
The main thing I would be concerned about is your previous cars are very "fun" and from what I've read the modern type rs can lack that unless at silly speeds but of course you can test drive both.
The fk2 I had was brilliant all rounder nice easy useful family car and a bit of an animal when you felt the urge.
Seats down had a massive boot space if needed
Not even driven an fk8 as same as the fk2 if I do I’ll have to have one.
The fk8 looks the bigger car but has more used features and tech from what I can see.
The different suspension modes and stuff would be useful as on the fk2 it was either not bad or rock hard.
As far as I know the fk8 had various changes to make it more user friendly in general.
The infotainment on the fk2 was horrible I know that much.
They both hold their value well.
I bought my fk2 in about 2019 and for a decent one they are still going for the same money now.
With either I’d be very careful with your choice as there seems to be some that are a few years old with very little miles on which I find hard to believe.
Maybe that’s just me.
I do know given the chance I’d have either tomorrow the fk8 because I’ve not had one or the fk2 because was probably one of the most amusing cars that I’ve owned.
Have a test drive of them both and see what fits
Seats down had a massive boot space if needed
Not even driven an fk8 as same as the fk2 if I do I’ll have to have one.
The fk8 looks the bigger car but has more used features and tech from what I can see.
The different suspension modes and stuff would be useful as on the fk2 it was either not bad or rock hard.
As far as I know the fk8 had various changes to make it more user friendly in general.
The infotainment on the fk2 was horrible I know that much.
They both hold their value well.
I bought my fk2 in about 2019 and for a decent one they are still going for the same money now.
With either I’d be very careful with your choice as there seems to be some that are a few years old with very little miles on which I find hard to believe.
Maybe that’s just me.
I do know given the chance I’d have either tomorrow the fk8 because I’ve not had one or the fk2 because was probably one of the most amusing cars that I’ve owned.
Have a test drive of them both and see what fits
I'd probably stretch for the FK8 if for no other reason than the ride quality is supposed to be pretty brutal on the FK2 which would make it annoying for me as a road car.
Although if you want to experience a "real" Type-R, save your money and go for a tidy EP3 or better still, an Integra
Although if you want to experience a "real" Type-R, save your money and go for a tidy EP3 or better still, an Integra
FK2 was the experiment that ended up being a fantastic car, but not perfect. In fairness as far as hit hatches go it was extremely good.
The FK8 was the completed project, it tried to improve every flaw on the previous model and that generation of Civic was based around it. Normally it's the other way round with hot hatches, you can probably guess which one I would go for.
The FK8 was the completed project, it tried to improve every flaw on the previous model and that generation of Civic was based around it. Normally it's the other way round with hot hatches, you can probably guess which one I would go for.
Thanks all, the consensus seems to be that the FK8 is well worth the extra outlay then.
I’d love a sorted and rust-free EP3 or DC2/DC5, but this would have to act as a family car too, and I just think they’re too old for that now, along with being 3-door only. Same goes for the FD2 in terms of age.
I’d love a sorted and rust-free EP3 or DC2/DC5, but this would have to act as a family car too, and I just think they’re too old for that now, along with being 3-door only. Same goes for the FD2 in terms of age.
AnhBanhBao said:
Thanks all, the consensus seems to be that the FK8 is well worth the extra outlay then.
I’d love a sorted and rust-free EP3 or DC2/DC5, but this would have to act as a family car too, and I just think they’re too old for that now, along with being 3-door only. Same goes for the FD2 in terms of age.
DC2's have massive boots I’d love a sorted and rust-free EP3 or DC2/DC5, but this would have to act as a family car too, and I just think they’re too old for that now, along with being 3-door only. Same goes for the FD2 in terms of age.
I owned an EP3 and it was a special car indeed. I've since driven an FL5 and that is rather special too though. It really depends on what you're after and it sounds like a 3 door won't do.
I'd say from memory that the EP3 gear change was better than the FL5. Not massively but better and in a much better location. The dash mount was brilliant and so good to use. The engine was great too and you never get bored of the 8.25k limit. My kids were very young and in child seats when I had mine. I never found it a problem with 3 doors and the boot was big too.
I'm not averse to old cars. I've a 2006 MR2 still, but would personally take the FK8. I guess I've had the benefit of owning an EP3 but given the choice I'd still have an FK8 as it's the more complete car IMO. I'm basing this on the premise that the FL5 is very close but it's a technical masterpiece. It'll be much bigger but the upshot is practicality and improved ride. The suspension is sublime. Plush yet controlled and beautifully damped. The brakes are the best I've experienced. Easy to modulate and have awesome stopping ability. The EP3 has very little torque steer, so is great in this respect, but the FL5 is better and almost non existent. Then there's the diff, which works wonders. You can feel it, yet it's not intrusive if that makes sense. The engine lacks the 8.25k limit but is refreshing how it pulls to the red line so willingly. It makes almost all other engines a bit wheezy by comparison. Lastly the bucket seats. They're better too. Make sure the right side seat bolster isn't knackered. I'm OCD and used to pull the seat back every time so I wouldn't crush it getting in. But I've seen a lot where the bolster is completely buggered.
Others have mentioned fun and that's possibly the only sticking point. I didn't find the FL5 particularly fun to drive. I marvelled in its technical abilities and enjoyed the breadth of its capabilities. It's hugely satisfying, rewarding and an accessible car to drive. I'd have one in a heartbeat but it's not fun like my MR2.
The FK8 is supposed to be more fun though so best take one for a test drive. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
I'd say from memory that the EP3 gear change was better than the FL5. Not massively but better and in a much better location. The dash mount was brilliant and so good to use. The engine was great too and you never get bored of the 8.25k limit. My kids were very young and in child seats when I had mine. I never found it a problem with 3 doors and the boot was big too.
I'm not averse to old cars. I've a 2006 MR2 still, but would personally take the FK8. I guess I've had the benefit of owning an EP3 but given the choice I'd still have an FK8 as it's the more complete car IMO. I'm basing this on the premise that the FL5 is very close but it's a technical masterpiece. It'll be much bigger but the upshot is practicality and improved ride. The suspension is sublime. Plush yet controlled and beautifully damped. The brakes are the best I've experienced. Easy to modulate and have awesome stopping ability. The EP3 has very little torque steer, so is great in this respect, but the FL5 is better and almost non existent. Then there's the diff, which works wonders. You can feel it, yet it's not intrusive if that makes sense. The engine lacks the 8.25k limit but is refreshing how it pulls to the red line so willingly. It makes almost all other engines a bit wheezy by comparison. Lastly the bucket seats. They're better too. Make sure the right side seat bolster isn't knackered. I'm OCD and used to pull the seat back every time so I wouldn't crush it getting in. But I've seen a lot where the bolster is completely buggered.
Others have mentioned fun and that's possibly the only sticking point. I didn't find the FL5 particularly fun to drive. I marvelled in its technical abilities and enjoyed the breadth of its capabilities. It's hugely satisfying, rewarding and an accessible car to drive. I'd have one in a heartbeat but it's not fun like my MR2.
The FK8 is supposed to be more fun though so best take one for a test drive. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Thanks for the detailed reply.
I know I’ll have to sacrifice some fun at any speed for some
refinement and tech (compared to what I’m used to at least!), but that’s fine.
It’ll be enough to own one for me and see it on my driveway. Never quite warmed to the FK8’s looks, but it’s grown on me recently.
I know I’ll have to sacrifice some fun at any speed for some
refinement and tech (compared to what I’m used to at least!), but that’s fine.
It’ll be enough to own one for me and see it on my driveway. Never quite warmed to the FK8’s looks, but it’s grown on me recently.
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