Type R time - FK2 or FK8

Type R time - FK2 or FK8

Author
Discussion

AnhBanhBao

Original Poster:

219 posts

54 months

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.

Saudade

217 posts

77 months

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.

AnhBanhBao

Original Poster:

219 posts

54 months

Yesterday (16:02)
quotequote all
Thanks, the fun factor is still important, hopefully it’s accessible on an everyday basis, but to be honest even if it’s not I think I’d get enough out of the steering and gearshift feel. The FK2 seems to be a bit rawer from what I’ve read.

ZX10R NIN

28,365 posts

132 months

Yesterday (19:01)
quotequote all
Rest drive both as it's really only something you can decide whether it's worth it.


shakindog

498 posts

157 months

Yesterday (19:19)
quotequote all
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

TameRacingDriver

18,507 posts

279 months

Yesterday (19:28)
quotequote all
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 smile

RichFN2

3,686 posts

186 months

Yesterday (20:12)
quotequote all
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.

AnhBanhBao

Original Poster:

219 posts

54 months

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.

zorba_the_greek

821 posts

229 months

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 wink