Why NOW Is The Time To Buy The Unloved Honda Civic Type R FN2 (And Forget The EP3!) (JDM Pt. 36) 

This comes very close to being the best shape, the ep3 edges it, but does look super dated compared to the fn2.

i remember as a child i loved how this looked on the billboards. at a time where i basically only cared for supercars like every child this was quite an archivement. and it was futuristic. they would have to change very little and it woold look totally normal today. i dont get why so many people dont like the look of it, especially the type r, where the rear window bump looks so well integrated with the spoiler.

@@DJCrisisUK ehh EK9 and EG look miles ahead better than these models.

@@DJCrisisUK very close to being the best shape?? the main problem people had with these is that they're ugly as fuck, that awkward hunchback shape at the rear with the spoiler splitting the rear window looks horrendous. the EG, EK9, & EP3 look miles better than the FN2.

@@SeanWithaFada i most definitely agree, the spoiler ruined it massively, my main point though was it still looks like a new car today despite how old it is, those other models look very nice, no argument there and personally I would have an ep3 over the fn2 hands down(even though I owned and fn2) but as for looking dated you can't deny the fn2 could have been released recently.

you can't have a new model that's slower than the old one. it just can't be! imho that's what killed it.

@@SoulTouchMusic93 Its not slower around a Track. That's a myth, that's been proven other and other again

@@SoulTouchMusic93 Inside Lane took both the EP3 (face-lifted) and FN2 to the Hungaroring F1 track during the FK2R launch in 2016 and with a professional driver the FN2 lapped the circuit quicker. They did say the EP3 was more "raw" and fun, but as others have stated the myth of it being slower is exactly that, a myth. The FN2 has a much better sorted front end, more accurate steering and is more stable around corners, if less involving relative to the EP3. Both are great cars...really nothing between them performance-wise.

@@wildchilde69 alright maybe i'll get one since i don't have ep3 money.

@@SoulTouchMusic93 try to get a good deal to leave you room for the little but not cheap jobs you'll want to do to make it drive better. Or buy one sorted for more.

Hey, I've been considering getting an FN2, I really want the championship white one but I am not sure if it worth the extra cost, what would you recommend?

I've recently picked up a 100hp Panda and it's brilliant with some little suspension mods. I'd consider an FN2. My brother in law had one and I thought it was brilliant

Hay bud glad you like yours I've got a fn2 and had a ep3 and love them both , you have yo go drive a ep3 I promise you'll want 1 after owning a fn2 it's so much crisper and lighter and if I'm honest the kick high up is miles nicer but that being said you won't go wrong in either . Happy hooning

Interesting perspective. Never owned an R53 MCS but have always wanted to. Had R56 MCS's however and a GR Yaris as far as hot hatches go. I've always been interested in the Type Rs from the hype they get for well sorted drivers cars. Surprised to see you loved It more than your previous rockets. Honestly I've overlooked this generation cus of the bad rap people always give it but maybe that's bit overplayed? I might consider one of these over an EP3 now. I'd just assumed the FN2 was a wash. Do you still have the car? How has it treated you while you've had it since?

​@@confounded_feline I own a GR Yaris and an FN2... I drive the FN2 more.

Imagine driving a rotaty

Me too man it's a great car. Got it for £1600 4 years ago and is a great car. Does make me wonder weather I should go for a lower mileage type R though!

I bought an fn2 new in 2009 and sold it in 2013 to buy a Holden Monaro CV8. I missed the fn2 badly. The steering, shifting, pedals and overall excitement and x-factor was way better on the Honda. Fortunately I was able to sell the Monaro this year and buy another fn2, 2007 model with 51,300 km on the clock. I've had many many cars but nothing comes close to the Type R for driver enjoyment. The engine is like half a Ferrari V8.

Same in Holland. Cheapest is €8900,- You can buy BMW'S and the like in GB for the price you pay for a set of used wheels with bad tyres for that same car over here. If the steering wheel would be on the right side, used car prices in GB would instantly quadruple , because we would import them all.

In Portugal the cheapest one is 19k euros lol. They are still sold like fresh hot bread regardless of cost. Ep3/itr dc2/fn2 all around 20k

In Sweden also around 5-6000 :(

@@cutdepiefails6596 U beat me to it...... Yea they're overpriced in Portugal.

In Poland cheapest ones costs around 40k PLN which is 8000 quid/10000 euro...

Has it been expensive to maintain?

@@BangAverageRider Not at all. During my time of ownership I've not spent much on it. Usual servicing and brakes. I have found it to be rather reliable. Economy isn't great but that wasn't any of the reasons to buy one...

@@Kasim_Mahmood thanks

@@Kasim_Mahmood replacing fuel filter will run you a bit, need to take both front seats and centre console out to access. pain in the ass to replace. owned for 2 years and nothing but scheduled maintenance. incredibly underrated car for how fun it is, considering i could still fit a full size mountain bike in the back too.

Meanwhiles, people who want to drive fast (lets be honest, that is what a Type R is supposed to be for) will evade this car like the plague. Bet you're one of those people who will tie a roof box to a Ferrari "Because it's practical"... Look, I get it, you're happy with your car, but what if I told you the previous version going back to 1988 are ALL faster, handle better and have far more potential? I get it, you prolly think I'm just being salty. But with each successive model, performance has gone down, not up. The EP Sacrificed double wishbone for McPherson struts. The FN2 sacrificed the double wishbone it had left in the rear for a solid axle. _A Solid Axle_ ... I will have you know that in 80's, the understanding was you would only put that technology on the cheapest, most un-sporty cars you could find. Fast forward 30+ years and here we are, back at start. But why would Honda do that? I hear you ask. The problem with the actual fast versions of the civic was basically the gearbox and steering. The gearbox was too smooth, the steering wheel too light. And thats how an expensive car marketed at the younger generations ended up being bought almost exclusively by pensioners. The only problem was the low seating position, but with the gearbox being that smooth and the steering wheel that light, the pensioners all bought it en-masse anyway. The devious people at the Honda marketing department saw this happen and told the design department to focus more on old people. Thats how the EP got its high seating position, lost the double wishbone in the front for the sake of "space and practicality" and why the gearbox is no longer on the floor.. It's also the reason why the EP3 gained a whopping 200+ kg's despite equipping lighter McPherson struts in the front: With the focus shifting away from supension and handling towards practicality and creature comforts, they needed to stiffen up the chassis to at least get a hint of sportyness and added a metric ton of electronics. This trend continued with the FN2. This time around, the handling/suspension department got sent home indefinitely. The rear double wishbone got ditched as well. After seeing the pensioners being happy with the EP3, the marketing department stated that the Civic was to mainly become a people carrier, forgoing all sportyness. In order to try and please people like me, they kept a Type R version in the hopes it would still cement the Civic as a sporty car in the hearts and minds of the Honda fans. Alas, you can take schoolbus and strap 4 Veyron engines in it, but that does not a sports car make.

hey mate. how do you compare the m140i to the fn2r? I got modified fn2 and im considering a m240i and i was wondering if it is as fun or engaging to drive ! I've never driven a performance bmw and it will be my first rwd car.

That_Persian_dude it’s not as fun at low speeds as the front end is less agile and the steering is softer. Power is a massive increase and driving back to back the fn2r will feel terribly slow. You won’t even notice vtec. Overall the 40i is much more practical and easily the better car. Think of a small car with a massive engine with rear drive. Heavy at the front with good grip but less feedback and tail happy especially when off camber on the road. Once you have the 40i the next step will be m2c and that is much closer to agility and feel to the fn2r than the 40i.

took a silencer out, drive it daily, enjoy the car. Plus you cat fit BODIES in the boot its massive. Fast family car

Killer G yes I recently, finally puckered up and installed a Cobra non res exhaust and I love driving it even more now lol. Type R’s unfortunately don’t really make good exhaust sounds so I think it’s a must getting a good aftermarket exhaust on these. It’s too quiet otherwise

Great version with LSD

Angelo Mandato I love the 2007 SI also and find a good one for 6000 and you have a gem and a monster!

😭

So what we got the fg2 si

@@upnorthviking823 not in Europe.

mark weller agreed

Woodrow Mayes looks terrible

@@MxMax-iu9dt ok

The white Mugen version looks insane

Had mine 2 weeks now love her x

Just got myself one in Silver - wooohoo lovely bodywork and paid £5k for her with 70k miles

I won't disagree, I didn't like the stock setup, but as mentioned in this vid it's easily sorted with an aftermarket setup

@@HerbsmanRevs I did say to him that if there's a more supple set up available then I'd fit it and keep the car because to me it was the only main flaw, although I'd have liked a rear wash wipe too but that's not a deal breaker. He got rid though and went back to a 320d, each to their own.

Graeme W i agree mate, Stock suspension on the fn2 is very very stiff and crashy I’ve ordered tein lowering springs hopefully it will make it more comfortable

Haha that's exactly what I like about it

@@thatpersiandude7386 🤞🏻 mate because really speaking its the only thing that spoils a damned good car, its quick enough when needed, economical (when not being thrashed) and practical too.

I’ll keep my 2008 silver FN2 for you until it’s 25 years old.👍😜

@@Shane-zx4ps OMFG I will hold you to that! Thank you! only got like another 13 years to go!

Mike Normandy, ha ha, you’ll be happy to know I just put 4 new Michelin pilot sport 4 tires on it and new discs and braided hoses.

@@Shane-zx4ps well, if you don't drive it for the next 13 years it will prob have the same tires on it! lol - Thanks for doing the maint on my car! lol

Love it - the LSD makes a big difference 👌

My Sister has one, love driving it🔥

Yeah I had one, 9 years ago :p

@@matty_lam_937 The later ones have this. Its just white so you pay more mine is 2011 Red

@@bluenose007 Yep, I was aware of that before I bought it, 2010 onwards also came with LSD, I just wanted a white one 😎

It's the equivalent of £6000 here in South Africa for the cheapest beaten up ones. You are lucky.

Joe Banks it is defo a good car. I personally love the EP3 and it’s basic kind of interior, made it more raw But the fn2 interior really was superb especially for the time it came out

@SPECTRE wish we got the accord still in the UK. Would love a turbo accord

Joe Banks you should get it. Honda just thinks money and doesnt want Accord to cannibalize Civic sales and profits. Also the Civic can be sold in 1.0 but Accord smallest motor is 1.5T

Yep, it's brilliant. Connected ripping drive, as any true Type R should be.

Had one for 7.5 years. It's the best Type R I ever owned. I have a S2000 now, but I still think the FD2R is the best Type R.

@@timeoy All that's missing from the S2000 is the Type R badge! :)

@@Audidude yup!

I didn't believe FN was that awesome, before I test drove it. Both Type-S and Type-R are a blast to drive, while being practical and reliable.

If you want funny yet modern practical car, why not buy a van? Your demographic is why this car has gone down the toilet from an engineering point of view...

Especially if you consider the demented assholes in the driver seat...

your wrong for this 😭😭😭🤦🏽‍♂️

See?

Likewise. Did he really say from 1k?

Yes. One went on eBay for £1530 recently with MOT, and not even a write off

@M3sterX I never said at £1000 it would be a particularly good example, and a decent EP3 is probably gonna be worth more than an FN2 if it isnt already

Some pure nonsense over here. www.carsite.co.uk/used-car/honda/civic/mtz_28330_56008051?newsnow_full&.co.uk

Look on Faceboo... disregard that leave them for me.

I work in the US alot and one of my colleagues over there has a Honda Si of the same vintage. I think they make 175bhp ?. So a little less than the EU spec Type R. However the US got the Japanese Coupe body which we didnt get. I think it looks better personally.

Well summed up. The Civic models it had to live up against were a cracking bunch of chassis', the FN wasn't destined for the JDM market so was no doubt devoid of the attention to perfection the Japanese demand.

In fairness the UK EP3 did not have an LSD either

@@JayEmmOnCars Thanks, I didn't know that. That's why you have to go JDM for true Type R :). I really like your videos, and also the way you respect opinions that might contrast with your own . Cheers.

Me ave one for £1250 send de monies to Nigeria and I will send you de car

fuck youll just about get the k20 block for that nevermind the transmission or the rest of the car lol

Yeah, he was dreaming when he said this in fairness.

Anyone want to smuggle one over to the States for me?

Sean Gould I got one in my ass and Im on my way over to you, get the laxatives and Vaseline ready for me bro, and I like my beer warm ;)

Go get one mate. I've had mine for over a year now. Great motor. Not perfect but I paid £5000 for mine with 50000 miles and full service history. It needed a service last month and that was £300. Fuel and tax are expensive but it very cheap speed.. Safe driving

The 205 will have weighed a lot less which places far fewer demands on the suspension

@@JayEmmOnCars True, the FN2 is a bit of a fatty. It's a lot of car for the money though, my other half picked a one owner one up last year with 95k on the clock for £2700 and its great bang for your buck - like you said grab one now before they go on the rise.

The Meganè RS had torsion beam as well and nobody complained about that, everyone loves to criticise the FN2 Type R for it yet some of the funnest drivers cars used the same setup.

Isnt that your fault for getting it down to 3800 not the cars fault lol

@@cupra2Jock. Well i had Hondata flash before the intake, and it actually gives power to the car, that intake pretty much is just for the sound. Hondata gives a lot of torque and hp in the midrange, a tiny tiny bit up top and raises the revv limiter a bit aswell. But its all about the midrange and having wider more useable powerband. Dont have to revv the nuts off it to get it moving. It isnt huge like todays turbo cars where you can gain up to 100 hp from flashtune, but it actually changes the car. Group N map its called. I actually had lot of kit on my fn2, Ferodo racing brakes, Braided lines, Eibach springs with new dampers, Rear adjustable antirollbar kit, strutbars, solid shifter bushings ETC. I did not hate the car even with the intake. Not why i sold it. Mileage got high and i wanted Z4 35i. And maybe i got a bit too old for that kind of car too. Too many speeding tickets. Its a car for people in their 20s not in their 30s. Its was a fun little rally racer. All good when you are driving it but dont sell it to your neighbourhood where it starts to annoy you. :D I actually owned EP3 before FN2. Crashed and rolled it then got FN2. EP3 was a bit more fun but FN2 is definately better car to live with. Cruise, dual zone climate, stability control, auto wipers - it all makes it a better daily. On the limit it yes wasnt as good as EP3, but do people push it that far all the time? Ep3 is just a gokart: steering wheel, shifter and pedals and thats it!

You realize you just described a symptom of a shit FF car?

Angel Cruz that doesn’t happen with the FN2 it’s totally planted to the road

I got it as a daily so if it’s a shit car it’s a fun shit car. Would’ve loved an fn2 as a daily but where I’m from we don’t get fun cars

Lol Bib...you ain't wrong there mate

Ok boomer

Hey don't forget us 40 year old kids!!😯

And the fifty something prats like me who have just bought one

Agreed

The important thing for me is that the content stays the same quality, which I think it does. Unfortunately, over 80% of my views come from non subscribers - the titles and thumbnails are there for them

@M3sterX appreciate your honesty. The one thing with my videos- what the title says, is what the video is about. I hate videos where it's a clickbait title and the video is 90% about something else

@@JayEmmOnCars Jay! Content is good as always and as you say what matters most. Also get the need to drive traffic to your channel. Keep up good content though

What upgrades did you do for the power increase?

@@fenwa592 421 manifold and decat with a map is all. Pretty cheap tbh. Big difference. Had new injectors and the cames done aswell now, and I'm currently about 250bhp. Won't be doing anymore though. It's perfect now.

@@leccy9901 Sorry but you're nowhere near 250bhp. I don't understand why K20 owners pull these ridiculous numbers out of their asses. With a 4-2-1, decat and cam/injectors you're 220 at absolute most.