Buying a FN2R!

[jeremy_74]

Hi guys, im looking to purchase an FN2R, i have done my home-work on them already. I have noticed this car has been for sale for about 5 weeks now, does anyone know any more about this particular car? (I am located in QLD). Only thing I can see from the pictures is the dirty floormats which I have been reassured the car has not been flooded but would still get it all checked out anyway. Any information posted would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.trivett.com.au/SearchDetails.aspx?stock_no=8002638&pageno=1&listtype=DEMO,USED,NEW,&make=HONDA&model=CIVIC&minprice=0&maxprice=0&minpayment=0&maxpayment=0&year=&bodytype=&seat=&transmission=&fueltype=&kmsmin=0&kmsmax=0&rego=&keyword=&location=&colour=&sortcriteria=&paymenttype=price

[HmGLuCaS]

If you are from Queensland, why not purchase the car locally? I can see why you looked interstate tho lol, the km are low and price is pretty good. As for the floor mats, as i am aware they get dirty easy, plus being washed and left to dry in the sun, they fade. If the car was flooded, you could have the car's vin checked and also have a mechanic look over the car. Hope this helps, Gl and welcome to the FN2R club.

[jeremy_74]

Most of the ones I have looked at in QLD have been pretty ordinary. Most people are asking around 25,000+ for 2007 cars and won't budge on price so I think interstate is the way to go. Is there anything major to look for, I will be compression testing the engine, checking for accident damage and flood damage. The only real problem I can find from researching is the 3rd gear being worn. Thanks

[androo]

The main issues would be:

3rd gear being worn
Squeeky clutches
Worn CV's (turn the wheel full lock while accelerating slowly, similar to if you were in a car park. Repeat both driving forward and reversing, and turning both ways. If they are worn or require greasing they will click).

Other minor but annoying issues are:

Sub frame slip (when accelerating or braking, or sometimes when hitting a considerable bump you may here a metallic 'snap' sound, this is the sub frame slipping. You will need to regrease the sub frame).
Creaking or clicking from the rear suspension (generally only first thing in the morning, and that single time. If possible request that the car isn't driven or moved for at least 8 hours or so just in case (overnight).
Gaitor peeling - Honda cheaped out on the late gen Civics (including the FD) and the gaitors often peel at around 40,000kms (a lot have reported much earlier). Easy, simple and cheap to replace but annoying that Honda would do this.
Wiper motors - Check to make sure that at the end of the wipers travel, it stops at it's 'original' start position and not an inch or 2 above. To confirm the original starting position, lift the wipers up and then drop them (usually there will be a pretty prominant line or dirt or greasy outline where it's meant to stop anyway so it would be obvious). If it stops a bit above the motors are getting weak and will require replacing soon. It will generally be pretty intermittent unless the motors are extremely worn.

Other than that the car is pretty realiable and quirk free. It's surprising the amount of minor niggles the FN2 has but I guess that's part of it being made in England lol

[jeremy_74]

Awesome thanks for that info, haha there is always going to some small faults with every car. I'm just saving a tiny bit more money so I can buy an 09 or above model, plenty of cars for sale at the moment, some good buys out there.

[androo]

Cool. If you're buying 09 and above, if budget allows, make sure you get one with LSD =]

[ogen]

09 models are the ones that started included LSD, i think youll be hard pressed to find an 09 fn2 without LSD, so i think youll be set for that

[jeremy_74]

Yeah thats what I thought, all MY09 models and above came with LSD standard. It looks like the car I linked in the original post ended up selling which is a bit of a shame. I think I will have to wait a few weeks until this uni semester is over before starting the search again. Will keep everyone updated.

[androo]

After May/June from memory guys. An early 09' FN2 doesn't have LSD =]

[amuse2k]

make sure you check all buttons and controls if they are still in good working order.

also ask where the car is normally park as it would indicate if theres any possible oil leaks.

go interstate and enjoy the road trip and bonding tym wif the new fn2

[simonhaha]

hey guys which would you go with
2007 - Black - 75000kms - $22,000
or
2010 - Black - 20,000kms - $30,000

Is it worth forking out the extra 8,000?

[simonhaha]

my budget is 22,000 ish, just not sure if i should go get a bank loan and go for the newer one.

opinions please

[lolmclol]

Consider any after market modifications between the two.

Personally .. I would go for the 2010 one ... although 30,000 sounds a little high, I'd push them to drop it a little, unless its in perfect condition. Reason being its been on the road for 2 years less, the closer to 100,000 the higher chance of having to replace more parts on it, once again that can vary as to what the service history is like.

Also as stated above, the 09+ models include LSD.

[ogen]

newer is better, go get a loan, or save up more =]
2010 model gets you LSD and ipod connectivity as standard, which would get my vote.

[HmGLuCaS]

imo, whatever suits your budget and suits your needs. I picked a 07 model over updated models as i use my car for track and i added an aftermarket lsd. Also picked up my fn2r for a good price and with low k's, i couldnt come to terms of paying more for lsd for which i was gonna change anyways.

[HondaTurboVtec]

The main issues would be:

3rd gear being worn
Squeeky clutches
Worn CV's (turn the wheel full lock while accelerating slowly, similar to if you were in a car park. Repeat both driving forward and reversing, and turning both ways. If they are worn or require greasing they will click).

Other minor but annoying issues are:

Sub frame slip (when accelerating or braking, or sometimes when hitting a considerable bump you may here a metallic 'snap' sound, this is the sub frame slipping. You will need to regrease the sub frame).
Creaking or clicking from the rear suspension (generally only first thing in the morning, and that single time. If possible request that the car isn't driven or moved for at least 8 hours or so just in case (overnight).
Gaitor peeling - Honda cheaped out on the late gen Civics (including the FD) and the gaitors often peel at around 40,000kms (a lot have reported much earlier). Easy, simple and cheap to replace but annoying that Honda would do this.
Wiper motors - Check to make sure that at the end of the wipers travel, it stops at it's 'original' start position and not an inch or 2 above. To confirm the original starting position, lift the wipers up and then drop them (usually there will be a pretty prominant line or dirt or greasy outline where it's meant to stop anyway so it would be obvious). If it stops a bit above the motors are getting weak and will require replacing soon. It will generally be pretty intermittent unless the motors are extremely worn.

Other than that the car is pretty realiable and quirk free. It's surprising the amount of minor niggles the FN2 has but I guess that's part of it being made in England lol

+1 I owned an 07 model, it did all these things. Sold mine & prefer an old school Honda, honestly it is hard leaving Hondas you always come back to them lol. Older model Hondas are cheap for parts & you can find them anywhere!

[HmGLuCaS]

+1 I owned an 07 model, it did all these things. Sold mine & prefer an old school Honda, honestly it is hard leaving Hondas you always come back to them lol. Older model Hondas are cheap for parts & you can find them anywhere!

1+ agree with ya on that one.. older models are cheap thats why i have an prelude haha!

[simonhaha]

Thanks for the input guys, apparently the 2010 model car was a ex demo car. Should i be worried about it being thrashed or a crappy starter motor?

[androo]

I'm always weary of buying a demo. If you were selling a car and someone was interested in possibly buying it and they want to give it a good thrashing, would you say no or yes in hoping to close the deal? It's your money, but not your car. You would say yes... If anything, you might even give it a go yourself... 3000km to 5000km worth of this before it's actually purchased by someone. But that's just what's in my mind I guess! I would hold off and try to buy another example, or check how many km's was on it when it was registered to the first owner. This would give you an indication of how long the car had to endure such treatment before it was bought (and then driven by someone who had a stake in how the car performs and it's reliability).

[simonhaha]

hey guys, ive just tested out one of the FN2s today. What i realised was a sharp vibration under my feet while the car is rolling and in drive. Not sure what it could be, the car had 2 punctured tyres on the left side of the car so the guy replaced it with the spare wheel at the front and the rear wheel with a wheel which looks like it came from a nissan tiida. Looks smaller than standard...

Any ideas what the sharp vibration could be? The guy says the vibration will disapear once the origianal wheels be put on. He wanted me to give him a deposit to get those wheels replaced and he promised me that the vibration would be gone. Could there be any internal damage to the car if wheel sizes are wrong?

THanks
Simon

[outatime]

make sure that car has still warranty otherwise stay away from it as it might be a costly repair

[simonhaha]

Hey guys, i got $15k to spend, if i were to spend i would have to borrow another 15k from bank.

which would you choose? and why?

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/honda-civic-2011-12719687?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=1&eapi=2&__N=1246%201247%201252%201282%20903%201216&num=15&silo=Stock&Range=Year:2008,Max&items=%5BMake:HONDA,Model:CIVIC,BaseEnabledBadge:T YPE%20R%5D&sort=~Odometer

or

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/honda-civic-2002-12994887?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=1&eapi=2&__N=1246%201247%201252%201282%20903%201216&num=15&silo=Stock&items=[Make:HONDA,Model:CIVIC,BaseEnabledBadge:TYPE%20R]&sort=~Year

[ExpressCoffee]

Hey guys, i got $15k to spend, if i were to spend i would have to borrow another 15k from bank.

which would you choose? and why?

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/honda-civic-2011-12719687?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=1&eapi=2&__N=12 46%201247%201252%201282%20903%201216&num=15&silo=S tock&Range=Year:2008,Max&items=%5BMake:HONDA,Model :CIVIC,BaseEnabledBadge:TYPE%20R%5D&sort=~Odometer

or

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/honda-civic-2002-12994887?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=1&eapi=2&__N=12 46%201247%201252%201282%20903%201216&num=15&silo=S tock&items=[Make:HONDA,Model:CIVIC,BaseEnabledBadge:TYPE%20R]&sort=~Year

The EP3 would be my choice, even though the fn is newer, I find ep3's to be a better car.

In the description the seller mentions 3 to choose from? Is he an importer?

[chrisfn2]

I would choose the fn2 as I own one at the moment and is a great car, but at the end of the day it's up to personal choice, u have to decide on what you want and whether you wanna enter into a financial situation where you are paying it off and if that is suitable to you, because of you let someone else make the decision your never going to be happy with it, if I listened to others I would have never bought my fn2r, I liked it so I got it :) let us know how your decision goes

[simonhaha]

im not sure, if buying an EP3, im more worried about maintenance and servicing costs. Scared something breaking down and not being able to find a mechanic who would be able to fix the problem without ripping me off and also not being able to find a specific part.
Would buying the EP3 plus 10k be a better choice if i were to keep the car for 5 years and selling it than buying a FN2?

say i was to keep either car for 15 years, which would be the cheaper option in terms of buying an maintaining the car?

[ExpressCoffee]

If that's the case, with daily driving, both would be ok but to be safe then for sure go with the Fn2

All depends on how you maintain the car as well man

[butterfingers]

im not sure, if buying an EP3, im more worried about maintenance and servicing costs. Scared something breaking down and not being able to find a mechanic who would be able to fix the problem without ripping me off and also not being able to find a specific part.
Would buying the EP3 plus 10k be a better choice if i were to keep the car for 5 years and selling it than buying a FN2?

say i was to keep either car for 15 years, which would be the cheaper option in terms of buying an maintaining the car?

alot of melbourne ep3 owners. talk to them they can recommend you a place that wont rip you off.

you'll be happier with an ep3, in any department i reckon

[simonhaha]

thanks guys, would you guys reckon a ep3 at $20000 tad over priced for a 10 year old car? or is this car really that epic and worth paying for? are both engines the same?.

Sorry about all the questions, know any good EP3 forums?

cheers

[butterfingers]

ep3r and dc2r seem to hold value well. no idea why though but im happy paying for it cos:

look at it this way

i specifically wanted a car that happens to be 10 years old. im not keeping options open because i know i what i wanted and that was the ep3r. what do i do then? not get what i want because i dont think its worth $20k?

thats like finding nudie jeans you really like, shop around everywhere for a bargain, dont find any and decide to not get it because you dont think some piece of denim is worth $250+.

if you like it, pay hopwever much your wailling to pay. if your considering an fn2r then an ep3r isnt out of your budget im sure.

btw the ep3r is faster then the fn2

[DakDak]

thanks guys, would you guys reckon a ep3 at $20000 tad over priced for a 10 year old car? or is this car really that epic and worth paying for? are both engines the same?.

Sorry about all the questions, know any good EP3 forums?

cheers

EP3R's have the JDM K20A. They're made in Britain.
FN2R's have a K20Z something.

I believe there is a K20A FN2r but its only in Japan.

I dont see why servicing a Fn2 would be cheaper than a Ep3.

[butterfingers]

the 8th gen jdm civic type r is the FD2R

has a more aggressively tuned K20A, bit higher comp, with the Euro R manifold (RRC)

japan actually has to go through personal/grey imports to get the fn2r. theres a mugen and a spoon FN2r over there but i think its still running K20Z4

[shepparton]

Stop reading too many magazine video, or listen to honda frick... Ep3 quicker because thats how it came out and tuned from the factory..
just get fn2 and hondata reflash with better tune to solve this problem if you dont like how stock fn2 run, because both using k series block anyway...

[HmGLuCaS]

Stop reading too many magazine video, or listen to honda frick... Ep3 quicker because thats how it came out and tuned from the factory..
just get fn2 and hondata reflash with better tune to solve this problem if you dont like how stock fn2 run, because both using k series block anyway...


1+ agreed! (Y)

[outatime]

most of the people here would say ep3 is faster. yeah the facelift ep3 is faster by 0.7 seconds than the prefacelift fn2 (no lsd) on the top gear race track. the facelift fn2 (with lsd and better gearing) would be on par or could do a better job for sure..

don't base your criteria on which is faster. you gotta look at other things. it has to be balanced. the facelift fn2 in my opinion has the balance.

the ep3 is an import so it may be difficult and more expensive to source parts. it is older. has been thrashed hard by previous owners in japan. I've met a few who had to replace their clutch and engine mounts. not cheap!

fn2 has Honda warranty which means when something breaks they will replace it free of charge. also it is more comfortable to drive.

if you're concerned about looks, the ep3 is better looking according to the boys in this forum. on the other hand, the fn2 gets compliments from the general public which includes hot girls! :p

I suggest you test drive both and decide what is best for you..

[butterfingers]

most of the people here would say ep3 is faster. yeah the facelift ep3 is faster by 0.7 seconds than the prefacelift fn2 (no lsd) on the top gear race track. the facelift fn2 (with lsd and better gearing) would be on par or could do a better job for sure..

don't base your criteria on which is faster. you gotta look at other things. it has to be balanced. the facelift fn2 in my opinion has the balance.

the ep3 is an import so it may be difficult and more expensive to source parts. it is older. has been thrashed hard by previous owners in japan. I've met a few who had to replace their clutch and engine mounts. not cheap!

fn2 has Honda warranty which means when something breaks they will replace it free of charge. also it is more comfortable to drive.

if you're concerned about looks, the ep3 is better looking according to the boys in this forum. on the other hand, the fn2 gets compliments from the general public which includes hot girls! :p

I suggest you test drive both and decide what is best for you..

FN2R front is pure sex but its ass is atrocious.

btw they never tested the JDM EP3R on the top gear track, it was the UKDM one. the JDM EP3 would demolish the non-lsd fn2 around the track and would edge it out in a straight line. the fd2r would eat all 3 cars

[shepparton]

yeah so what if they say fd2r quicker, you can make any car goes quiker if you know what to do

[butterfingers]

Obviously 5% of people who buy these cars end up keeping it stock so buy what you think looks good.

[kenny07]

i think you should just buy the car you like... whether its the Ep3-R or the Fn2-R...

just look around until to find the car you want...

jsut remember... you don't pick the car! The car picks you!
then you should go and buy buy BUY!!!!! :D

[HondaTurboVtec]

EP3 is not faster then FN2 on straight, the gear ratios on FN2 is shorter & makes up further then the weight compared to EP3. I raced stock EP3s & just pulled a little in front. Around corners EP3 would have the chance too win, FN2 Torsion Beam Suspension :thumbdwn:! Unless you do mods & look after it too the max, FN2 is the choice..

[butterfingers]

keep forgetting about the 5.062 final drive. only remember the fd2r having it. selective memory lol

[lolmclol]

If your still looking ....

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Honda-Civic-2010-Type-R-/251133726478?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3a78bc8f0e#ht_500wt_1414

[VSA-OFF]

Husks sleek ejeje ejehe jehehe

[VSA-OFF]

Shanks Shehàn hdhshe. Hdhshe. Hshs

[butterfingers]

I currently own a Fn2 myself. back in the day I thought the fn2 was one of the ugliest Hondas ever made to be honest, until I came home and parents surprised me with it. I learnt to love every single aspect of the fn2 once you let it to grow on you. it's not about which car is faster or which car is nicer looking, you can literally buy any car and learn to love it by modding it to your own liking. today I love my fn2r with all my heart and also my mates at first they thought " WOW WTF IS THAT??" and now they call it "sexy beast" the more you're exposed to the fn2 the more you will love it.
also I didn't know how to drive manual properly when I first got my fn2 so my first day driving it was really bad stalled for a good 25 times on my first day. fn2's are very beginner friendly cars and they can handle a heap of thrashing without having to replace stock parts such as the clutch, knowing me I always thrash my fn2...
in comparison between the ep3 and fn2 is totally personal preference. you might love the fn2 and you should but a majority of people will be bias and disapprove because jeremy clarkston did.

i fkn love the front on the fn2. sexy as

i just cant stand that ass. higher than some big sedans.

like you said, everything else you can grow to love/modify to your own taste.

but that ass.....

[Lukezen27]

EP3 is not faster then FN2 on straight, the gear ratios on FN2 is shorter & makes up further then the weight compared to EP3. I raced stock EP3s & just pulled a little in front. Around corners EP3 would have the chance too win, FN2 Torsion Beam Suspension :thumbdwn:! Unless you do mods & look after it too the max, FN2 is the choice..

hmmm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaYW1mUE8RI

133 EP3 and its less powerful and not LSR unlike the EP3R inports

136 FN2 I believe

[VSA-OFF]

i fkn love the front on the fn2. sexy as

i just cant stand that ass. higher than some big sedans.

like you said, everything else you can grow to love/modify to your own taste.

but that ass.....

haha yeah I know what you mean, the ass is hard to love but you can make it look crazy. get the optional rear splitter, Lower it and get a rear diffuser.

[HondaTurboVtec]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSxASkDKfx0

I have owned a FN2, & maybe I'm wrong about FN2 being faster. It can also come to the driver, I raced one & pulled it just like the video above... I like EP3, especially the JDM one <3!

[bradb16a]

Im looking to buy a FN2 and this one is on gumtree has anyone seen the car and have any feedback…..
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/lorn/cars-vans-utes/2007-honda-civic-type-r-fn2-toda-spoon-kw/1032424232

he said he would be willing to take 20K

2007 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (FN2)

155KW at the wheels and over $15000 in upgraded performance parts

full honda log books
Parts List

Toda Header
Custom 2.5 exhaust
Race cat
Toda Spec A2 Cams
Toda Valve Springs
RRC Intake Manifold
FN2 GruppeM Intake
Spoon 70mm TB
Spoon LSD
Spoon Clutch
Spoon Calipers
ProConcept Slotted 2pc disc
Endless TypeR pads front & rear
KW Variant Stage 3 Coilovers
Ray's 57Motorsport Forged Monoblock Rims 18x8.5
Ray's Daytona Nuts
Hankook RS3 3 months old
Honda Optional Front & Rear bumper
Honda Blue tooth car Kit
Honda IPod stereo adaptor
Window tint

[VSA-OFF]

Holy crap those mods alone is already 15k

[fillit]

After May/June from memory guys. An early 09' FN2 doesn't have LSD =]

Could anyone confirm?

I'm looking at a March 2009 CW one, should this one have a LSD, I remember reading somewhere that all CW ones have LSD.

[HmGLuCaS]

Could anyone confirm?

I'm looking at a March 2009 CW one, should this one have a LSD, I remember reading somewhere that all CW ones have LSD.

From March 1 all fn had lsd, but im pretty sure all CW are post 2009 and all come with LSD.

[Chad]

Hey guys, looking into FN's atm, has anyone seen this 1 yet?
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/chester-hill/cars-vans-utes/2008-civic-fn2-type-r/1036930482
looks like there's some decent gear in the sale

[Hank Scorpio]

Hey guys, looking into FN's atm, has anyone seen this 1 yet?
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/chester-hill/cars-vans-utes/2008-civic-fn2-type-r/1036930482
looks like there's some decent gear in the sale

Seller is a member here.

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?179908-08-Civic-FN2R-*Pics-added*