HONDA CIVIC TYPE R FN2 BUYERS GUIDE | DO NOT BUY without watching this!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Review of this car : kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIHCZH9oZsuJo6s

[@MrLodewickus]

Had a FN2 for 12 years. Other than an initial clutch issue and later the centre console's LEDs requiring resoldering, there weren't any problems outside of the recall fixes. Miss it dearly. Car is super fun to drive. Those first gear top rev take off's without traction control always gives a smile. Wish I could've kept it.

[@IM-kk3jq]

How do you fix the centre console info system? Mines don’t work anymore

[@mrjackbagginz]

Hey man there is one for sale near me its cheaper than a honda jazz.. shall i geg it

[@MrLodewickus]

@@mrjackbagginz yes

[@EliPerlman]

@@MrLodewickusthese fn2s are legal in the us right?

[@willoffer7119]

Actively looking to buy one of these at the moment, so your two videos (here’s why I’ve bought and the buyers guide) are fantastic, thank you. (Also, your clothing choice of red over black to match the car in the buyers guide video is the kind of attention to detail I’m here for!!) Subscribed and about to scroll through some more content!

[@simonManleeeee]

Had my civic from 2014, it’s a 2010, only issue I had was the wiper motor needed replaced. Not had any of the issues mentioned here. A testament to the build quality of HONDA

[@0MFG0]

Small things for this model, everything is easy to fix. One of the timeless models, beautiful!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Yep VERY reliable

[@kickassaz]

Forgot to mention some have a boot leak where the seals on the rear lights crack. Check your boot for damp.

[@markkilo4519]

And could be cracks in the boot recesses at the top like mine

[@kickassaz]

@@markkilo4519 cracks ? Jesus - first time I've heard of that. Thanks for the information mate ✅

[@markkilo4519]

@aaronsmith7091 just hairline cracks a mm or 2 wide. Had a bigger one on the body above the drivers door, that was leaking into the drivers footwell 👍

[@senai3943]

Thank God for peaky blinders series. Without watching it I wouldn't be able to understand a word. Great vid btw

[@janimize-3066]

He’s Scottish they are Irish lol

[@mproject8356]

​@@janimize-3066they're from Birmingham 😂

[@janimize-3066]

@@mproject8356 stil Irish descent

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

An excellent buyers guide as always Grant.

[@bluemilkjunkie]

What a great video! Really informative and well presented. I've got some confidence now looking for an fn2

[@adrianbunyard6015]

I just want too say I found your video too be superb. I am going back too a Honda from a BMW m135i and an fn2 is the one I am looking at. Your video is very informative and certainly very well presented by yourself. It describes very well exactly what too look for and the specs for a potential buyer or even a current owner. I am very happy I stumbled across this channel. I will take your advice when looking at one of these now.

[@supercarowner]

Hello, man. Did you buy Type R? How does it feel compared to the BMW 1? Steering? Speed into turns?

[@HeyItsRyan1]

both front and rear subframes rust like crazy, dash leds needing resoldering

[@24hrs365]

I bought a 2008 FN2 gt from new and still have it. I keep on top of maintenance and so far I have had no issues. A common problem is the boot leak and rear axle rusting.

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

How many miles do you have. There is one I want to buy. It has 250.000km but always taken care. I would invest in new timing chain water pump etc just to be sure as parts and repair not that expensive. It black with Mugen spoiler at back and mugen lip at front. Looks really nice. 19inch Keskin rims.

[@24hrs365]

I have 117,000 kilometres. (72,700 MLS). Approx 7,300 ish a year. Apart from the number of owners, check how long the present owner has it. If the owner only has it a short time it's not a good sign. There are a lot of good examples out there. Take your time looking. Best of luck finding a good one.@@The_Touring_Jedi

[@King-Gilamashur2758]

I got some rear axle rusting. How worried should I be about it?

[@24hrs365]

@@King-Gilamashur2758 Either get it up on a lift or axle stands and use a good wire brush. After you get the heavy rust off go over it with rough sandpaper. This job will take time so be patient and don't rush it. If any light surface rust is still visible get a rust converter or rust neutralizer and paint the whole axle. Leave it overnight if possible. lastly, paint the axle with a good rust protection paint. I would only be worried if there were holes in the axle.

[@MrCaterhamr500]

Glad to see a Scottish KZbinr covering cars, sick of the usual posh boys down south 😂 Great video, very comprehensive. These are an absolute steal, I shared one with a friend that we got for £1250 with 180, 000 and we tracked it, just added good tyres, brakes and fluid and tried to kill it! It lapped it up! It was a ball thrashing it mercilessly lap after lap, never overheated, didn’t even tick after a thrashing as most modern cars do if you even look at the redline for a while. I might get another, fit an lsd and good tyres and just enjoy it. I’ve had all sorts of cars, always reaching for the next elusive level of car, 400hp evo, Porsches, turbo converted classic minis, mx5 turbos, M3’s, Saph Cosworths etc and the FN2 Type R matched them all for driver focused fun, they’re a bargain, what an engine, Relatively easy to take them to 235-240hp as well.

[@PouyaLucky]

Hello from Finland.... MUCH MUCH MMMMUCH appreciate the detailed info, I am reallllly close to to buying one as a weekend and track warrior 😍

[@ScottishCarClan]

You are very welcome my friend!

[@fredjones554]

Excellent review. Practical advice for the used car buyer. Subbed

[@timcarder8435]

Had mine since new just lost drivers side drive shaft clutch and possibly gearbox, checked service history oil in gearbox not been changed. 173,000.

[@nicholasevans1336]

I've had a FN2 for 7 years. Awesome car ❤

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

How many miles do you have?

[@limbo5463]

Brilliant cars, I absolutely love mine! Prefer 2X EP3's and now an FN2 owner for 2 years!

[@BleeCarswell]

Great video! I reckon one of these will be my next car, so this is very useful.

[@steviefn2typer]

Hi grant! Just sold the black one I got from you to my brother Dn56zvo so at least it’s still in the family, still running beautifully. Just missed you at Irvine beach park a few weeks ago, was planning to come and say hi but you sped off in that big GTR, lovely car! Anyway best of luck mate and keep the videos coming

[@ScottishCarClan]

Hi mate! Great to hear from you. Delighted to hear she’s still going strong! I loved how low a number that car was (type r no 64 I think?). What car are you moving on to now?

[@steviefn2typer]

@@ScottishCarClan 00064 it was, been a fantastic car and got it looking really nice, full front end respray, full stainless exhaust, new brakes, braided hoses, wheel spacers, camber bolts, intake and wheel refurb. Getting a new clutch soon too, Never had a drama with it. My plan is for an fk2/8 eventually but with the miles I’m doing at the minute I bought a civic 1.6 idtec, free tax and 70mpg😂 already got fn2 wheels on it, new brakes all round and a set of spacers 😂 just can’t leave cars alone

[@gf845]

Picked mine up at auction for a song. Was expecting all these problems but none. Had just had a new timing chain and clutch at Honda too.

[@paulgreig9051]

That is a bloody good no nonsense review!!!

[@paulcook3089]

What a fantastic video I am about to get the tape off but I have a type S and a few of the problems are the same I have subscribed keep up the good information and details videos thank you

[@pleska37]

This is my dream car, I would so love to have it.

[@lexzenis2544]

rear beam mount bushes also stuff up...get the powerflex inserts!!!

[@leegillett4202]

Another big issue on these which i didnt see in the video is the rear axle (rear beam) rots from the inside out and tends to snap, mine done this and countless others ive seen online, same thing with the type s and 5 door variants

[@silviubalan5850]

Same here

[@Lewis1995]

i think its not as bad on the type r as the rear axle is stronger but it can still have problems

[@damobass2966]

I just bought one and it has the creaking from the front mentioned in this vid. I am in Australia and Honda over here doesn't know how to fix. Does anyone know a Honda dealer in the UK that has this fix, so I can contact them?. Any help on this would be massively appreciated.

[@nessie2303]

You didnt mention the pixels ( digits ) on the display clock and radio dissapearing ,i had to replace mine caused by dry solder breaking up.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Great addition... Was your's on the radio display?

[@nessie2303]

@@ScottishCarClan yes it was the radio display the pixels pack up ,i had to buy a new unit ,i tried to solder it but its too fiddly

[@lexzenis2544]

yes radio display happened to mine........and no need to replace...not fiddly --just heat up the pins (as they point down to the ground) original solder will slide slightly due to gravity to contact correctly. (BUT DO NOT ADD SOLDER!!)...see the vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqWVqXebgZaepK8

[@daylight_exe]

on mind also the radio display is on its last legs lol

[@mitchellwolf69]

couple of other points you have missed m8, after 10 years of owning a 59 plate, facelift model. not every facelift model came with a lsd, mine didn't. late 59- 60 plate as far as i am aware did, but my 59 facelift definitely did not (apart from the champ white, which all did). water in the lower boot, this is a major problem, and it really sucks, i spent weeks with the interior stripped out trying 2 find where it was coming from. this causes major rust problems in the lower boot area, and wont take long 2 take hold. it ended up being the roof rail seem under the plastic roof trim that needed some metal putty applied 2, but yeah a major pain. apart from these 2 points, a very through video, and every other issue is covered. the only other thing i feel i need 2 add, is that dont be worried if it doesn't come with a full honda service history, (as long as it it serviced on time) a good honda independent specialist garage (like dickson automotive) means more 2 me than any honda stamp. twice honda Dunfermline were trusted with my car, and twice they absolutely wrecked my car, and couldn't care less. these are great cars! mine was remapped and modded, 220bhp, but i never changed how the power was delivered, i like the fact that you have 2 chase every single horse, with a manual gearbox. epic road going race car feel.

[@ldh2851]

April 2010 for the lsd apparently but no guarantee it'll have one due to built date/registration date etc. You can call Honda UK with the VIN and they can confirm whether it has it or not. Worth searching out!

[@willpark7483]

Mines got water in lower boot cant see where its coming in from so reckon i will have to apply some sealent/putty where you said too!

[@SuperGunnar56]

Great video, would love a guide on the diy fix for the mirrors. Mine are buggered! Another to point out is that these engines can also suffer from timing chain stretch. Just had mine done at 168k km on a 2011 champ edition. The chain had stretched a tooth. Also quite a few owners have had issues with their VTC actuators - myself included.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks for that, I’ll see about pulling together a diy video for the mirrors as one on this car folds very slowly.

[@SuperGunnar56]

@@ScottishCarClan Great! Yeah, my left doesn't fold and the right side is very slow. Looking forward to it!

[@Ep3homda]

How much was your chain stretched!

[@Deehawkeye77]

@@SuperGunnar56 It's the SOD's. You can buy replacements. It's not a hard job to swap over. Breaking them open and replacing the resistor is tricky but can be done for a couple pounds.

[@letheanlol]

@@ScottishCarClanany update on the DIY video? The right wing mirror on my civic isn’t folding in so was gonna have a go at fixing it

[@pleska37]

I have a FN1 1.4 ivtec, and some of these problems such as gearbox/clutch and rumbling in the front are literally the same as mentioned.

[@klappars]

I’ve read quite a few buyers guides and on the FB group for these cars and I still learnt some things! Great video

[@bigdweeb7829]

Great video as I am going to look at one on Tuesday. Some great tips as I have never owned one before. Thank you.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Good luck!

[@mushypeas-91]

Brilliant guide, very useful. Cheers fella!

[@natel5370]

I have a 2011 with LSD as my daily that transforms this chassis with a little geo setup not a bad car tbf. I wanted to hate it I have had most Hondas jdm and uk

[@DynodazeHondaTuners]

Geeetings! Have subscribed

[@mickl8212]

You've missed a massive safety issue with these cars, rear suspension beam corrosion. They corrode and the rear wheels collapse inwards from the beam snapping. They really do need to be inspected properly underneath, especially where the anti roll bar goes through the hole in the rear beam in into the tubular section on the beam assembly. Personally I wouldn't want that happening under hard cornering.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Unfortunately this is something we see on quite a few older cars with the harsh Scottish winters. R35 GTR and a Honda Jazz are two of the most recent that’s needed new subframes by us! Your absolutely correct in that the fn2 also suffers depending on how it’s been used but it isn’t alone. A good MOT is worth its weight in gold to pick up on it!

[@mickl8212]

@@ScottishCarClan it's not always picked up on MOT though as they rot from the inside too and people have had them fail while driving. So if there's significant corrosion on and around that rear suspension beam, best to walk away or factor in changing it.

[@mrtropicalwalsh5114]

​@@mickl8212 I see this problem on a KZbin video the other night. actually the whole underneath looked corroded.im looking to get one next year I love them I have a type s at the moment. would this problem put you off an fn2?

[@mickl8212]

@@mrtropicalwalsh5114 no, as I have a 2.2 06 Civic on 218k miles, drives perfect, no major issues. Just factor in replacing the rear beam, then you won't have to worry about it.

[@ELWBB]

A/C compressor clutch goes out on these models as well.

[@King-Gilamashur2758]

Yep had it happen recently. I still need to get it sorted.

[@Jackal9405]

I've bought a few just to take out the engine/gearbox package and scrap the rest....

[@bigbadboogie6842]

Have had the creaking front end when starting the car in the morning (especially when cold) since i bought it some 8 years ago. Disappears when warm though and havent casued issues. Couldnt quite understand what you said due to dialect, but Honda had a fix?

[@ΚΩΣΤΑΣΚΑΡΡΑΣ-ρ7σ]

Common issue, cracking noise from door windows when slightly open while driving on bumby roads, can be irritating but not a serious issue.

[@WeeFreeMan78]

That's something that all 3 door cars suffer from. It's the curvature of the glass that is to blame. All my 3 door cars had it, european or japanese

[@smashingturnips5353]

No mention of boot leak in this video?!

[@lisamcevoy6221]

Thank you, I’m just about to start hunting for an 09 or a 10 plate.

[@sonh788]

This video saved a lot of headaches

[@cols721]

Hi, just bought a fn2 and was wondering what the front subframe fix is?

[@Justin_Brunskyy]

Going for the Championship White Mugan version, any extra tips or things to watch out for would be great !

[@RB-xj5zv]

I have had my car for 4 years, its a good car

[@TheSheamus78]

With the amount of these going off the roads they will slowly become rare and go up in price a decent price now for these is 6-7k and the championship white will fetch from 10-12k these will be a great investment car like my 22b and my favourite the classic mini copper sport which i paid 7k for a few years back!! Im tempted to buy a FN2 and fully restore it and garage it.

[@ghostinthemachine76]

LSDs weren’t fitted until 2011, I think. Maybe mid 2010, but certainly not 2009.

[@CaptainFalcon92]

I will be able to fix my folding mirrors thanks to you. Here's a like

[@ScottishCarClan]

Very welcome!

[@ghostinthemachine76]

This is a great channel. Great buying advice for all sorts of cars. Subbed 👍

[@paul-k5q5z]

for a old car they are really nice looking m8 i want one pal

[@jordydavidson186]

I’m thinking about buying a type s fn2 but is there anything you’d recommend buying for it to make it look better

[@timobolka1]

What exactly is the fix for the issue at 1:33?

[@Nippl3Crippl3]

been looking for a TypeR with a panoramic roof for ages, so I settled for the 1.8 TypeS GT with panoramic, heard they have issues with rust at the top of windscreen so that eliminates that issue. I got a good one for a bargain, new Brembo disks and pads all round, new Bridgestone Potenza sport tyres all round, K&N air and oil filters, Bosch dbl iridium spark plugs. don't know what oil they used but it wont have been cheapo stuff, someone gave it a treat of a service before me, 07 plate 100 thou miles, passed every mot. I'm over the moon with it. immaculate in side and out. rear bushings are failing tho, should I replace with rubber again or go polyurethane, any ideas would help greatly. lol I thought this had a panoramic roof.

[@Lewis1995]

just watch out for the rear subframe either corroding or sagging/snapping mine went a couple weeks ago, very common on these especially the non type r

[@Nippl3Crippl3]

@@Lewis1995 Really ! ,I'll have a good check myself, its just past MOT no bother, old guy was underneath with a large prybar and said its solid, he was shocked at the price I got it for, £1400, tyres alone are over 400 and Brembo drilled disks and pads all round wont have been cheap either, looked like all the parts had been on a week. I hope it doesn't have a major issue and that's why it was let go, done 5000 miles no bother so far. thx for the heads up, not heard of that one to look out for.

[@Lewis1995]

@Nippl3Crippl3 mine passed an mot in April with no advisories and by early August the subframe had bent and the rear wheels pointed inwards

[@Nippl3Crippl3]

@@Lewis1995 oh crap, what am i looking for? any ideas, he did miss the bushings.

[@Lewis1995]

@Nippl3Crippl3 all I know to look for is excessive rust on the subframe or if the rear wheels are starting to point inwards from the top, most of the time it's one side, also squeaking or groaning coming from the rear seems to happen But honestly other than the rear sunframe being a shit shit these cars are super reliable the engines especially will go forever, if the rear subframe looks good it probably will be mine was rusty bit never got flagged probably a fault of the mot tester

[@RavenfluxASMR]

Great job as per usual 👀

[@mickadatwist1620]

I'm 6"4. Can I fit into driving seat properly in this gen of Civic? Enough headroom?

[@ScottishCarClan]

I think you’d be ok. I’m 6”1 for reference and you can see the room I have to spare.

[@RiggerbeeOffRoad]

Love an golf R32 buyers guide video!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Mk5? I’ll get it done 🙌🏼

[@RiggerbeeOffRoad]

@@ScottishCarClan yes please

[@burnsyblues]

Would love a guide on the 2017 - 22 civic sport 1.5 turbos, they’re a real honda enthusiast fun car. A warm taste of a type R without the 500+ pcp payments 😂 Would live to hear your guide.

[@joelb6605]

Really helpful video. Will definitely subscribe

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks Joel, good to have you!

[@h2cker]

awesome video, great breakdown.

[@andrewkb5211]

Great info. Subscribed. 👍

[@douglasmurry3949]

Great content 👍 some helpful stuff I didn't know in there! Thanks!

[@ScottishCarClan]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@dh1380]

With the head gasket gone on my TTS I'm seriously considering an FN2 Type R. This is an awesome video

[@ScottishCarClan]

@@dh1380 it’ll be slower but what a characterful engine. And reliable!

[@a8uella]

This couldn’t have come at a better time

[@ScottishCarClan]

Great stuff 🙌🏼

[@WhatAcca]

Where do you see prices going on these in 2023? Still on the up or on the slide?

[@Deehawkeye77]

Nice review and in depth look at these. Brilliant cars one of my all time favs. Remove weight and mod them and it's a fantastic driving experience. Bad points are many and main one is rust. Finding a good one of these is near impossible now. Look to buy from an enthusiast thats done a lot of the work. The engines are bulletproof but everything else is cheap garbage will corrode,leak,break,fall off,chip,squeek etc and you can tell they were built in the UK quality is shocking. But a great first hot hatch to learn how to DIY your own motor. But get it checked underneath particularly the back quarter they just rot so bad.

[@willpark7483]

What did you do in terms of weight saving?

[@Deehawkeye77]

@@willpark7483 Removed Back Seats, spare,heavy plastic rear boot cover, Aircon(compressor,pipe work condenser)changed horribly heavy stock wheels to lighter ones. Nothing too crazy as wanted it livable. But made a big difference. Front seats are super heavy but also fantastic. They would be next on the list.

[@Deehawkeye77]

@@willpark7483 Removed Back Seats, spare,heavy plastic rear boot cover, Aircon(compressor,pipe work condenser)changed horribly heavy stock wheels to lighter ones. Nothing too crazy as wanted it livable. But made a big difference. Front seats are super heavy but also fantastic. They would be next on the list.

[@Davey25]

There is no better sounding car available for around 5k than the fantastic FN2.

[@DIYProjectX]

Nice. Any chance for a Focus RS review?

[@ScottishCarClan]

Mk2 or 3 ? Which first? 😁

[@DIYProjectX]

@@ScottishCarClan Mk2 is more realistic in my price range, but do anything you can get your hands on. I'm interested in the differences between RS and ST. And since you've done all the STs, you're the man to do it ;)

[@ScottishCarClan]

@@DIYProjectX will do 👍🏼 I also owned both for a few years. Any advice your after drop the Instagram page a message.

[@blue_lancer_es]

People say this is the worst typeR. If they would of called it crx siR I think it would of been a better sell.

[@FatherJack-73]

Watching this after previously owning one and thinking of getting another 🙈😆

[@ScottishCarClan]

Do it 😎 nice late one with the factory LSD

[@FatherJack-73]

@@ScottishCarClan unfortunately this is a 2007 but looks clean enough

[@Ep3homda]

Got a link for the more new rubbers?

[@Deehawkeye77]

If it's for your rear subframe bushes upgrade with powerflex ones. Tightened things up nicely.

[@lexzenis2544]

gear gator disintegrates and leaves black dust all over hands too.

[@Sr82.]

Just bought a fn2 2 month ago and the clutch went 2 week ago just got it back and it was grinding going into 3rd but its fixed it , just dealing with chassis creak nut hopefully it wont be to bad . Love the car sofar even after the extra expense

[@samconroyy]

Looking at these for my first car, maybe not the Type R though 😆

[@pablohrabia1470]

U got me ! 🤜🤛

[@adamsaunders7161]

Actually the LSD wasn't factory fitted until 2010 so just be careful.

[@benphillips773]

Is there anyway of knowing whether the LSD is fitted?

[@MXTR16]

@@benphillips773 Call Honda HQ customer services and give them the reg and ask. They found out for me for my March 2010 car and it wasn't fitted.

[@Deehawkeye77]

@@benphillips773 Any 61 plate cars will have it and half of 60 plates. Find out from Honda or check with wheels off the ground. All Champ Whites have it also. If you want go keep it and drive it hard it makes a huge difference. I fitted a 10 plate lsd box in mine cheapest option. Pick best one you can find and then fit it third party they are better than stock anyway.

[@nelc2399]

seriously what do you expect from a used car? as long the gearbox and engine are healthy the rest are wear and tear. just change them

[@Ep3homda]

You missed boot leak

[@ShiftXracing]

He I have one to and under the extra boot space it is full of water it is root anoying

[@davidalex-cains6097]

Got offered one 👀

[@scotty2036]

With all these things to throw into the negotiation, u should get the car for free 😂

[@Ep3homda]

You doing a review on this car?

[@ScottishCarClan]

Can’t believe you asked this whilst I was FILMING a review 😂 good timing

[@Jase2114]

Just buy a ep3

[@ScottishCarClan]

So much more money now though! 🥲

[@ulysses4989]

Ep3 more problems.

[@Loveunited106]

Absolutely bulletproof and unbreakable engine 😂

[@Coa_Kralj_Coa_The_King]

When you have great car and you make boring video, you must be genuine