Survival Guide: Honda Civic Type R
Sourcing new and used parts.
All these years on, it’s difficult to find fault with that original hothatch formula. After all, what’s not to like about a car that mixes sports car performance with the practicality of everyday family transport?
VW pioneered the class with the Golf, but as the GTI grew older – and bigger – it seemed to lose its sparkle. Which is where the racy Civic, with its raucous and hugely entertainingly 197bhp VTEC engine, comes in.
Now considered one of the best hothatches of its period, it’s cheap, easy to fix and benefits from excellent parts availability. The EP3 Type R, as it was called, was launched in 2001 and lasted until 2005, with a mild revision in 2003 to reduce understeer and add projector headlights and a lighter clutch and flywheel. There was only one engine for the UK: the K20 normally-aspirated 2.0, which was mated to a six-speed gearbox. With variable valve timing kicking in at 5500rpm, it needs to be revved hard to achieve the claimed 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds but, as many will testify, that’s part of the appeal.
Honda build quality is legendary, so even the earliest Civics still feel solid, although ones that have been thrashed, used as weekend track toys or subjected to badly executed modifications will age prematurely and feel horrible to drive. With that in mind, here’s the car’s common faults and the price of parts to make it run sweetly again.
Engines
That high-revving 1998cc is generally bulletproof, but this depends on regular oil and filter changes using only the best quality 5W-40 fully-synthetic brew. It can consume a little oil, so keep an eye on the level between changes – most owners stick to a 9000-mile regime.
Listen out for the VTEC, which will be audible at 5500rpm, although it may kick in sooner on cars that have been remapped. Listen also for clattery timing chains and tensioners; the official replacement interval is 75,000 miles. More of a light tappety noise might simply mean the valve clearances need attention.
Stalling at junctions can be as a result of clogged throttle bodies, but a careful clean should improve matters.
Due to lack of protection, radiators are prone to stone damage, clogging with
leaves and corrosion, so check for leaks. Replacement rads from an independent start at £105.99 – a big saving on the main dealer price of £389.06.
Gearboxes take quite a hammering, so be wary of any that have lost synchro going into second and fourth (especially from cold) or jump out of gear. Replacement ’boxes cost £3983.49 from Honda, but secondhand ones sell for around £500. Meanwhile, a heavy left pedal means you are likely to need a replacement clutch at some point.
Engine component prices
OIL FILTER Main dealer £15.24 Independent from £6.69
TIMING CHAIN KIT Main dealer £449.87 Independent from £269.99
CLUTCH KIT Main dealer £323.40 Independent from £119.99 Sachs, performance £250.84
Steering/suspension
The steering on pre-facelift Type Rs can creak, feel notchy and fail to centre properly, in which case a new rack will be required. Fitting a replacement set-up meant for a facelifted car is the safest bet.
Worn or loose front anti-roll bar bushes are likely to be the cause of other knocks from the suspension, although if you notice it while accelerating then suspect the front lower engine mount.
Uneven tyre wear is most commonly down to incorrect steering geometry, so pay for a four-wheel laser alignment check and make the necessary adjustments.
Steering/suspension component prices
STEERING RACK Main dealer £1655.86 Independent from £424.99
FRONT ANTI-ROLL BAR BUSH Main dealer £4.20 (each)
Brakes
There are 300mm vented discs up front and 260mm discs at the rear, so hauling off speed shouldn’t be an issue on the Type R if everything is in good health. However, rear calipers have been known to stick, and beware of cars with trackoriented pads fitted as they’re not as well suited for the school run.
Brake component prices
FRONT BRAKE DISCS (PAIR) Main dealer £164.62 Independent from £94.98
FRONT BRAKE PADS Main dealer £67.67 Independent from £33.99
Other issues
Interiors last well, but be mindful of the fact that air-conditioning was an option on UK cars and the cabin can feel hot and a bit cramped if it’s not fitted. Be sure it’s blowing cold air not warm, because compressors cost £885.38 from Honda.
Those 17in seven-spoke alloys were shod with Bridgestone RE40 205/45 R17 tyres from new. It’s an odd size, so you could always fit cheaper 215/40 R17s which, having a slightly smaller diameter, will offer fractionally quicker acceleration.
Finally, those moulded front and rear bumpers can prove pricey. The fronts are £336.60 and the rears £348.26 painted.
Other component prices
AIRCON COMPRESSOR Main dealer £885.38 Secondhand from £20.00
ENKEI ALLOY WHEELS (EACH) Main dealer £428.95 Professional wheel refurb £50-£75