Looking to buy Type R - considering potential options

[Rexpelagi]

I think in this price point the Civic is pretty impressive. I think if you plan to track it a few times a year 200k may take some extra maintenance, but it is a Honda.

For casual track use consumables aren't bad, but if you do try to run competitively as you add power (375whp+) it can start to eat through front tires fairly quickly, but that's obviously driver/track dependent.

On mine, I get around 3 TT track weekends on front pads, about 1.5-2 TT track weekends on front tires (RE-71RS), I should get TT 9-10 track weekends out of rear pads, and rear tires (I run a reverse stagger) last around 5 TT track weekends.

Overall, I've been very happy with mine. That said, I plan to move away from this platform for competition only because I want to be a bit more competitive and also I want to reduce running costs considering I want to run more events, but I'm moving to a *much* slower/cheaper car - I think in this price-point everything would be in-line or lower than other options.

That said, mine is also for sale, if you are interested:

https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/fs-2024-cw-civic-type-r-10k-mi-mild-street-track-prep.61043/

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[JustAddBeer]

G80 M3…Lol. Golf R. I love my FL5, but I think it’ll be the last FWD car I get.

Most definitely the last one with 3 pedals new

 

[Jack90210]

I considered Golf R. Compared to FL5, my takeaway is:

Drives "softer," doesn't corner as hard, steering not as direct
Seats aren't supportive enough
No manual available
Very little cargo space behind rear seats
Haptic controls on steering wheel, fire the guy who did that
Center screen too large (CAN YOU SEE ME NOW)
Needs Euro Style package to get rid of sunroof (I prefer not to have one)
Screen-based HVAC/radio controls, ugh

 

[optronix]

Surprised no one mentioned the F87 M2. Probably other BMW options but that's the only one I'd consider other than MAYBE an F80 M3 but I that's an example of a car that's more fun to admire than to own (E46 M3 is too expensive for what it is now and would require too much care and feeding IMO). Driving dynamics and practicality are better with the FL5/DE5 but the power and RWD platform make it compelling if that's your preference. Especially the M2 Competition.

If you want to consider some actually alternative options if you don't need the practicality of having a back seat, you could consider going the P car route at $50k. The 981 Cayman or Boxster is a great choice, but honestly the prices for the 4 cylinder 718s are probably just about drawing even at this point and they are categorically better in every single way aside from the exhaust note. But the exhaust of a naturally aspirated Porsche is good enough to justify it so it's a personal preference. You could even get a solid 997 or even 991 for $50k but it wouldn't be a fancy one. I haven't checked lately but honestly, if it were my money I might just lean towards a 997.2 if I could get one under $50k... hard to beat that for driving experience and theater combined and it'll only go up in value.

The A80 Supra is definitely a worthy car but I've heard they can get squirrely on track. And apparently the manuals fetch a premium.

Since you mentioned Corvette why not explore the space of like a C7 Z06. That's a badass car.

Another option to consider if the miles will be low would be to look at some genuine classics. You could get a DC2 Type R for $50k if you make some compromises and don't seek out the hermetically sealed examples. If you want to play the import game possibly a R32 GTR (haven't checked lately, maybe not...), S15 Silvia, DEFINITELY an EK9 Type R I think @Zygrene mentioned they could be had for $30k in his last review of one... my mind obviously is pointed at JDM but there are definitely some interesting ideas there. See my earlier comment around care and feeding but you asked for options so I'm giving them to you.

 

[nashville]

I have an ek9 and an FL5. regardless of price- I’d much rather drive my FL5 daily. The ek9 is scary to drive every day- that car is not replaceable while an fl5 is.

 

[spectre186]

Used CT4V Blackwing. They sell for pretty cheap, and are fantastic performers.

 

[Jack90210]

Used CT4V Blackwing. They sell for pretty cheap, and are fantastic performers.

I really thought I was going this route (new CT4 Blackwing in Drift Metallic, upgraded seats, carbon package) instead of an FL5, but I read too many reports of unreliability.

In the end I wanted something fun, reasonably lightweight, with a MT and a good chassis, and reliable.

 

[TypeRbuilder]

Coming from and building a LOT of hot Honda's over the decades, and JUST moving on from a Highly modded TLX Type S, this car, the FL5, is WICKED! THE best hatch in the world. Bar none. And it's amazing owning a piece of Honda History!

 

[AspecR]

I considered Golf R. Compared to FL5, my takeaway is:

Drives "softer," doesn't corner as hard, steering not as direct
Seats aren't supportive enough
No manual available
Very little cargo space behind rear seats
Haptic controls on steering wheel, fire the guy who did that
Center screen too large (CAN YOU SEE ME NOW)
Needs Euro Style package to get rid of sunroof (I prefer not to have one)
Screen-based HVAC/radio controls, ugh

Funny you say that, VW did fire the guy that was responsible for the haptic controls lol

 

[RedCarrot]

Funny you say that, VW did fire the guy that was responsible for the haptic controls lol

I hope they tarred and feathered him before he left the building on his last day.

- Current MK8 Golf R owner

 

[eap35]

I think in this price point the Civic is pretty impressive. I think if you plan to track it a few times a year 200k may take some extra maintenance, but it is a Honda.

For casual track use consumables aren't bad, but if you do try to run competitively as you add power (375whp+) it can start to eat through front tires fairly quickly, but that's obviously driver/track dependent.

On mine, I get around 3 TT track weekends on front pads, about 1.5-2 TT track weekends on front tires (RE-71RS), I should get TT 9-10 track weekends out of rear pads, and rear tires (I run a reverse stagger) last around 5 TT track weekends.

Overall, I've been very happy with mine. That said, I plan to move away from this platform for competition only because I want to be a bit more competitive and also I want to reduce running costs considering I want to run more events, but I'm moving to a *much* slower/cheaper car - I think in this price-point everything would be in-line or lower than other options.

That said, mine is also for sale, if you are interested:

https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/fs-2024-cw-civic-type-r-10k-mi-mild-street-track-prep.61043/

what platform are you moving to ? I'm curious on what cars are cheaper to run on track other than the standard ND3 miata/GR86. Ideally looking for decently premium 2 seater or 4 seater like type R

 

[Rexpelagi]

what platform are you moving to ? I'm curious on what cars are cheaper to run on track other than the standard ND3 miata/GR86. Ideally looking for decently premium 2 seater or 4 seater like type R

I actually moved to a 2004 Mini Hatch (non-S) - there's a specific class for Gridlife for cars in this power-to-weight range that is pretty competitive so that's what I'm running this year (it will definitely be cheaper than an ND/Twin, but obviously also massively slower).

I think the ND and the Twin would also be cheaper to run than the Type R, but they are both less practical and slower depending on modifications.

If you aren't competing and want a do-everything car I think the Civic is hard to beat, but I went in a different direction for cheap competition.

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