Theft risk?

[rui]

Hi everyone,

I'm in an unusual situation where I spend most of the year in the US but also some months abroad.
I don't have (and can't afford) a garage in the US (living a "double life" is expensive!). I just have an assigned parking spot.
I have an old beater and have had no issues with theft or vandalism so far.

I love my FL5 and would like to have one in the US as well. Would give me more opportunities to drive one, and to make friends by attending meets and other events (as a introverted foreigner I have basically no friends in the US and this could be a way in). But I'm concerned about theft and vandalism. Seems to me that wheels, bumpers, seats, the wing, etc, would be targets. There are so many base-model Civics and people wanting to mod them... I'm sure there must be a market for stolen Type R parts. Also, the wing makes the car pretty recognizable, even under a cover.

So my question to you is: if you park outside, have you experienced or heard about Type R (FL5 or FK8) theft or vandalism?

I know there's insurance, but I'd rather not deal with the associated pain and anxiety.

I am also considering an ITS, as I think it flies more under the radar. It has fewer special bits and there are fewer cars where they would fit. Or an Si or Integra A-Spec, which I love and are much more rational. But they look like "regular traffic" and thus wouldn't give me access to the car scene (outside of Honda/Acura-specific meets).

Thanks for any input or insight you may be able to share!

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[menikmati]

100% location dependent.

I know there's insurance, but I'd rather not deal with the associated pain and anxiety.

Sounds like you already have anxiety. Get an appropriate amount of insurance coverage and call it a day. Either that or fork out money for long term secure storage.

 

[rui]

Sounds like you already have anxiety. Get an appropriate amount of insurance coverage and call it a day. Either that or fork out money for long term secure storage.

I do! Just trying to gauge whether it's justified.

I think it's not a particularly dangerous neighborhood, but don't have any hard data to compare it against others.

 

[Chilly613]

I live in a fairly nice neighborhood and a neighbor had a car stolen from their driveway in broad daylight. Doesn't really matter too much whether its a good neighborhood or a bad neighborhood, if someone wants to break in or steal your car they're gonna do it regardless.

The question should be, "Will my insurance coverage be good enough to make me whole if something were to happen?"

 

[menikmati]

I do! Just trying to gauge whether it's justified.

The question should be, "Will my insurance coverage be good enough to make me whole if something were to happen?"

Just get enough insurance to do what Chilly613 suggested.

I've had a motorcycle stolen within a couple weeks of ownership. Couple of minutes with the cops and insurance and I had a check in hand with no net loss.

 

[us17094]

If it were me, and money wasn't tight, I would spring for a secure indoor storage. Total peace of mind. And wrt insurance - these cars are kinda hard to find. You might not be able to replace it with a new one all that easily.

 

[Clark_Kent]

I do! Just trying to gauge whether it's justified.

I think it's not a particularly dangerous neighborhood, but don't have any hard data to compare it against others.

I think it's justified given the data points you have. The question you posed won't apply to anyone unless they live in your neighborhood. Given what you've shared, there's zero chance I'd store the car outside. I would rather not buy the car then to have it outside and be worried sick some knucklehead won't break in and pull the seats out of it or steal the car altogether.

I suggest mitigating the risk by using a climate controlled automotive storage facility. Their rates typically aren't too bad. When you're out of the country or the car isn't in use for extended periods, have the facility place the car on a battery tender.

 

[rui]

If it were me, and money wasn't tight, I would spring for a secure indoor storage. Total peace of mind. And wrt insurance - these cars are kinda hard to find. You might not be able to replace it with a new one all that easily.

I suggest mitigating the risk by using a climate controlled automotive storage facility. Their rates typically aren't too bad. When you're out of the country or the car isn't in use for extended periods, have the facility place the car on a battery tender.

Thanks for the input. I'll research long-term indoor car storage options in the area. It's not something I thought existed, but then again, I've never looked. Fingers crossed they do and are relatively affordable. ?

On the topic, just saw this today: ?

 

[Shankmeyster]

I would never leave a Civic sitting out in a spot somewhere for a long period. Doesn't matter what model it is, at some point someone will probably try to steal it if they see it has been unattended for long enough.

 

[ttccnn49]

it doesn't have to be a specific car storage. When I am out of state for over 2 weeks, I just get a 10*16 or 10*20 from cube smart. make sure it says drive up accessible.

 

[rui]

it doesn't have to be a specific car storage. When I am out of state for over 2 weeks, I just get a 10*16 or 10*20 from cube smart. make sure it says drive up accessible.

Thanks. That is a good point indeed. I assumed vehicles weren't allowed in regular storage units, but I was wrong.

Looks like I can get a 10x20 ft unit in the area for around $300/month. I'll factor this cost into my purchase decision.

 

[Clark_Kent]

Thanks. That is a good point indeed. I assumed vehicles weren't allowed in regular storage units, but I was wrong.

Looks like I can get a 10x20 ft unit in the area for around $300/month. I factor this cost into my purchase decision.

They typically are not unless expressly stated otherwise. I know it's a hack enthusiasts use, but I would be careful. In the event of a loss you may run into issues. Also, if you're leaving the car for months at a time, those units typically do not have electrical outlets so you would not be able to keep it on a battery tender. If someone is able to take the car out on occasion, then it's less of an issue.

 

[rui]

They typically are not unless expressly stated otherwise. I know it's a hack enthusiasts use, but I would be careful. In the event of a loss you may run into issues. Also, if you're leaving the car for months at a time, those units typically do not have electrical outlets so you would not be able to keep it on a battery tender. If someone is able to take the car out on occasion, then it's less of an issue.

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to ask whether it's OK. I don't want to violate the terms of service.

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