Honda Civic Type-R FN2: The best value used hot hatch you can buy?

The Honda Civic Type-R FN2 is one of the best value used hot hatches you can buy. In this CarGurus UK video, motoring journalist Vicky Parrott explains why that’s the case, as well as pointing out a few areas to look out for if you’re in the market for a used Civic.

Pros
Radical styling still looks fresh
Well deserved reputation for reliability
Clever rear seats and a big boot

Cons
The 1.4 petrol is a tad slow
Bland to drive, except for the Type R
The sloping roof compromises rear headroom

TThe CarGurus verdict
The eighth-generation Honda Civic is an easy used car to recommend, but we can’t help feeling a little frustrated that the radical styling isn’t matched to a more invigorating drive. In standard guise, it’s neither particularly fun nor especially comfortable, so it falls short of the contemporary Ford Focus’s ride and handling benchmark. From the driver’s seat, the Civic is a bit middle of the road, whereas the looks are anything but.

However, the big boot, the clever rear seats and excellent reliability make the Civic a sound used buy. For most potential buyers, the 1.8-litre petrol is the one to choose. It performs strongly and delivers reasonable economy. High-mileage drivers will be better off with the 2.2-litre diesel.

Of course, the comments about the Civic being ordinary to drive don’t apply to the Type R hot hatch. This generation of the Civic Type R may have its detractors, but it’s genuinely one of the best fast hatchbacks of the time. What’s more, it's reliable enough to still make a sound buy after well over a decade on the road.

#cargurusuk #hondacivictyper #hothatch

[nikjanet]

YAY. About time the FN2 got a pat on the back. I've owned my for four years and still enjoy driving it. Up yours Clarkson :-)

[TregTube]

Very underrated car. I’ve owned mine for 8 years and it has stood up to what must the UK’s harshest commute - 26 miles of the Isle of Man TT course balls out at 8k rpm for minutes at a time most days, day in, day out without fault.

[shimeih]

I like this woman a lot. She's eloquent in explaining these cars in a simple way. Big reason why I even got a city electric car even though I used to hate them.

[mrlionrocks]

The fn2 is a brilliant car, getting better with age, great day to day and b road blasting with the added benefit of bombproof reliability

[schindlerk]

Most people who slag them off probably never had one. This car was unbelievable to drive the confidence it gives.. I had a 2010 new from honda and it could bounce off the rev limiter around 158mph and although taking a long time to get there you could maintain flat out speed into corners in the wet and 140mph on fresh snow in normal tyres. One of the only cars I got to sell not write off....Crazy car

[andysmith]

I’ve owned my 09 Type R about a month. Everything mentioned in the review is pretty much spot on. First thing I did was put a new clutch It and it drives great. The noise is slightly addictive when you plant your foot down and hit vtec, which makes the mpg go down a fair bit 😄

[drumandbassbeats]

Had my FN2 mugen 200 two years now and it's a little head turner! Still love it.

[usget]

Please stop hyping the values of FN2s, at least until after I've bought one.

[Dav]

Fantastic car! Had mine for nearly 3 years now and love the drive and design. Even better with lowering springs plus geometry.

[matty_lam_]

Got my Championship White back in August and I am absolutely in love! ✌️🇯🇵

[aidanwilson]

Honda should of stayed with this design, it looks so much better & more contemporary than the current model !.

[andylebandy]

This review is strangely soothing, despite the violent nature of the Honda's type Rs.

[adammidderigh]

'keeps going to 7, 800rpm'? Mine's from 2007, stock and revs to 8, 400... Good video though, nice to see the fn2 getting the love it deserves. I bought mine about 9 months ago and am still completly in love with it. By far my favorite of the 6 hot hatches I had previously, not to mention also the most reliable by far and most spacious/ practical.

[Cerberuselite]

"The EP3 is the best type R" say EP3 owners lol. The best civic type R is the EK9 for a start and the best car with the type R badge is probably what, the DC2 Integra? Anyway thanks to the clarksonites for tanking the price of these as they are great fun. I'd sure as shit have the "worst" type R over a Golf GTI!

[anarchywolf]

Got one of the champ white fn2s. Absolutely love it

[HerbsmanRevs]

Great review. Had mine going on 9 years and still love it... though it's extensively modified

[pirotehs]

I love the styling of this car, but I will stick with my EP3 that I own for 15 years now.

[bchris]

I have the fn3 2.2 cdti type s GT, it's brilliant mix of fun and economy, not quite as aggressive as type r but still alot more than the base model !!!

[Orza]

I've had both fn2 and ep3 type r and I've always preferred fn2 bcz of refinements and the look of the car from inside and outside

[darkwa]

I ran one of these for 6 months and was extremely surprised with how much I enjoyed it