This Civic with 116,000 miles should never have been sold for $30,000, but here we are | Carscoops

      It's not just that this Type R is 28 years old with considerable mileage, but it is also a right-hand-drive import.

      

      9 hours ago

      

      by Brad Anderson

      This EK9 Civic Type R is equipped with a lightweight flywheel and Ohlins coilovers.

      The Japanese domestic market (JDM) hot hatch also boasts aftermarket front and rear lower control arms.

      You could potentially purchase a low-mileage FK8 Civic Type R for a similar price.

      During the '90s and early 2000s, Honda was in the midst of producing some of the best performance vehicles ever from a Japanese manufacturer. That period gave rise to a golden age of JDM cars, and now, those Honda models are fetching prices that would have seemed absurd in the past. This week, a 1997 Civic Type R sold for $29,888, despite being an import and having several aftermarket modifications.

      

      Also: This Honda Hot Wheels Set Won’t Last Long Once Collectors Get Wind Of It

      To give you an idea of how outrageous this is, you can find a used FK8-generation Civic Type R in the U.S. for approximately $30,000. This specific EK9 is a right-hand-drive version, originally sold in Japan before being brought to the States by a private owner. So yes, it has a bit of extra appeal, but is sitting on the "wrong" side of the car worth the same $30,000?

      A Classic Honda Look, With Plenty of Performance

      

      The hot hatch comes in Championship White, which is arguably the most sought-after color for Type R models. It also features one of Honda’s legendary naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, the B16B. Although it has a displacement of just 1.6 liters, the engine produces 185 hp and 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) of torque while revving up to 8,400 rpm. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

      

      The Cars & Bids listing indicates that this EK9 Type R has numerous appealing modifications. For instance, it boasts a new Spoon Sports ECU, a K&N air filter, newly installed engine and transmission mounts, a lightweight flywheel, a new clutch, and Ohlins coilovers. It also includes aftermarket front and rear control arms, new camber arms, and strut tower braces in both the front and rear.

      Inside, you’ll find the signature Type R elements: bright red Recaro racing seats, paired with matching red carpeting to create a race-car feel that’s as aggressive as any Honda ever made. The cabin is also updated with a new Momo steering wheel. Even with nearly 187,100 km (about 116,258 miles) on the odometer, the interior appears to be well-maintained, indicating that the car has been cared for, or at least driven spiritedly.

      There’s no doubt that the EK9 is an exhilarating vehicle to drive, and it would be great to own one. However, the question remains: Does it truly warrant a price nearly equivalent to that of an FK8? Share your thoughts in the comments.

      

      Cars & Bids