I bought a BRAND NEW 2023 Honda Civic Type R! (Kind of) - CTR Episode 1

Summary

In this video, the host dives into the restoration project of a 2023 Honda Civic Type R, purchased as a salvage vehicle after a track accident. Despite the extensive damage, including bent panels and a malfunctioning airbag system, the host is determined to rebuild the car to perfection. The video highlights the process of inspecting the damage, removing parts, and assessing whether the car's core structure is salvageable. With sponsorship from Continental Tire, the project focuses on improving the car's performance with new tires and tackling repair challenges along the way, all while showcasing the host's passion for car restoration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has purchased a 2023 Honda Civic Type R, but it's not brand new due to a previous accident.
• 😀 The Honda Civic Type R is praised for its performance and driving experience, but its front-wheel drive is a common complaint among racing enthusiasts.
• 😀 Despite its strong performance, the Type R's market price has surged with significant markups, with some dealerships listing it for up to $60,000 instead of the original $45,000 price.
• 😀 The speaker highlights that the car is a salvage vehicle due to a wreck and that it's being repaired with the help of Continental Tire, who is sponsoring the project.
• 😀 The car had several warning lights on the dashboard, indicating the need for a mechanical inspection and repairs.
• 😀 The crash involved hitting a tire barrier, causing superficial damage that was mostly non-structural, which made the car repairable.
• 😀 The vehicle's damage was assessed under the lift, with checks on the rocker panels, intercooler, subframe, and suspension to identify any bending or misalignment.
• 😀 The front core support and other structural components were found to be in relatively good condition, with some minor cosmetic damage.
• 😀 Modern design features in the Type R, like the larger radiator and improved airflow, are discussed as upgrades over previous models (FK8).
• 😀 The repair process involves removing and inspecting various body parts, including doors and panels, and addressing issues like broken sensors and brackets.
• 😀 Despite the extensive damage, the speaker expresses confidence that the car can be restored to a functional state, with further expert consultation from a body shop.

Q & A

Why is the Honda Civic Type R considered a good car despite its front-wheel drive layout?

The Honda Civic Type R is praised for its exceptional performance, handling, and design. While it is a front-wheel drive car, which some racers criticize due to traction limitations, its overall engineering and driving experience make it a highly regarded vehicle among car enthusiasts.

What’s the issue with markups on the Honda Civic Type R, and why is it considered overpriced?

Many dealerships are selling the Honda Civic Type R with significant markups, sometimes as high as $20,000 over the retail price. This makes the car unaffordable for many potential buyers, especially since its original price is much lower ($45,000).

How does the Honda Civic Type R hold its value over time?

The Honda Civic Type R is known for maintaining its value well because of its reputation for performance and reliability. Even used models can be found for around $50,000, which is still significantly higher than the base price, indicating strong demand.

Why is Continental Tire sponsoring the restoration of this Honda Civic Type R?

Continental Tire is sponsoring the project to showcase their high-performance tires, specifically the ExtremeContact Sport O2 and ExtremeContact Force models. These tires are being used for street driving and track use, providing the car with better handling and grip.

What kind of tires are being installed on the Civic Type R, and why are they important for the restoration?

The restoration involves installing Continental ExtremeContact Sport O2 tires for street driving and ExtremeContact Force tires for track use. These tires are crucial because they provide superior handling, wet traction, and durability, making them perfect for both street and track environments.

How did the previous owner deal with the crash, and how was the car acquired?

The previous owner had the car totaled after it hit a wall during a race, and the insurance worked out a deal with the owner. Despite the damage, the car was purchased for a great price, and the new owner took on the restoration work, making it a salvage car project.

What damage was done to the car during the crash, and how does it compare to typical crash damage?

The car sustained superficial damage, primarily to the body panels and some sensors. The frame and most structural components remained intact, with only minor adjustments needed. This is considered relatively mild damage, especially since the car crashed into a tire wall, which absorbs much of the impact.

What role does the front core support structure play in the car's integrity after the crash?

The front core support structure is critical for maintaining the car's alignment and ensuring the proper functioning of components like the radiator and airbag sensors. Despite the crash, this structure remained largely intact, which helped minimize structural damage and enabled easier repairs.

Why did the team decide to remove the doors and other panels, and what were the results?

The team removed the doors and body panels to inspect for internal damage, check for misalignments, and prepare the car for repair. Removing these parts revealed that the car’s frame and most of the body were in good condition, with the only real concern being the rear quarter panel.

How did the team handle the airbag sensor removal, and what challenges did they face?

The airbag sensor was a challenge to remove because it is typically not meant to be unplugged. However, during the repair process, the sensor broke while being handled. The team needed to replace it, as well as other damaged components, to ensure the car would be safe to drive.