Looking at a used example with a few issues

Hi guys,

Have lurked around for some time. I looked at a well priced Civic Type R. It had a few issues and I want to go back to seller with an offer. Few issues that I’l I’m looking for some help with:
1. It needs a new front bumper. What’s the price of one and the cheapest source without compromising fit?
2. The left side driver seat bolster won’t stay in place. I noticed during test drive that my left leg just kinda fell out of seat (if that makes sense) and it was because left bolster had just given way. Is this a common fix or one that requires $?
3. Car recently had synchro for second gear rebuilt as it continued to pop out of gear. Any issues to look for? Seller and dealer both say it’s all good but the car has just had it done and seller wants to move on.

Any items that are worth checking on 2018 car with 35k miles? It’s still in warranty so that’s a plus.

Thanks!

us722 said:

2. The left side driver seat bolster won’t stay in place. I noticed during test drive that my left leg just kinda fell out of seat (if that makes sense) and it was because left bolster had just given way. Is this a common fix or one that requires $?

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That shouldn't be possible unless the seat frame is broken (or modified I guess). The frame of the seat has a metal bar that supports the bolster. Sounds like $$$ to get repaired unless you know a welder.

RedGiant217 said:

That shouldn't be possible unless the seat frame is broken (or modified I guess). The frame of the seat has a metal bar that supports the bolster. Sounds like $$$ to get repaired unless you know a welder.

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Yes. Sounds like that metal support is broken inside. Looking at that picture it looks like the metal bar is easy to break... Is that common?

us722 said:

Yes. Sounds like that metal support is broken inside. Looking at that picture it looks like the metal bar is easy to break... Is that common?

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i've never heard of this being an issue.

never heard of the seat failing like that. Is the owner a bigger guy?

Your only option for a front bumper is OEM, I have yet to find a aftermarket replacement unless you want to dish out a lot of money for Mugen or Spoon etc.. I bought a used one for mine, so it saved quite a bit of money compared to buying right from the dealer. What exactly is wrong with the one on the car, can it be repaired?

Sounds like the guy doesn't care about his car. Unless it's ridiculously cheap I'd look elsewhere.

the car sounds jacked move on look for another one.

My Si doesn't have Type-R seats, but they do have the same type of metal "fence" built into the frame of the seat. Being 240 lbs, and having driven it for 77,000 miles, over two and a half years, that metal fence has never budged on my seat. I can only imagine what was done to it to make it break.

I'm also a jackrabbit at stoplights and haven't had any problems with my "weaker" transmission. (apart from the clutch slipping at higher boost).

This car sounds like it was run hard, and put up wet (to use an equestrian phrase). It sounds to me like this car will be more of a project, than a bargain. Consider carefully.

Move along. Find a cleaner example. You'll thank yourself in the long run.

R-10552 said:

Move along. Find a cleaner example. You'll thank yourself in the long run.

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The car has extended warranty. Wouldn’t that count for something?

Am I arguing for or against myself lol

us722 said:

The car has extended warranty. Wouldn’t that count for something?

Am I arguing for or against myself lol

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It won't count for much if it isn't a bumper to bumper warranty, and just a drivetrain warranty.

I vote for "AVOID". If you're buying it just because it's cheaper, well it's cheaper for a reason.

The youngest kid had a couple of different WRXs which I drove and wanted each one. Talking to him, while not him as he is responsible, he said he would never buy one of these types of cars used. For obvious reasons. When he bought his Type R and I drove it I went straight to the dealer to get on the list for a new one. I agree with the kid's opinion too many people beat the piss out of a car like this then dump it when the newness/thrill has worn off.

i agree that you should move along from this car. unless the deal is absolutely amazing, it wouldn't be worth the headache IMO. the broken seat "should" be covered under the bumper to bumper warranty though.

Like TheSnakeJake said - shouldn’t the rails on the seat be covered by the extended warranty? I would probably start there to see what the price of the fix would be to begin with and then a simple call to the parts department should let you know what the front bumper will be etc. You’ll also want to check to see if the bumper is painted or not - if not (which is probably the case) you will want to add in the cost of having it repainted. Also why is the bumper so bad - is it a ton of rock chips are actual damage to the bumper?

Like others have said - you’ll probably thank yourself later if you buy a lower mileage/less issues type of CTR. The amount of money you’ll have to put toward it along with the mileage; I almost feel that if you add those things up, you can find a CTR with lower mileage and less issues (granted I have no idea what the price you’d pay for this particular car)