We ran the UK‑spec Civic Type R (FL5) across mixed B‑roads and motorway commutes, sampled a short track session, and built a 3‑year/45,000 km total cost estimate using today’s market data. Here’s how the hot hatch performs—and what it really costs to own.
The latest Civic Type R pairs a 2.0‑liter turbo four (329 PS, 420 Nm) with a six‑speed manual and limited‑slip differential, riding on 19‑inch wheels with 265/30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Our test route covered 1,500 km of mixed use plus a short circuit stint. Ride is taut but compliant in Comfort, road roar is noticeable on coarse surfaces, and the gearing keeps revs low on the motorway, aiding economy. Methodology: UK on‑the‑road price assumed at £49,995 for an FL5 in standard spec.
Horizon is 3 years/45,000 km, no financing, one driver (35 years old, clean licence, suburban postcode), 10,000–18,000 km per year. Fuel priced at £1.55 per liter for super unleaded. Servicing follows Honda’s annual schedule; tyres priced at typical high‑street fitters. Figures are estimates; driving style and location will move the needle.
Depreciation: demand remains strong, but the market is normalising. Expect roughly −18% year 1, −14% year 2, −10% year 3 (from original list), implying a 3‑year residual near 58%. On £49,995, that’s about £21,000 in depreciation over 3 years, with the biggest hit in year one and a gentler glide thereafter. High mileage, track days, or accident history will pull the residual lower; pristine examples with full dealer history can beat these numbers.
Insurance and servicing: the Type R sits in UK insurance group 40E. Quotes in our sample set ranged £1,300–£1,600 per year; budgeting £1,450 is sensible, or ~£4,350 over three years. Honda’s service cadence is annual/12,500 miles. Expect two minor services at ~£270 each and one major at ~£480, plus a brake‑fluid change around year two (~£90): roughly £1,110 over the period.
Pads and discs survive normal road use; frequent track work will add material cost. Tyres and fuel: the stock 265/30 R19 PS4S set is ~£950 fitted. Our wear rates suggest two full sets over 45,000 km with mixed driving, so budget ~£1,900–£2,100; frequent track days can double that. We measured 8.8 L/100 km overall (7.2 L/100 km motorway, 10.5 L/100 km brisk B‑roads).
At 45,000 km, that’s ~3,960 liters; at £1.55/L, fuel totals about £6,140. Drive hard and you’ll nudge 10.0–10.5 L/100 km, pushing fuel spend toward £7,000. Totals and takeaways: add it up—depreciation ~£21,000, insurance ~£4,350, servicing ~£1,110, tyres ~£2,000, fuel ~£6,140—for an estimated 3‑year TCO of ~£34,600, or about 77 pence per km. In return, you get exceptional front‑drive precision, stout brakes, and real everyday usability; the firm cabin noise and tyre costs are the main compromises.
Keep it stock, maintain on time, and avoid excessive track miles to preserve value and keep the budget predictable.
