I purchased a new Honda Civic Type-R in July 2009 with 19 miles on the clock and a few cosmetic issues. It came minus rear parking sensors and mats as requested. However, there were a few dull wheel nuts and a slightly mis-aligned bonnet. My engine has a flat spot at 1500-2000rpm, particularly when cold. I get occasional crunching of second gear going down the box and occasionally up the box. The engine fan cuts in just as I pull up after a decent run of 15 miles, even if the weather is cold and I have never sat in traffic, and the temperature needle never goes even as far as half way. The suspension groans at the rear (the car has just reached 9000 miles and the issue has been there for 1500 miles or so. I believe there has been an official recall. I have not hit any kerbs and avoid speed humps. Now I have a clicking or clunk when applying the brake pedal.

During an interim oil change at 4500 miles the dealer overfilled the sump significantly, until I checked the dipstick. It was well over a pint extra above the max mark. I have been told by colleagues of potential future problems even though the oil is now on the maximum mark. The engine sounds slightly rough at times and doesn't pull that hard when overtaking. The car is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. I was also told by dealer the engine fan was cutting in to save the compressor on the climate control, which sounds like a poor excuse to me.