From FK8 owner to FL5

[Kevv_Her]

As the title states I wanted to get a thread going with past FK8 owners that are now in FL5's and just get honest reviews with the switch. I'm sure a lot of you more than likely do not regret upgrading, BUT is there anyone that does? Was the increase in msrp (plus ADM in most cases) worth it? I am currently getting ready to make this switch and have owned my fk8 since I bought it new back in 2018. I'd be lying if I said I don't love my FK8 as much as I did the first day, but I also really do like the FL5. If I had the space, I'd more than likely just add the FL5

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[Jester04]

I’m not a FK8 previous owner. But I do consider that the FL5 has worthy improvements over the FK8 and its worth the switch. Also the room to work on the car is a lot better. I never considered a FK8 due to the styling and issues with track duty. But the FL5 made me switch my mind for what its worth.

 

[DeVo]

Had my FK8 for 4 years before trading to the FL5. Love the FL5 more in every way. I didn't realize how cheap the FK8 felt until I got in the FL5 to drive it. The hardest part was giving up my mods and now having to start from scratch. I'm sure I'll be happy with the power again once I tune it.

 

[MuckyBarnes]

Yep, similar feelings to @DeVo. Had and loved my FK8 for 3 years, and am now enjoying everything about the FL5 more. They're obviously very similar cars holistically, but the interior layout and quality, exterior styling, and chassis refinement all feel exactly like what they are - a full generation better.

That all being said, it certainly wasn't a financially responsible decision to upgrade, but I don't regret it for a minute.

 

[TW00Si]

Had my 21 RR FK8 for a little over 2 years. Bought the car off lease early so I could trade it in for a CW FL5. Two very different cars. Would agree that the interior differences felt like cheap vs refined. The FL5 drives like a bigger car. The forward visibility is great. Because the CTR primary purpose is a family car, in comfort mode I felt the FL5 is stiffer than FK8. According to my wife, there is a bit more leg room in the rear also. The shifter feels better in the FL5. Takes a little more effort where as the FK8 felt “clicky”. As I was transferring personal belongings from the FK8 to the FL5, I noticed that there is less interior storage space than the FK8. For example the glove compartment in the FK8 is cavernous but the FL5 felt like an afterthought. But that’s okay, a car is meant to haul people not to store things.
My only hope now is that when I take the FL5 to the track, it doesn’t overheat like the FK8.

 

[Jester04]

Had my 21 RR FK8 for a little over 2 years. Bought the car off lease early so I could trade it in for a CW FL5. Two very different cars. Would agree that the interior differences felt like cheap vs refined. The FL5 drives like a bigger car. The forward visibility is great. Because the CTR primary purpose is a family car, in comfort mode I felt the FL5 is stiffer than FK8. According to my wife, there is a bit more leg room in the rear also. The shifter feels better in the FL5. Takes a little more effort where as the FK8 felt “clicky”. As I was transferring personal belongings from the FK8 to the FL5, I noticed that there is less interior storage space than the FK8. For example the glove compartment in the FK8 is cavernous but the FL5 felt like an afterthought. But that’s okay, a car is meant to haul people not to store things.
My only hope now is that when I take the FL5 to the track, it doesn’t overheat like the FK8.

It will still probably over heat but it should last a little bit longer. And with upgrades that will be pushed further.

 

[rob495]

I do not regret buying my FL5. The FK8 was perfect with the exception of the Rims and Tires (easy fix) and the transmission. My FK8 had 1-2 grinds, 3rd gear lockout, and 4th gear lockout. I tried all the fixes and even brought it back to the dealer. I was unable to resolve the problems. The FL5's transmission is worlds better. I am a happy camper. I intend on keeping my FL5 for a long, long time.

 

[AJ28]

Not an FK8 to FL5 post but I'm an FC1 -> FL5 dude. I've never owned an FK8 but I was lucky enough to drive it through my friends. The main difference to me is the transmission and how short the throws are and how the car drives. Like post above said, it feels like a bigger car and rides likes one. The fender just sits flush with the body shape of car and doesn't look too flashy out on the road but iykyk. I love the new refined interior/dashboard that the FL5 has. My biggest ehh about the FL5 is the all red carpets for passengers/driver but I just put up weathertech mats to prevent heavy dirt lol. Traded in my '17 Civic SI with 192k (yes i know) miles for this and it was bittersweet but owning a Type R has been a dream of mine.

 

[Kfo_cpa]

Great comments everyone.

 

[rob495]

Not an FK8 to FL5 post but I'm an FC1 -> FL5 dude. I've never owned an FK8 but I was lucky enough to drive it through my friends. The main difference to me is the transmission and how short the throws are and how the car drives. Like post above said, it feels like a bigger car and rides likes one. The fender just sits flush with the body shape of car and doesn't look too flashy out on the road but iykyk. I love the new refined interior/dashboard that the FL5 has. My biggest ehh about the FL5 is the all red carpets for passengers/driver but I just put up weathertech mats to prevent heavy dirt lol. Traded in my '17 Civic SI with 192k (yes i know) miles for this and it was bittersweet but owning a Type R has been a dream of mine.

Jesus, I would have bought that Si from you out of principal, good job! How much did you sell it for if you dont mind me asking? Also, I'm assuming you had to replace the clutch?

 

[AJ28]

Jesus, I would have bought that Si from you out of principal, good job! How much did you sell it for if you dont mind me asking? Also, I'm assuming you had to replace the clutch?

Surprisingly I was still on stock clutch. This car was truly a champion and did its time lol. I was FBO with just a TSP tune and got state reffed here in Cali so that gave me the idea to part out and look for a new car. Dealerships offered me $9k so I used that as my down for the R. These honda clutches can last a really long time if you take care and know how to shift.. my dads car is '15 Honda Civic MT with 672k miles.. yes theres no typo 672k on the stock clutch!! Honda ftw

 

[rob495]

Surprisingly I was still on stock clutch. This car was truly a champion and did its time lol. I was FBO with just a TSP tune and got state reffed here in Cali so that gave me the idea to part out and look for a new car. Dealerships offered me $9k so I used that as my down for the R. These honda clutches can last a really long time if you take care and know how to shift.. my dads car is '15 Honda Civic MT with 672k miles.. yes theres no typo 672k on the stock clutch!! Honda ftw

672K?? What da….

 

[1971Camaro]

672K?? What da….

I could see that if the car is driven a lot on highway -- where you pile up miles and barely touch the clutch. I traded in a Honda 2003 CRV (more like donated, given the value) for the 2023 FL5. i had 195k miles on original clutch and no indication it was going to fail anytime soon. The car was driven a lot on the highway, but being in chicagoland, it also got a bunch of stop-and-go traffic. i know the highway driving added a lot of those miles and may have helped minimize clutch wear.

 

[Kevv_Her]

Love to hear all the positivity, there's no denying that the FL5 is a fantastic car and worthy of the Type R name!

I know there has to be more of you that have made this trade on this forum, share your thoughts!

 

[PointByPatrol]

I transition from an FK8 to the FL5. I've yet to track the car, but have some dates coming up in October. I had gotten tired of throwing money at the FK8 overheating problems on the track, and after reading several articles decided to give the FL5 a shot. The wider wheel base is advantageous. The room under the hood makes this vehicle a lot easier to wrench on. The seats feel nicer, and fit me better. The LogR gauge system is helpful, though I will not be using it to analyze my driving skills; I use a Garmin Catalyst for that. Wireless Android Auto, and the positioning of the charging pad are great. I'm excited to feel the car pushed to the absolute limit on the track, and will be able to provide better FK8vsFL5 feedback after that.

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