The prices of JDM tuner cars have undoubtedly skyrocketed in the past few years. Simply put, they are slowly becoming out of reach for most common folks out who want to own a legend from the 90s. It all started with the Nissan Skyline GT-Rs (BNR32), then the Toyota Supras (JZA80), and so forth. But now, the prices of other cars, which were previously more affordable, are going up in price as well. And crazily.
The latest to set a record is this 2000 Honda Civic Type R (EK9), which recently sold at auction for 7,640,000 JPY, or about PHP 3,523,000.
This isn't just any EK9 you would see at Tokyo Auto Salon or Osaka Automesse though. It is possibly one of the cleanest examples left on Japanese roads today. Based on the auction sheet provided by Torque GT, this specific car is a Civic Type Rx and was graded 4.5/B, one of the highest grades available for used cars going through a Japanese auction house. Yes, do mind you that this car is used. However, it seems the original owner chose to keep the car in a garage rather than drive it around as it only has 2,549 km on the odometer.
From the photos provided by Showa Racing, the Type R looks something fit for a museum. No modifications were done to the exterior or interior. The pair of red Recaro SR3s looks fresh without any sign of wear and tear. All the original equipment that came with the Type Rx variant is still there too. Underneath, there is no rust. In fact, there aren't even any signs of dirt for that matter.
We aren't exactly sure how much a brand new Honda Civic Type R cost back in 2000. One thing for sure is that it isn't anything close to the 7,640,000 JPY price it sold at auction. Good news for current EK9 owners, but bad news for enthusiasts that want to get their hands on one.