Jgtcracer

Having recently bought an RCF and having owned an ISF I was initially underwhelmed. ISF was my first foray into V8s and my first F car so will always hold a soft spot in my heart. What I will say about the RCF though is as mentioned above, it is most definitely a grower! Even in the short time I have had my RCF, my perception of it has changed and I would definitely consider it the next evolutionary step after the ISF, doing everything a little better. I find the ISF to have dated a tad at this point, particularly inside and although subjective, I feel the RCF will hold out better. Are you considering buying it?? One thing to consider is that as ISF/RCF/GSF owners we are already considered mental by the majority. I certainly don’t buy cars using my head and can’t imagine many on here do so follow your gut rather than what the paperwork says! If you have a real hankering for an RCF but feel a little underwhelmed don’t worry - I guarantee that you will soon get over it an love every second!

Yea, I’d just strip it off and have a look. If it goes away with the wax and paint quality is good, may be ok to just re-wax. If not then de-con and polish. I use a Menzerna 400 2 stage abrasive that leaves a really good finish. They also do a 2500 and 3500(3800??) finishing polish also that I use for correction with a DA polisher. let us know how you get on!

I’ve just applied the Shelby ceramic to the RCF, how did you find the experience? I found the end result is good but buffing off was hard work. The instructions are vague too and there are very few documented uses on the internet that you can refer to. I left mine to cure for 5mins before removing though I seen some references to 20mins! Tried the ceramic infused shampoo yesterday and it’s alright, nothing to write home about thought I could have the concentration wrong, just says ‘use desired amount’ on the bottle. The ceramic detailer seems ok, used it to top up the wife’s coating and seems to have worked. Would recommend the ceramic pack but would be worth a few caveats such as buy more applicators, microfibre clothes to buff off and bring Popeye along!

I was actually reading a thread about RCF tips last night on the US forum. Seems they are just slid on and come off with a soft hammer.

99% of the time I'm the driver so when I take the passenger seat it tends to make me ill, unless its dual carriageway etc. I'm not sure if its just me but I tend to feel a little nervous too, I think my perception of speed is completely different when I'm not in control. As a passenger it feels like everyone is mental and drives too fast though I'm not a hypocrite so wont say anything!

I get this, one of my daughters love it but my youngest and wife aren't fans of spirited driving. Once managed to convince the wife to do a standing start in my R32 GT-R and I've regretted it ever since!

Although I initially was a bit disappointed, I've changed my tune over the last couple of weeks. Its handles solidly and seems to carry speed particularly well. I think the problem was I was comparing it to something that is designed to give a different experience. I can definitely feel the weight though the level of refinement that car has can sometimes mean the speed I'm going is quite high before it feels 'fast'. Turn in is markedly different to my previous car due to the rear wheel drive setup, being able to feel the car 'rotate' around me when pushing on, similarly to how the ISF does it. In the Type R you use the LSD to pull you around the corners, and can feel this through the steering wheel. As for the gearbox, I'll drive in auto unless I'm wanting to play in manual in which case I like Sport. I quite like being able to short shift sometimes and find that in Sport+ the car will stop me shifting up occasionally. I assume its just trying to keep the revs up.

Thanks for the reply. Had a little more time with the car and still not convinced that it changes much but if I try very hard I may notice a slight difference between sport + and everything else. Tend to drive in normal Also think I’m starting to get used to it which probably helps. I can’t imagine Lexus fitted it if it isn’t doing anything but I do struggle to perceive the difference. I would never have thought that my civic would be softer than the Lexus though!

Initially I was also hanging on for the new civic coming out but the more I read about it and the more screenshots I see, the more turned off I became. The competition is moving on at a greater rate that the civic will be able to and I do wonder what it’s going to be able to do to distinguish itself from its rivals. I can’t help but feel the FK8 will be the one that will always have that ‘Halo’ status due to the critical acclaim it received when it came out! Even the styling is less obnoxious then when it first arrived on the scene. The new one feels very USDM in its styling. You never know, with a bit of luck the civic won’t sell and I get to keep both 🤣. If you didn’t know you any better you would think I’ve just got it for sale on auto trader to keep the wife happy!!!

No it doesn’t, it’s something I was initially keen to have but as time went on it became less of a priority for me. I would of loved it, along with a sunroof but I would of ended up waiting forever for the perfect car! I’m realistically not going to push the car hard enough to notice a difference. Marcus

I’m considering rear window tints, wheels black and de-chrome. Axle back muffler delete or resonator delete but depends on best option. Other than that, leave it as it is!

Yea, completely different! I hadn't previously driven an RCF before purchasing my car and at the end of the first day I was secretly a little gutted with the experience. I think the problem was that I was comparing it to the Civic, something designed to handle like its on rails. I have completely changed my opinion of the car over the last week or so as I'm now thinking of it more as a 'Gentleman Cruiser' than an out and out handling machine. Its made me appreciate the RCF's strengths more and really enjoy them. I find myself taking my time and enjoying the comfort, stereo, cruise control. The Civic has these things but they were installed as an afterthought. In the RCF they are the real deal, having been designed from the ground up to be a part of the experience! I sound like a Lexus salesman but the whole thing feels more 'grown up'. Worst thing that ever happened to the RCF was getting compared to the M4 time and time again by the press. I now understand the car far more and recognize that its supposed to fill a gap the C63/M4 can't fill due to the performance they pursue. Don't regret the purchase for a second anymore, find myself enjoying it more and more as each day goes by.

I too am a bit of a Honda fanboy. Also had an Accord type R, Civic Type R, Crx VT and SIR. I must admit, the V8 from the ISF is what drew me back for the same reasons as you. Always liked different and struggle with the German marques. Turbos are undoubtedly effective but a car is all about ‘feel’ for me rather than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s going to take me a little while to fully settle into the new car but I’m already super happy.

Its a tough question to answer as its comparing apples to pears. Even with all the hype around the Civic and it's ability to handle, I cant overestimate how much faster it is on the edge than anything even close to it's price point. The RCF is noticeably faster in a straight line, sounds way better, is a much nicer place to be inside and the build quality is on a different scale. I would however be mindful if I met one out an about on a county A/B road as I'm not convinced I would be able to keep up with the Civic (in the dry!). I purchased the RCF as I wanted something new and different and don't regret it in the slightest. The Civic will however always have a particularly soft spot for me as its probably the 'best' car I have ever owned.

Thanks. Its the perspective. There is very little in it to be honest, RCF is a little longer and the Civic is a little taller. What's noticeable when you put them together is how long the RCF bonnet is. Similarly to the RCF, the Civic's engine is behind/straddling the front axle but as the motor is smaller it allows the front end to be more compact.

All, Recently posted a topic regarding an RCF I was considering in Swindon. I ended up purchasing the car so thought I would put up a few pictures along with first impressions. Love the engine note, reminds of the ISF so much! Getting approx 24mpg combined with exclusively being driven on country roads on the commute to work. Ride is firmer than I imagined though I'm getting used to it. My butt is too big for the seat! Having spent the weekend with the colour I decided as the paint was in such good condition and I wanted to do a cermaic coat etc to try and extend its life as long as possible. Did it over this weekend and although to do it properly takes ages, really happy with the results. Am going to ceramic coat wheels over the next few weeks also. I used the Clansman Shelby ceramic coat and its really easy to apply but does take a little elbow grease to buff back (I now have arms like Popeye!) My Civic is probably going up for sale over the next few days so asked the wife to take some photos and used the opportunity to get at least one of the cars together.

I’ll have a better look when I’m home and see if I can find the visualisation. Much appreciated

Readout that I have engaged AVS?? Can’t see a mention of it in the manual. I’ll have a closer look when I’m home but didn’t realise I have to switch it on.

All, thanks very much for the responses. It has got AVS, checked and can see that the wiring is indeed there. I wonder whether I need to just pop it into a Lexus dealer then. It’s tough as I don’t know what it ‘should’ be like so it’s hard to know if something is wrong! I’m certainly struggling to notice any difference between all the modes and it sounds like I should. Marcus

All, Very much enjoying the RCF but do have a question regarding the AVS active suspension on the car. I'm very much struggling to notice a difference to suspension firmness, irrespective of drive mode. Should it be quite noticeable? My only real experience of active suspension comes from my FK8 civic but its quite noticeable between the 3 modes. Having done a bit of research it seems that many mention that it does make quite a difference on the RCF but I'm struggling to notice with the ride being very firm all the time. Ive checked tyre pressures and all around 35psi. I did notice a few threads mentioning that the AVS can sometimes need resetting, is this indeed true and if so is it just a disconnect the battery job? Appreciate the responses in advance. Marcus

Quick update on this thread - ended up buying the car and collected it on Saturday, even managed 33mpg on the drive home! Still have the Civic but quite a different driving experience, having to re-learn how to drive an auto V8 though its coming back quick. Certain things remind me of the ISF with the major difference being interior quality, its such a nice place to be! Thanks for the help throughout this thread, Swindon were great and the car is all I hoped for. Looking forward to starting to contribute to the forum once more Marcus

Much appreciated, I like the colour though the wife isn't so sure! I’m a total sucker for Apple CarPlay so will be using that, it’s why I wanted the updated infotainment. Active suspension is also a bonus as my current car has it and appreciate the range of comfort it gives. I’m not too concerned about running costs having ran an ISF so have some idea what to expect. Nice to hear it’s a good car and Swindon are specialists - my experience with them so far has been top notch!

Im after a couple of things that only seem to be available on the later cars such as the larger infotainment screen and heated steering wheel. Also like the black leather and relatively low mileage. For me personally the warm fuzzy feeling is worth the difference.

Thanks for the response. Lexus Edinburgh told me about the car but mentioned they would need to buy it from Swindon before they could bring it up. Would be nice to deal with a dealer 90mins away, rather than have to go to Swindon. Have also noticed that it’s been for sale for a few months now so there may be a deal to be had with them however. As for seeing the car, keen to do this and having not driven an RCF I’m also interested in how it is dynamically. My wife recently got a new car and I now appreciate things like comfort, heated seats, apple carplay etc so it being a nice place to sit is probably paramount over pure performance. It will certainly get a good thrashing occasionally however so would do that on a test drive!

The principle reason for returning to an F car is the larger capacity, and I must admit I actually quite like the colour! With NA V8 engines becoming more and more scarce, finding something with all the mod cons and a glorious engine is actually quite hard. Marcus