EK9
Honda Civic Type R EK import check
EK9 is the factory model code for the Honda Civic Type R EK, built for the Japanese market from 1997 to 2000. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with EK9-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
EK9 at a glance
- Model code
- EK9
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Civic Type R (EK)
- Body
- 3-door hatchback
- Built
- 1997 to 2000
- Engine
- B16B (1595 cc naturally aspirated petrol)
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Japanese trims
- Type R, Type R x
- Chassis number format
- EK9-nnnnnn
From our own model library. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Is it a genuine EK9?
Only the Civic Type R carries EK9. Lookalikes are usually built from the EK4 SiR, which has a B16A engine instead of the B16B.
If you paste the advert into the free check, we compare its wording with the chassis code. An advert that says “Civic Type R” on a car whose chassis code isn’t EK9 gets flagged.
Known problems to check on a EK9
- Clones built from EK4 SiR cars are common: the model code must be EK9
- Rust in the rear arches
- Gearbox synchro wear
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
A EK9 sold new in Japan has a speedometer in kilometres. When it is imported, the speedometer is either converted to miles or left in km, and the first UK MOT should record whichever the dial shows. Mistakes here are common, and they’re where mileage problems hide.
We put the Japanese auction mileage and every UK MOT reading on one timeline and check the crossing: whether the readings agree after converting, whether the km figure was written down as miles, and whether the first UK reading is lower than the car had already done in Japan. See an illustrative example.
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Honda Civic Type R EK?
EK9. A Japanese-market Honda Civic Type R EK has a frame number that starts with EK9, then a hyphen and a serial number. You’ll find it on the V5C and on a plate in the engine bay.
Which years was the EK9 built?
From 1997 to 2000, with the B16B (1595 cc naturally aspirated petrol) engine and FWD layout.
What should I check when buying a EK9?
Clones built from EK4 SiR cars are common: the model code must be EK9. Rust in the rear arches. Gearbox synchro wear. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.