The 2018 Honda Civic Type R may start at $33,900 in the United States, but for many prospective customers, finding an example at such a price will be impossible. As a matter of fact, some dealerships are almost charging double the sticker price.
Members on the Civic X forum have compiled an extensive list of Honda dealerships across the United States that are charging premiums ranging from $1,500 up to $20,000 and beyond. Jalopnik claims to have spoken to a dealer that is charging $30,000 premium over the sticker price!
The key reason behind all of these markups comes down to huge demand for the model, its limited availability in the U.S. and the fact that many dealerships don’t yet know how many units they will be given. For example, a Honda dealership in Irvine has a waiting list of 180 people for the Civic Type R, but at this stage, has only been confirmed 10 units and is charging a $10,000 premium to those that want one of the very first cars.
Speaking to Jalopnik, a number of dealers say that enthusiasts are willing to pay the huge premiums for the car, with one location, Elk Grove Honda, saying that prices could continue to rise even after the first customers start receiving their cars. In total, 6,000 examples will reach U.S. streets.
At a touch over $30,000, the Civic Type R is competitively priced against the Ford Focus RS and VW Golf R. However, with some units being purpotedly marked for over $60,000, the Civic starts knocking on the door of a brand new BMW M2, which is another thing altogether.
Fortunately for those in the Great White North, Honda Canada won’t allow its dealers to mark up the Civic Type R, Reddit reports.