Thursday 27th July 2017

Honda Integra Type R (DC5): Spotted

With DC2 and DC5 values appearing to converge, could now be the time to try the later car?

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Yes, an Integra Type R that isn't the original. So, no, this car was never sold officially in the UK. And, yes, it is a bit heavier than a DC2. From those who know the cars well, you will hear that the original is the more involving, more exciting car to drive as well. So why bother?

More modern than a DC2; that's not saying much...

Well all these things are relative; a DC5 is heavier than a DC2, but only by 60kg, and it still weighs less than 1,200kg. The 2.0-litre engine was actually lighter than the old 1.8 and anything that revs beyond 8,000rpm should always be of interest. And being one of the best front-wheel drive cars to drive, as opposed to perhaps the very best, is hardly a bad place to be.

Arguably more important than all of those points, however, is just how closely aligned the values of DC5s and DC2s now are. UK market DC2s are becoming very hard to get hold of in good condition, as evidence by a car we found for sale at £10K with 100,000 miles. Moreover, as values begin to rise, would you want to be putting more miles on an Integra? Is it worth the risk? Yet, with the best will in the world, it's not one you're going to drop into a collection simply to admire either.

Therefore the plethora of DC5 cars becomes more appealing. This one is standard, in Championship White with the red Recaros, and for sale at £8,495 with 100,000 miles. While values are stronger than they used to be, they don't seem to be climbing as rapidly as those for earlier Integras. Without the official UK status, there's a possibility they won't ever be as coveted, meaning you can get out and enjoy a great Type R Honda.

The star of the show

In fact there are more DC5s than DC2s in the PH classifieds at the moment, and not a single UK market car. Given the amount of cars that have been imported since 2001, there's a strong support network to keep DC5s running. And, well, you were planning for rust with a DC2, weren't you? Probably wise to do the same with this Integra.

Given £8.5K isn't exactly pocket change, it's interesting to consider what else is around at the money. The 2000s weren't a great time for driver-focused coupes, what with hot hatches enjoying their resurgence, so you're looking at Audi TTs, Alfa GTs and... what's that? A rear-wheel drive Japanese coupe for the same money? That's far newer? Yes, the 350Z does make a rather compelling case against the Integra, albeit from a slightly different perspective. And if you love Hondas, there's the S2000 to think about as well. You're not far off M3 money here either. Or an Impreza...

Alright, so there's no shortage of alternatives to the Integra. And while more liveable than a DC2, it's going to take some time to get used to compared to a newer car. Of course the argument will always be that the world would be rather dull if we all liked the same cars so, if you're committed to the VTEC cause - yo - now looks like the time to grab one. Cars like this aren't coming back!

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HONDA INTEGRA TYPE R (DC5)
Engine: 1,998cc, 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive, limited-slip differential
Power (hp): 220@8,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 152@7,000rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Recorded mileage: 104,000
Year registered: 2003
Price new: c. £23,000 (import only)
Price now: £8,495

See the original advert here

[spreadsheet monkey]

Nice car. As you say, Honda isn't making cars like this any more. Still a lot of money for a 100k mile four cylinder coupe, even with all that VTEC goodness.

I'm hardly a fussy cleanliness freak, but that layer of grime on the bolsters of the red seats in the photos looks disgusting!