Honda Integra Type-R (1997 - 2001) 1.8 Type-R 2d (1997/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I wouldn't say the car was purchased for any other reason other then the fact of how I feel about this car. I love Honda's. I love the engineering, the styling and performance. The are a wide selection of cars to choose from on the market. But for a pure sensation of driving. I choose the Integra Type R all day long.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

The Integra always receives positive comments. Its an unusual car due to its styling and just to how rare it is. Questions are always asked about it and its power etc. It truly is a die hard fans car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would definitely own another. I've always said you should never own the same car twice but with one of these. I would buy another in a heart beat. Regardless of cost. Bare in mind you can end up paying anywhere from £3000 to £7000 for a very clean Integra DC2 JDM spec.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm most likely going to go for the DC5 next or FD2 JDM Civic. No other car will satisfy me. I've steered away from Honda in the past and it was a huge regret. There are better interior quality cars out there such as VW and Audi. But as an all rounder I would recommend Honda to anyone!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I paid £2950 for my Integra Type R JDM Spec DC2 in September 2012. The car was in immaculate condition and was one of the cleanest examples I've ever seen with only 84,000 miles on. I could not believe my luck when I went to view it. Was well worth the 200 mile round trip!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Stunning performance and looks, unprecedented reliability.

What was the dealer like?

The seller was a private middle man who preferred the "old school" automotive style which I could agree with 100%. Although I do love some modern cars especially some of the hot Honda's available today. He was polite and helpful throughout my thorough test drive and examination of the car.

What's it like to drive?

It is an absolute sensation to drive. I love to drive this car and will think of any excuse to drive it.The suspension set up is sublime and very easy to control at any speed on any type of surface. I wouldn't say it was predictable as with such a light body weight and such high performance, you can be very easily bitten if you don't respect the car. It absolutely loves bends and corners. The LSD gearbox provides amazing traction through a long sweeping bends. Be aware the LSD can be a bit vicious on country roads when hitting adverse cambers. The VTEC kicks in around 6000 RPM and catapults the car round to a mind blowing 9200RPM. All in all, I would say this car is 10/10 to drive for anyone who loves to drive with a raw sensation of exactly what a car should be.

What's it like to park?

It is relatively easy to park. Bear in mind it has a large bonnet area and may be difficult on incline/decline hills to park perfectly. Steering is accurate and predictable.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It has not missed a beat since I've had it. When owning a high revving car you must stay on stop of regular services and oil consumption. Any engine that spins faster then 7,000 RPM can use a considerable amount of oil in a months time. Type R engines are notorious for using up to 1 litre of oil a week in some conditions and driving styles. However this is completely normal. Cambelt changes are VITAL at 50,000 mile intervals. I would recommend using a Honda dealer for this as cam/valve timing is what makes this engine what it is. No faults whatsoever in my ownership.

What's most practical about your car?

The car does return a very generous MPG to say its a full on adrenaline pumping, hard core pedal to the metal racing 2 door saloon. It requires no parts at all if serviced regularly and warmed up correctly and allowed to cool properly. Although the car is built for nothing but speed I do feel it is best to nurse it very carefully with plenty of fresh oil every 3000 miles and new plugs every 3-4000. Visibility is very good for the body styling. Some coupes can be a nightmare for visibility. I found the Integra very comfortable to drive. You do have to compensate with alot of road noise as there is NO sound proofing at all in this car. Comfort can wither away on long journeys depending on driving style and road surfaces.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

My Integra was well equipped with modern controls such as electric windows, electric mirrors etc. Which for a stripped out light weight Japanese racing saloon is great. I favoured everything in this car.