Honda Integra Type-R (1997 - 2000)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
If youve ever watched the British Touring Car Championship on television and thought it looked like fun, a used Honda Integra Type-R is the closest road going approximation to a proper touring car. Although Integras only campaigned in the less prestigious Class B, much of the important stuff under the skin has a lot of similarities with the mechanicals used in the companys racing Accords. Just be prepared for some racing car-like compromises. Therefore, youd expect a used Integra Type-R to be noisy, frenetic and incredible fun on the road and there are no disappointments on this score.
Still reckoned to be the finest handling front-wheel drive car ever built, the Type-R has come to symbolise the screaming performance of Hondas VTEC valve technology. The Integra Type-R is like the first BMW M3, Nissan Skyline GT-R32 and Peugeot 306 Rallye; whilst not being the most beautiful cars around, they nonetheless receive nods of respect from those who know about serious performance.
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Dont try to drown it out with a stereo either. Not only was one never fitted as standard, it probably wouldnt be audible anyway. If this sounds like fun, youll love the Type-R; if not, take a test drive first. Whilst there may not be a long list of standard equipment, there are electric windows and you do get a couple of rather cramped rear seats, but that's about it. Still, a wonderful set of grippy Recaro racing seats makes up for the lack of gadgetry, although those who are slightly, ahem, broad in the beam, will definitely need to try before they buy. Besides, who wants to listen to a stereo when you've got an engine like that anyway? The car itself is based around a three-door version of the Integra. You get a skirts n' spoilers kit of course, with an obligatory mirror-filling hoop spoiler reminiscent of an Impreza or a Toyota Supra. And twin peek-a-boo headlamps like an Alfa GTV. But this car isn't about looks any more than it's about gadgets. Honda describes the Integra R as a kind of four-wheeled motorbike. Indeed, the importers think that the car will appeal to buyers with upper range superbikes who want a car for when the weather gets nasty. You wouldnt expect a spare wheel on a Honda Fireblade, so why expect one in an Integra Type-R?
The Integra Type-R was often bought instead of a Subaru Impreza Turbo, both machines having common appeal. Priced similarly new, values of both cars have mirrored each other. Its just that the Type-R is a much rarer beast. Prices begin at £5,000 for a 1998 R registered model whilst a 1998 S registered car will be around £5,500, but in 1999 the new price jumped by £650, and this is reflected in the valuations of 1999 T plate models.
Few will be available for less than £5,700 and a 2001 Y-plater will be around £7,200. Dont listen to a buyer claiming that the red or black 2000 onward cars are worth a premium over the white models. It isnt so. Also check when paying for the car that its a proper UK model and not a Japanese import theyre worth on average 10-15% less.
Insurance for the Type-R is a sobering group 18.
One thing will come as a solid-gold guarantee. At some point the Honda Integra Type-R that you are considering purchasing will have been driven to within an inch of its life, engine screaming at 8,000 rpm, tyres howling for mercy. That, after all, is what the car is for. As long as you are aware that it will have been driven hard, you can comfortably check the car for necessary wear and tear.
Saggy suspension and fried tyres are the most usual suspects. Bounce the car to check that the rebound damping is still up to the job. Similarly ensure that the car feels right at the top off the rev band. If the car fails to accelerate cleanly above 6,500rpm, then the VTEC system is inoperative a rare but costly problem.
Also check that the car is a proper UK model. An add-on rear foglamp, square rear number plate or dials measured in km/h are the usual signs that the car may well be a Japanese import. Check the documentation to make sure. Bear in mind that youll pay less for one, but receive less upon subsequent resale.
Also check that all the necessary paperwork is in order, that the car has had its speed limiter removed and fuel filler neck modified. Finally inspect the interior for evidence of race work, such as four-point harness and rollcage mountings, or fire-extinguisher installations. There are other Type-Rs out there but unless you intend to go racing or are being offered an amazing deal, you wont need to buy an ex-track car.
(approx prices) As many of these spares are sourced from the regular Integra range sold in Japan, they arent horribly expensive. Priciest item is the exhaust system at around £330. A clutch assembly, which can easily be sizzled in traffic light derbies, will be around £185. Front brake pads are £55 a set, and a new radiator is £160.
A new starter motor retails at £250, whilst a replacement headlamp is a not inconsiderable £200. The relatively skinny tyres worn by the Type-R have pluses and minuses. Although they may not cost so much to replace as a wide, low profile number, you will spend more time spinning and sliding them about in a generally heroic manner. A case of swings and twenty laps of the roundabouts.
On the right road, the Integra Type-R is one of those few cars that seem to telepathically anticipate the road ahead. A slight roll of the shoulders will send it cornering flat and hard through bends, all the while accompanied by that stirring soundtrack. Despite being noisy and hot, its not as bad as youd imagine in the urban sprawl and crawl, its power-on-demand and narrowness giving it excellent zipping and jinking abilities. Although genuinely hard to fault as a drivers car, the rock-hard ride and constant sonic barrage become wearing at those times when you are just not in the mood.
The Honda Integra Type-R is a very specialist item. Its unlikely to be bought by anyone who doesnt know exactly what theyre getting. That is a very quick, very noisy and wonderful handling car that should be largely trouble free. Consumables such as fuel, tyres will cost a fair bit if the Type-R is used as designed, but if you can search out a tidy used car, its sure to guarantee maximum driving thrills.
