Finally, I have been thinking about another car since having my banger for 8 months!! (a little longer than intended...)

I think I've gone off the idea of a Alfa Brera and thinking about a more focused driving machine. Yesterday I took out a DC5 Integra Type R and fell in love with it. The performance and handling were holy.

Has anyone here got any intimate knowledge on these cars, that I may need to know before I rush out and purchase one?

Has anyone ever imported a car from Japan, is it easy?

Does anyone know a good source for imported cars or a good importer?

Anyone know of a good forum for Hondas/Integras?

Theres a place a few miles from my house that specialises in Jap imports called Distinctive Cars York

They might be able to help you out

I delved into the import market some years ago and also owned an imported CRX VTEC.

You have to be careful that the car you buy hasn't been badly damaged, many and especially the ones that used to come through the Irish Auctions had been badly damaged and badly repaired.

Things have probably moved on a bit since then so you'd need to do your research but I expect google would turn up a whole host of agents willing to get you a car.

Here you go: Import car dealers

Litchfield Imports

Racing Type-R is something else

Chris

a few things abpout the imported japanese models...

1) all are limited to 112mph, so are the tyres! If you take the limiter off, the tyres will all need changing

note: alot of importers will do this anyway (like the fog light) so you will get a 'normal' one when you buy, but a friend of mine imported (through ireland) himself, a honda GTO and that was limited to 112 with T rated tyres on...)

2) I personally would like ABS, I know you used to be able to check if a scooby was imported because the imports didn't have ABS and the UK cars did...

this is probably out of date by now, and the integra probably does have abs.... just a thought...

lol... that sounds good, jap car with 200vtec bhp limited to 112mph... thats a premature ending to fun if i ever heard it

I can tell you a bit about the car, and if you want to tune it further, to get specific power, how easy it is etc etc.

You know how it drives yourself, and they are fantastic.

I personally want a Honda Civic FD2.

I've seen some awesome looking DC5's, but the only thing that some people are worried about is the insurance costs. I doubt I'd be able to get insured on one as Imported car's seem terrible and there have been some complaints about the prices on the DC5 forum.

How's the insurance for you?

lol... that sounds good, jap car with 200vtec bhp limited to 112mph... thats a premature ending to fun if i ever heard it

Or as every DC5 has 220.

Don't rush out. They're are many of them, and they can be that little bit more expensive to run aswell. They run like dirtbags on normal unleaded fuel, as they're mapped for 99 I believe as standard.

Honda Integra Type R :: Index

...but the only thing that some people are worried about is the insurance costs. I doubt I'd be able to get insured on one as Imported car's seem terrible and there have been some complaints about the prices on the DC5 forum.

How's the insurance for you?

Well it's hardly cheap, but just cheap enough to swallow it at £1050 Fully Comp with protected no claims. I'm 25 with 5 years no claims and have 5 points.

I've owned quite a few imports over the years, the same rules apply to buying imports as any second hand car.

These guys - Newera Imports - Homepage are very highly regarded in the import comunity, if you can wait, they will get the exact car/spec you want, otherwise they normaly have a few in stock!

It is highly recommended to have a full RAC inspection, or AA etc on any import car before purchasing it. There are so many horror stories on the DC5 forum, and £150+ or so, is certainly a good investment. Just a tip.

mmm... lovely!

Andy at 200bhp cars is highly regarded in the DC5 community

Have a chat with these guys

Japanese Car Imports - AutoBMC

I pass the lockup where they keep the cars each day on my drive to work :drool:

If your after something they can get it!

I've checked out all the links guys and made a few enquiries just have to sit back and wait for a phone call.

I've tried registering on Honda Integra Type R :: Index but haven't received a password through yet... :(

Keep the info coming!

Thanks

Chris

Have you consided the DC2 Integra? A bit older, but you can get UK ones and they're supposed to be better/different handling. Bit more nimbel and agile, couldn't say for sure as I've never driven a DC5, but that seems to be the general concensus on them.

<<<< I'm not biased or anything.....

Have you consided the DC2 Integra? A bit older, but you can get UK ones and they're supposed to be better/different handling. Bit more nimbel and agile, couldn't say for sure as I've never driven a DC5, but that seems to be the general concensus on them.

<<<< I'm not biased or anything.....

Been in 2 DC2's now, and they're very dated inside and out. Nowhere as good as the DC5, but handling is probably a bit better in the DC2 admittedly.

Yup, I'll give you that. I also agree with your comment about wanting the JDM FD2 CTR!

Been in 2 DC2's now, and they're very dated inside and out. Nowhere as good as the DC5, but handling is probably a bit better in the DC2 admittedly.

Yes I agree the DC2 has been around just too long now and are a bit long in the tooth, having said that I still have enormous respect for them!

Handling I can't really make a comparison as I've never been in a DC2 let alone driven one. I can say however the car I drove yesterday was awesome, it had uprated suspension and didn't feel like it rolled a mm around the bends, however it was *fairly* compliant over a range of different surfaces, which you could just about live with. I thought I'd really push it on one round-about, entered really quickly only to find I was nowhere near the limit and proceeded to push the pedal to the floor all the way around the round-about back off in the direction I approached it! :D:thumbup:

I then found out all 4 tyres had been recently replaced which were of a very modest make/price, so what it would do with a decent set on, I do not know! :eek:

Yup, I'll give you that. I also agree with your comment about wanting the JDM FD2 CTR!

Love the look of a white DC5 - purposeful certainly :drool:

If I were in the market for an import, I'd certainly be picking up the phone or paying a visit to Litchfield Imports

Best of luck - I'm sure you'll let us all know how you're getting on

Steve

Yes I agree the DC2 has been around just too long now and are a bit long in the tooth, having said that I still have enormous respect for them!

Handling I can't really make a comparison as I've never been in a DC2 let alone driven one. I can say however the car I drove yesterday was awesome, it had uprated suspension and didn't feel like it rolled a mm around the bends, however it was *fairly* compliant over a range of different surfaces, which you could just about live with. I thought I'd really push it on one round-about, entered really quickly only to find I was nowhere near the limit and proceeded to push the pedal to the floor all the way around the round-about back off in the direction I approached it! :D:thumbup:

I then found out all 4 tyres had been recently replaced which were of a very modest make/price, so what it would do with a decent set on, I do not know! :eek:

Don't forget, they come with an LSD as standard.

Don't forget, they come with an LSD as standard.

An ATB? :P:rofl:

Chris