VIDEO: Why the Acura Integra Type R is worth $60,000

These days, Acura Integra Type R values are higher than those of an Acura NSX. Prices have shot as high as $82,000, with most decent examples in the $60,000 range. On paper, the numbers don’t look that spectacular. Its 1.8-liter inline-four had less than 200 horsepower, 195 to be precise, or just 15 more than the much cheaper GS-R. The torque spread was even less, just 130 lb-ft versus 128. Its 0-60 time was around 6.6 seconds, just 0.4 faster than the GS-R’s. Aside from a larger wing, it looked nearly identical to its lesser siblings as well. But a car isn’t just the sum of its spec sheet.

In the latest episode of Regular Car Reviews, host Mr Regular makes the argument for why an Integra Type R is worth every penny of the $60,000 it trades for. The argument can probably be summed up in one word: purity. There’s nothing fake about it, just pure Honda engineering at its peak. It’s not trying to be uber-aggressive with angry styling, it strikes a perfect balance between power and weight, and was not marketed to celebs or athletes. You had to be a car guy or gal to appreciate it, and probably still do.

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12 Responses to VIDEO: Why the Acura Integra Type R is worth $60,000

  1. subeman says:

    I absolutely cannot stand this guy and his commentaries… I must be the only one…
    I tried watching the vid but had to stop. There has to be a better Integra Type R vid on the net that is better than this dude’s.
    Maybe Barney the purple dinosaur posted one. Almost anyone is better than this guy. Ok, rant over.
    Not big into Honda but the Type R is definitely a nice car.

    • Ant says:

      Nah, you’re not the only one. He’s less a car reviewer than a social commentator with a few Wikipedia facts thrown in. Which is fine, but strange that people seem to take it as gospel.

      I can recommend seeking out Davide Cironi on Youtube, who has done a more traditional and much more enthusiast-focused review of the DC2. It’s in Italian, but subtitled in English.

      Or of course any of the old Best Motoring videos on the DC2, many of which have been translated.

      • Damian says:

        Cironi needs to take downers on his reviews. He gets so excited, and then the BS starts. See his Fiat Ritmo 130 (a what?) review. He has no technical knowledge whatsoever but dives deep into the feel of the drive.

    • ceariojpn says:

      This interview might provide some reasons why RCR is like what it is.

  2. Ant says:

    The concept of the DC2 being “worth” $60k always seems a bit odd to me. In the UK you can find an immaculate one – which includes the red Recaros and Momo steering wheel not present on the car in that video – for about a third that price.

    Don’t get me wrong – brilliant car. One of the best cars I’ve ever driven. But I’d guess about a third of the US price is supply/demand, and another third is GenX/Millennial nostalgia getting out of hand.

    US prices do make me think I should probably get hold of one before Japanese examples become US-market legal and it makes rest-of-world values go insane too, though.

  3. Yeah I don’t like the guy either (I couldn’t get through 5 mins.of the video. Like this car is the greatest automobile that Honda/Acura ever built. My 2007 Honda Accord LX 2.4liter Vtec is just as fast and the 1999 Acura NSX is in a different league as far as quickness and speed. Granted it is a V-6 Supercar but still 60k for a ’97 Integra Type-R is ludicrous. The NSX cost a bit more back in 2004 but has way over 90k on it (still low mileage IYAME, exterior & interior are reasonably okay. The Accord just passed 70k and the engine’s been babied (minor wear & tear cosmetically inside&out to to be expected on a 12yr old car) but paid only $6200(!)back in 2013 IMHO that engine is one of the best Honda ever made. The 1.8 is a pretty good motor likewise and l guess if you really want one & you’re into that, have more $ than u can shake a stick at & can find one(for sale)go for it but otherwise go figure!? Thanx dudes.

  4. Yeah I don’t like the guy either. Like the Integra Type-R is the greatest automobile that Honda/Acura ever built. My 2007 Honda Accord LX 2.4liter Vtec is just as fast and the 1999 Acura NSX is in a different league as far as quickness and speed. The NSX cost a little bit more in 2004 but has way over 90k on it and the exterior & interior is still in reasonably good shape The Accord has just passed 70k and the engine’s been babied minor wear & tear cosmetically inside & out(to be expected on a 12yr old car) but only paid $6200 back in 2013 & IMHO that engine is one of the best Honda ever made. The 1.8 is a pretty good motor and if you really want one & you’re into that, have more $ than u can shake a stick at and can find one (for sale) then go for it otherwise go figure!? Thanx dudes.

  5. F31roger says:

    60k is steep.

    I do get it though. It’s a timeless Type R like the EK9.
    Just awesome looking, clean, great all around.

  6. Yuri says:

    I have a theory that RCR is solely responsible for so many people thinking “tHe uSdM cOrOlLA GtS iSn’T aN aE86, iT’s An Ae88!”

    It’s like people can’t differentiate between vins and chassis codes now, and I hold RCR’s AE86 video responsible.

  7. potato says:

    You know the world has gone crazy when an Integra is worth $60k, during bad economies.

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