JDM fans rejoice at the return of legendary nameplates like Supra and the rumored return of the Silvia. It's certainly the start of a new JDM renaissance, especially with the new Nissan 400z and upcoming GTR model. These legends return to the market with more weight from increased regulations and disappointing-sounding turbocharged engines. Manufacturers' new models might fall short, but that doesn't mean that the older models aren't still on the used market. With high revving, sonorous engines, and light design, the JDM icons of the 1990s satisfy any keen enthusiast.
With a 1.8-liter engine producing 195 horsepower, the Acura Integra Type R hit 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The engineers didn't stop here, cutting nearly 100 lbs from the curb weight through removing sound deadening and the sunroof as well as fitting an improved suspension system. From the factory, the Type R lay the foundation for future R models. The model carried on as the RSX but never quite hit the same heights as the original vehicle. At the time Japanese manufacturers had the common practice of selling two sports cars, the premium, and then entry-level model. The Integra Type R played second fiddle to the NSX and some design motifs such as the rear spoiler hint to this. A two-door coupe with rear seats it certainly has some benefits over its larger stablemate.
At over twenty years old some Type Rs need work, but it's worth it.
How Much Is An Acura Integra Type R?
Classic, an aggregator of classic car prices, finds that the Integra Type R sells for an average of $32,032. Like all JDM icons, the Integra Type R is appreciated. Interest in old Acura models currently is higher than ever before. The reborn NSX took the philosophy of the hybrid drivetrains found in hypercars such as the Porsche 918 and sold it for the same as a Porsche 911. The original NSX existed as the pinnacle of the Honda group's engineering. As a result, it lay outside the reach of many. The Integra lives in a different section of the market. With the return of the model, the original JDM icon has caught the eye of many.
When Toyota brought back the Supra it was in partnership with BMW, with BMW underpinnings, many found themselves disappointed in exactly what the new Supra was. Fans might be afraid the newest Integra doesn't live up to the long-gone model. Thus examples of the original Integra Type R are more expensive and selling quicker than before. Acura's current Integra uses the same platform as the Honda Civic and the premium Acura ILX.
According to Hagerty, the 1997 to 2001 Integra sold around 50,000 units per year. They continue to claim that the "engines were essentially hand-built," just like those from AMG. The engine "wasn’t powerful on paper, but it was intoxicating". Haggerty cites the VTEC system which delivers peak power just 400 rpm short of the 8400 rpm redline. Just like the VTEc powered Civic and S2000 models, the Integra Type R is a car that drivers have to drive hard to get the most from them.
How Do You Maintain The Acura Integra Type R?
The third-generation Integra left production in 2001, so did the Type R that used this coupe as a base. Even the newest Integra Type R models are now over twenty years old. So those models that are from the start of production are even older. Acura's first examples of the model started in the Japanese market in 1993 and sold in the United States in 1995. At the same time, not only did the Honda group produce iconic vehicles like the EK9 Honda Civic. But the Integra faced off vehicles from Nissan like the Silvia and Toyota's Celica. The same issues that plague this vintage of JDM cars apply to the Integra Type R. Poor quality modification, rust are potential problems. At over twenty years old, certain unpredictable issues will occur as well, for example, engine hoses may break and leave a driver stranded.
With such an advanced age, plenty of examples on the used market have high mileages. At 90,000 miles, the timing belt and water pump need replacement. Without less reputable modification, a prospective buyer doesn't have to expect much in terms of peculiar servicing. It's important to notice how original the car, a buyer is looking at it. Checking VINs is an easy way to do this. If these don't match, something is definitely up. Crashed, repaired, and returned to the road, some Integras will have hidden pasts that could easily create mechanical nightmares.
According to Hagerty, the Type R gives you one more thing to check. Throughout the vehicle are plenty of Type R branded parts shift knob, series number, and five-lug wheels. If all these original parts are in place and the car is a clean unmodified example, prices could significantly raise the average figure from Classic. However, with the car an entry-level luxury offering, owners daily drove, raced, and modified these cars. So don't expect to find a pristine example up for sale.