Am I too old to buy a Honda Integra Type R DC5?

centrelink on 01/09/2015 - 07:50
Last edited 03/09/2015 - 14:00

I am approaching 30 years old, already own a Mazda 3 (which is heavily used by my wife now so it is pretty much hers). I've always wanted a sports car and always liked the Integra type r DC5 but had always been poor during my uni years and never could afford one. However, now I can afford one, but it feels like I am too old to be buying one.

I don't know how to drive manual (but I do have a manual/auto licence), should I just go out and get one and learn to manual with the help of friends/youtube?

edit: Thanks for the comments, will be looking for one of these cars now.

Automotive

Comments

  • pyramid on 01/09/2015 - 07:52
    +106

    You are never old to do things you love.

    • strikerzebra on 02/09/2015 - 10:47
      +30

      Unless you are a 50 yr old man trying to chat up an 18 yr old girl.

      • pyramid on 02/09/2015 - 10:50
        +22

        Depends what are you going to discuss.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2015 - 08:58
        +1

        Can't tell if you're joking, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

        They're old enough to make their own judgements, who are you to tell them what to think?

        (I'm not 50 years old or anything, and the idea is… well, disgusting in my opinion. But they are two adults, and their choice should be respected.)

      • wkd on 04/09/2015 - 11:15

        too old

        -Meryn Trant

  • eatwell365 on 01/09/2015 - 08:07
    +2

    Watch YouTube first, then need practice. depend on how tolerance your friend/family is as to expect learners to stall the engine. Not bad idea to pay for a driving instructor as only need few hours max since you can already drive

    • centrelink on 01/09/2015 - 08:40
      +1

      Yeah, looked on youtube already. It seems the general consensus says that the hardest part is from stop to moving and moving to stop.

      Will get a friend to teach me once, and see how I go. If i need an instructor afterwards. No problems with it.

      • sparkles on 01/09/2015 - 09:14
        +2

        I tried to learn a manual after many many years of auto. Even went for lessons with instructor. Conceded defeat, simply too stressful. All I can say is good luck!

        • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2015 - 13:21
          +16

          It's not rocket science mate.

        • Scorpiogirl on 02/09/2015 - 14:40
          +7

          You had a crappy instructor then. Stressful how? The more you do it, the better you get until you do it without thinking about it. Nicest way i can put it.

        • enzioFirenze on 02/09/2015 - 18:45
          +2

          too stressful? it just becomes muscle memory once you keep doing it!

        • sparkles on 03/09/2015 - 07:34
          +1

          @Scorpiogirl:
          Wasn't willing to buy a manual car without confidence in it. Can't practice it without a manual car. And there is your vicious circle. Determined that I would actually be more of a danger to myself (and everyone else) driving a manual. Oh well. And yes, you can all question it, but I did find bunny hopping and stalling in the middle of intersections stressful. It's pretty basic, I want to live. I've now totally accepted the fact that auto cars are my future. I'm glad I never bought that manual car I wanted at the time anyway, it would have been a total money sink.

        • runtoparadise on 03/09/2015 - 08:06
          +6

          @sparkles:
          Get a friend to hire a manual hire car for the day and practice for the entire day in a deserted car park.

        • Scorpiogirl on 03/09/2015 - 09:13

          @sparkles: I don't have a problem with it or you. Personal choice and depending on where you live i get it. Peak hour traffic that moves like a snail in a every day commuter car may not make logical sense. Like in Sydney. Never convince me that some cars do not perform better and/or make the 'driving' experience more fun and enjoyable' in a manual. Kidding yourself or you haven't tried it. Autos are very mundane and boring unless all driving is to you is getting from A to B and then it doesn't matter. If you don't enjoy driving a manual then there is no point for you is there. :)

        • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2015 - 09:56

          Just think of how many brainless bogans can do it. Just takes practice! I remember when I first learnt, hill starts were a pain for sure. These days I utterly hate driving auto as I don't feel I get to control the car to the same degree and it's like the left half of your body is paralysed.

      • idonteven on 01/09/2015 - 11:48
        +1

        I got a one hour lesson with an instructor. And watched plenty of youtube videos. The first time I drove my DC5S was reversing it out the driveway trying to drive it home. Stalled it 3 times in the 20mins it took me to get home. Now it's like 3 months later and I'm confident. Doing down shifts, rev matching, heel toeing (youtube what they are and you'll be a better manual driver).

        • huybo on 02/09/2015 - 18:29

          TBH spn I bought a new car and learnt to drive manual after years of auto without a professional instructor and a couple of clips from youtube. Yes i stalled my pride an joy at the beginning, but afterwards it becomes second nature. having said that, i do get tired of crawling through peak hour with a lot of 1-2 on the gear box. As scorpiogirl said, the more you do it the better you get. Just be careful where you stall it!

      • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2015 - 21:32
        +2

        Get an instructor and pay for about 5 lessons. Burn THEIR clutch not your family or friends'.
        Honestly it's pretty easy. The only thing you need to get a feel for is the 'clutch point' so you dont over rev or burn out the clutch

  • pjetson on 01/09/2015 - 08:31

    Not bad idea to pay for a driving instructor as only need few hours max since you can already drive

    +1

  • brazen00 on 01/09/2015 - 08:33
    +4

    If the question starts "Am I too old to…", the answer is always "No"

    • centrelink on 01/09/2015 - 08:41
      +3

      Yeah I guess so, just wanted to see what everyone's opinion is on that car. I could go for a civic type r, but the recent one looks a bit weirdish to me (like a spaceship).

    • ntt on 06/09/2015 - 01:27

      …"Am I too old to suck mommy tits?" "NO!!"…OK I got it

  • fungi79 on 01/09/2015 - 08:52
    +5

    I'm 33 and I just bought a Toyota 86, so no.

    • cypher67 on 01/09/2015 - 09:13
      +4

      The 86 is infinitely more age appropriate than an Integra. Personally I would give any of my mates crap if they bought one and I'm also 30.

      • zeomega on 02/09/2015 - 21:32
        +6

        How is the 86 more age appropriate vs a DC5? Do tell. Other than outright costs as the 86 can be bought new, the are both:-

        1. Cheap Jap sports cars
        2. Quite commonly bought by P platers.
        3. Have a fan base of ricers and non-ricers alike.

        That said, the DC5 is getting a bit old IMHO. The 86 does look a bit nicer and newer.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2015 - 10:03
      +4

      I'm 43 and thinking of going the same! I personally couldn't give a damn what other people think about what I drive. I learnt a long time that whatever I own, someone seems to be offended and something about car choice seems to bring out unsolicited opinions from people. I've owned a real mixed bag of cars, from "girlie" (read: practical) cars, to 500hp twin turbo monsters. Out of every car I owned, there was always some d-head giving me an opinion that I didn't ask for about them. Age comments I haven't had yet, as everyone says I don't look (or act?) my age, but that will come in due time and I will care as little about it as all the other comments.

      • Scorpiogirl on 04/09/2015 - 10:19

        I always say who cares whose talking about you. It's the fact that they find you or your life so interesting that they are. If they have nothing better to do then let them. Does any man act their age? Whatever that means? I don't think like that. I mean that nicely by the way. :)

  • fillit on 01/09/2015 - 09:23
    +4

    DC5R is a great car, however most of the example nowadays are in pretty rough nick. All the good examples are going to set you back closer to the 20K mark… which then you will question, why wouldn't you get an 86?

    Personally I drive a s2000 so by no means am I an 86 fan boy, infact I feel I have a duty to hate on the car.

    However all jokes aside, I think a second hand 86 would be a better investment and you will have just as much fun in it, DC5R will be quicker in a straight line though and you wont get that raw sensation in the 86. If you're after a FWD pocket rocket, get a golf gti and put a tune on it, will be infinitely quicker than either of those cars and you can still use it everyday.

    As for learning manual, I did the same thing, got an auto license then bought manual car, took a week to learn and another two to be confident, it's easier than people make it out to be.

    Within your budget, perhaps consider a EP3R, they are practically the same car and you can likely find a better condition/import for around the $15K mark which you will be paying for any decent DC5R.

    • centrelink on 01/09/2015 - 09:39

      Was considering an 86 as well, probably my next choice if I can't find a dc5 in good condition and low km's. I like the Golf, but I think my heart goes for a car with a coupe body for some reason.

      • fillit on 01/09/2015 - 09:46

        Ahh.. Technically the DC5R is a liftback.

        86 or MX5 is probably most bang for buck sports car at the moment at the higher end of the price spectrum.

        Most good DC5Rs are going for alot because they were kept by enthusiasts, from around 2009 - 2013 the DC5R was probably one of the 2/3 fastest cars you could get on your Ps and they were destroyed like no tomorrow. I've seen the price fall from high 10s to under 10K with people just wanting to get rid of them. If you play you have to pay.

      • evol on 01/09/2015 - 13:01
        +3

        You should test drive a Fiesta ST (turbo 2 door hatch). It's an amazing car that's far more practical, cheaper, and faster than an 86. A lot cheaper to maintain and way better equipped than both the 86 or a Golf/Polo GTI (and DC5 obviously). Read the reviews if you haven't already.

        I test drove a bunch of cars including the 86 when deciding on what to buy. IMHO 86 was underwhelming, slow, cramped, and the interior was a bit cheap and plasticy. Great car for the track but quite boring on normal roads. But if you're deciding solely between a DC5 and 86, I'd pick the 86 hands down.

        • fillit on 01/09/2015 - 14:01

          I have driven a Fiesta ST, I also own a MK6 Golf GTI as a daily driver.

          You can't really compare the Fiesta to the Golf, they are in different categories, perhaps the Focus ST is a better comparison, even so the GTI is a better proposition which reflects in the volume that they've moved. Fiesta is something like $27K, GTI is about $50K with options, 86 is $35 - $40K, Focus is about $40K.

          However I know with the Fiesta/unsure about the focus is manual only. From a driving experience, they are about the same, golf having the DSG and electronic diff gives it more sensation, whereas Fiesta feels more like an econobox with a beefy engine.

          Other than the Recaro seats it's still pretty ordinary inside and out, I'm unsure what better equipment comes with it, as there really isn't that much (that atleast I find desirable in my car). Interior quality, the GTI is miles ahead.

          Maintenance yeah the fiesta st will be cheaper, but it's a cheaper car to begin with.. for the records, if I had to choose between a manual Polo GTI or Fiesta ST, I would take the ST.

      • ozeebee on 03/09/2015 - 02:26
        +1

        Since you're initial choice was an Integra Type R, it means you probably don't follow what everyone else does and just buy a golf… Golf GTI/R are all good cars but they lack character.

        As others suggested, for raw driving feeling, get the Integra, 86/BRZ or Fiesta ST.

        Also I know that people will hate on this just for the simple reason it's French. But try to drive a Renault Sport Megane 250. It's in that price range now and will boggle your mind on how good the chassis is.

        • Steptoe on 04/09/2015 - 23:41

          Renault Sport Megane 250

          Current prices for the Trophee model are getting harder to resist ;)

        • ozeebee on 05/09/2015 - 03:22

          @Steptoe:

          I'm in London for the next two years but I can't wait to get back and get myself either a Renaultsport, BRZ or 370Z.

          After driving in Australia for over 10 years, it's a massive shock to rely on public transport.

    • malich on 01/09/2015 - 16:16
      +1

      I'm a 30y/o with an 86. Love it.

      I recently had kids which will ultimately mean I need to part with it, but in the meantime - I'm enjoying every drive.

      On a side note, the biggest thing I love about the 86 is the 'carefree' motoring aspect that driving a toyota over a more niche brand. Cheap tyres, cheap servicing, good fuel economy (I average 7.8l/100km driving peak hour every morning).

  • Scorpiogirl on 01/09/2015 - 09:41
    +3

    Too old? Pfft! Now is the time you should do something for yourself. I got my license the first day i was old enough too in an auto but back then you could drive whatever. I spotted a car in someones yard, a lil Honda Civic. I saved like mad hoping it wouldn't be bought. It was a manual. I got it and i taught myself. No help at all. Bunny hops, conking out etc. I didn't care. I lived near the coast/beach. I got some wierd looks from surfers but hey at least i had a car lol

    Best thing i ever did. Do it now before it's.. i am too old to care or i can't do that. Friends will help and if you love driving, i think you will be motivated in order to drive the car you want. I am not keen on 'spaceship' looking cars either. Taking off, slowing/stopping and knowing when to change gears are some of the important things. Doing it smoothly too. All comes with practice. Hope it works out. :)

  • cypher67 on 01/09/2015 - 09:54
    +2

    If you were 40-50 it would be completely acceptable, but 30 is to young to claim mid life crisis … unless you are a heavy smoker

    • centrelink on 01/09/2015 - 10:32

      i would probably go for something bigger if it was a mid life crisis.

  • nocure on 01/09/2015 - 10:12

    How did you get a manual licence?

    • centrelink on 01/09/2015 - 10:32
      +2

      I thought you automatically get manual liscence if you passed with automatic.

    • unco on 01/09/2015 - 10:41
      +1

      https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/licence-and-permit-…

      If you pass your probationary drive test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you can only drive vehicles with an automatic transmission during your probationary period. This condition is shown as an A on the driver licence card.

      At the end of your probationary period, the A condition will no longer apply.

      • pjetson on 02/09/2015 - 13:19
        +1

        In Victoria, if you have a heavy vehicle licence, and you sit for your licence in a truck with a synchromesh gearbox, that becomes a condition on your licence that cannot be removed until you re-sit the test with a truck with a "crash" gearbox.

        Yet learning to double-clutch is significantly easier than learning to use a clutch and a manual gearbox after only knowing how to drive an automatic. In fact, many heavy vehicle drivers always double-clutch when down-shifting, even though they don't have to.

        I just don't see that it's sensible to allow drivers who do not know how to drive a manual car to drive one, just because they've had an automatic licence for a few years. I believe we should go back to the system where drivers have to sit the test again if they want to change from automatic to manual.

    • fillit on 01/09/2015 - 10:41

      In VIC atleast, if you're on a full license, you can drive both Manual and Auto regardless of ability.

      • pjetson on 01/09/2015 - 10:45
        +5

        Which is a very strange state of affairs, in my opinion.

        • fillit on 01/09/2015 - 11:00
          +3

          Same same really, I think most people who drive manual can actually do it competently, otherwise every second person will be stalling on the road.

          It probably stems back (pre 1990s) where most cars were manual, nowadays it's harder to find manual cars on the road.

        • plmko on 01/09/2015 - 11:06

          Not really, frees up exam space from those wanting to license convert for those who have no license. Common sense really, not like auto drivers are going to suddenly rush out for a manual without learning on their own first.

        • pjetson on 01/09/2015 - 11:55

          Common sense really, not like auto drivers are going to suddenly rush out for a manual without learning on their own first.

          Yet that's exactly what a lot of people seem to do.

        • plmko on 01/09/2015 - 12:40
          +4

          @pjetson:

          Sounds awfully like your opinion, the reality is that even the nanny-state government has changed policy because it doesn't endanger anyone as it's not what people do.

        • pjetson on 02/09/2015 - 09:07
          -1

          @plmko:

          as it's not what people do, the reality is

          Which also sounds "awfully like your opinion".

        • plmko on 02/09/2015 - 10:37
          +1

          @pjetson:

          LOL, except that I'm basing it on the reaction of the government (fact) as opposed to well…what have you got?

        • pjetson on 02/09/2015 - 11:59
          -1

          @plmko: My opinion is just my own personal experience.

        • plmko on 02/09/2015 - 12:30
          +2

          @pjetson:

          That's my point :)

        • pjetson on 02/09/2015 - 13:07
          -1

          @plmko:

          That's my point

          Your point is that I'm basing my opinion on what I've actually seen with my own eyes, and you're basing your opinion on what you think the government thinks? Hmmmm, strange.

        • plmko on 02/09/2015 - 16:53
          +1

          @pjetson:

          So you think your sample size based on your daily observations is more reliable than the studies the government had done? Quick! you should apply to become the transport minister.

        • hahaboy on 02/09/2015 - 19:26

          agreed. Recently started driving a manual after always driving auto. Was surprised there is no test, as I was out on the roads without being tested. Just a couple lessons with dad and on the road i go without L or P plates again.

          I wouldn't have minded re-testing even. I think it's strange too.

        • pjetson on 02/09/2015 - 19:27
          -1

          @plmko: What (and where) are these studies? And I think you're crediting the government with rather too much intelligence if you think all their decisions are made on reliable data.

        • plmko on 02/09/2015 - 21:10
          +1

          @pjetson:

          And trust your observations? nah I think i'll put my blind faith on our nanny-state government with this one.

      • cypher67 on 01/09/2015 - 11:01

        Wow - I am blown away they let this happen. Driving a Manuel is 10x harder than an auto. Not to say it is hard, but I cringe at the thought of someone bunny hopping down the street and its legal.

        • Scorpiogirl on 01/09/2015 - 12:45
          +1

          Unless your an idiot you don't go on big, major roads. Learners have to learn some where.

        • cypher67 on 01/09/2015 - 13:21

          @Scorpiogirl:
          I agree that learners need to learn somewhere, but what they are saying is if you have an open licence and only ever driven an auto all your life, you are legally allowed to jump in a manual and drive by yourself. So I agree, under learning conditions and with someone who knows how to drive a manual in the car with you its fine, but no experience solo is a disaster waiting to happen.

        • Scorpiogirl on 01/09/2015 - 14:17

          @cypher67: Indeed and the way people drive today is terrifying. I live near a school and people go up footpaths. No idea how they think that is normal and can't comprehend who taught them to drive. Common sense would say to use quiet roads that are hardly used. In Nsw don't you have to drive whatever you get your license in or does this change?

        • cypher67 on 01/09/2015 - 15:19

          @Scorpiogirl:
          There is 2 seperate licences, when you pass your test it is either manual or auto, if you have a manual licence you can drive both, if you pass in an auto you can only drive an auto. You need to redo the test again in a manual if you want to drive a manual. This was my understanding for everywhere and only learning now this is not the case.

        • Scorpiogirl on 01/09/2015 - 15:37

          @cypher67: Ok thank you.

        • lenlynn on 02/09/2015 - 09:55

          @cypher67: I think it depends on the state? My friend passed in WA in an auto and went over east, converted the licence to a manual and came back to WA.

        • pjetson on 02/09/2015 - 13:08
          +7

          Driving a Manuel

          Poor Manuel.

        • Marcsie on 03/09/2015 - 12:00

          Should we learn to spell Manual or Automatic ? lol

      • bundybare1967 on 03/09/2015 - 06:24

        same in nsw or at least it used to be

  • nocure on 01/09/2015 - 10:49
    +3

    In Qld, no manual license, no drive.

    • [Deactivated] on 01/09/2015 - 13:45

      How about in NSW? Or ACT?

      (I don't have time to Google right now)

      • jzdhgkd on 03/09/2015 - 15:18

        In NSW green Ps and above = allowed to drive either.

  • juki on 01/09/2015 - 10:53

    i'd have thought are those cars too old to be bought now… (unfortunately)

    • fillit on 01/09/2015 - 11:01
      +1

      Not necessarily, if you want trouble free motoring, then it's probably not the car for you.

      However if you have a good chassis and reasonably good interior, everything else of KM value is replaceable.

      Personally I think it's part of the joys of ownership, most parts you can get brand new/aftermarket.

      • juki on 01/09/2015 - 14:24

        when i see the trouble i have with a simple mini on this side of the world, it's worth stressing the world trouble. I don't belong to any clubs or groups but i'd imagine with sports cars the trouble only gets worse, nonetheless, i do understand wanting to accomplish a childhood dream.

  • idonteven on 01/09/2015 - 11:45
    +1

    Hey man, I bought my DC5S a few months ago. Any reason why you want Type R over S? Unless you plan on tracking it, Type S is a better daily driver. I got mine for less than 13k with under 110k. Mechanically perfect, haven't had any problems with it. And my mate recently got a heavily modified one for 17k, had something like almost 30k worth of mods done to it and around 160k on the odometer.

    It's still possible to find good, clean examples. Just have to make sure you don't buy from a teenager. Buy it from an enthusiast (who will know the value of his car) or buy it from someone mature but somewhat clueless about what he had (I think that's who I bought it from lol).

    • fillit on 01/09/2015 - 12:00
      +5

      Recaros, LSD, shopping trolley spoiler :P

    • centrelink on 01/09/2015 - 15:10

      How do I go about to make sure I don't inspect one from a teenager (without asking)? There really is limited cars on Carsales. I wouldn't mind buying one thats ok and cleaning it up myself as well.. Maybe add my own modifications in the future.. sounds fun.

      • fillit on 01/09/2015 - 15:22
        +2

        Hit and miss my friend.

        Good place to start is have a read on ozhonda.com

        Just have a chat to them over the phone before going to take a look at it, I'm sure you will gauge what sort of person they are.

        Top tip, pay more, get one in better condition, it will always cost more restoring it than to pay for a good one to begin with, unless you set out with the intention to replace things anyway.

      • Scorpiogirl on 01/09/2015 - 15:40

        Does sound fun. I know, i am odd. Giving your car a personal touch is what makes it yours, i think. Good idea.

      • idonteven on 01/09/2015 - 16:01

        OzHonda and ClubITR are good places to start. So would you get a type S or are you settled on type r? DC5 has a massive modding community so you'll definitely need to put money aside to have some fun.

  • tonyjzx on 01/09/2015 - 12:08

    its a friggin 150kW FWD thingo… its really not a big deal

    you're fighting with overseas asian students for them so good luck

  • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2015 - 07:53

    The DC5R is almost a classic…I recall driving one out to 9000 rpm when they were new and in my opinion one of the best NA cars for the money. I would go it over the 86 for more of a purehonda race feel unless you wanted more of a drift feel. I'm over 40 and id still do it!

  • kickling on 02/09/2015 - 09:13
    +1

    I feel like we have lived the same lives…

    DO IT (for me!)

  • Vieira4 on 02/09/2015 - 09:36

    Do it. I remember when I was 19 I bought my first manual and in one day's practise I learned how to drive it.

  • mightyhawks23 on 02/09/2015 - 13:50
    +1

    Do it and get a few years to play with it before the kids come!

    I'm mid 30s now; learnt to drive with a manual car but have been stuck with an auto for the last 10 years due to the missus

    Went on a business trip and requested a manual hire car…
    I didn't realise how much I missed driving a manual

    Maybe I should try teach the missus :)

    • runtoparadise on 03/09/2015 - 08:03

      Totally do this, hire a cheap manual hire car for the day and spend all day practicing in it. Get a friend to drive it for you to a big deserted car park where they can show you how to drive it and then keep driving around and around till you get the hang of it. It won't take long, couple hours tops and then you can drive it around the city before you return it.

    • syousef on 04/09/2015 - 17:22
      +1

      Do it before you get old and bits start to ache. I can still drive a manual but at 40 I already have arthritis in both ankles and a bad shoulder…so while I loved driving a stick when I was younger now I'd consider it a chore.

  • imahapyboy on 02/09/2015 - 14:04
    -3

    im aged of 31 and driving bmw 3 series

  • pitiek on 02/09/2015 - 14:08
    +3

    Get a push bike instead… You'll love it..

  • drose1 on 02/09/2015 - 14:37
    +6

    Get an EVO.

  • JimB on 02/09/2015 - 14:40

    Another vote for an 86.

    Most DC5Rs would have had a hard life and many owners by now.

    An 86 is actually a good drive.

  • ddxsamx on 02/09/2015 - 14:51
    +1

    No way mate! 30yo is still young!

  • Cluster on 02/09/2015 - 15:31

    Are you too old for that car? No. Do you want it and are willing to learn how to drive manual? Sure, go ahead and buy it.

    The bigger question for me is why do so many people care about what others may or may not think about their car purchase? It's your money, buy what you like and ignore unsolicited opinions from 'mates'

    A few personal examples:

    • I bought a bright yellow car because I wanted one. When an acquaintance heard about my upcoming purchase he screwed up his face and said 'yellow? crap resale value!' I still have the car a decade later so colour has absolutely no impact on resale at this point.

    • When the topic of cars comes up one friend always comments that I drive a "woman's car", because it's smaller than a Falcon/Commodore (by about 15cm). Apart from being quite misogynistic in terms of commentary, what impact does the gender of buyers have on me and my car?

    • Years ago I had a workmate who, every time the topic of convertible cars came up, would keep going on and on about "hairdresser cars". Don't know what he had against hairdressers in particular.

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