[QUOTE=bigbadben,Oct 19 2006, 03:48 PM] 1. Surely an

 

Have you thought about a DC5? They hold there value pretty well, look amazing, go like stink and do a fantastic job of tackling the twisties and the LSD removes a lot of that front wheel drive understeer. It's a 3 door but there's loads of room and there's a massive boot. Servicing costs will run about the same as a CTR and parts can be ordered from Honda in Europe.

Check out www.itr-DC5.co.uk for more info.

 

I actually hadn't considered a DC5, but surely being an import they suffer from the same lack of rustproofing that all Jap imports suffer?

Also, i fear residuals will be a problem here too, due to the niche nature of the import market?

 

I haven't heard of any rust problems having said that the oldest year you can get is a 2001 so iguess they haven't surfaced yet if there are any problems.

As for residuals it's hard to tell, a decent low mileage 2001/2002 DC5 will cost around 14 - 15k obviously Honda never imported them so I don't know how much they would retail for new, but the latest 2005 models with hardly any miles on go for 18-19k.

And there aren't that many of them in the UK last time someone checked the DVLA there were only 430 in the UK.

 

DC5, I have one and love it Residuals seem to hold up ok, similar to the S really. The only killer is insurance, which is also similar to the S.

There's a few for sale on http://www.itr-dc5.com

 

[QUOTE=bigbadben,Oct 19 2006, 03:48 PM] Surely an

 

OK. I've had to compromise some of my criteria.

I drove a few Leon Cupra R's this weekend and was left a little cold!

Performance-wise the LCR is a devastating cross-country blaster with a predictably firm ride. The interior seem very well screwed together and durable too, yet the lasting impression i have is of a very loose, light gear shift action!

After the S and the VX - both with very positive and mechanical throws - i found it exceptionally disconcerting to 'stir the 'box' of the LCR!

So, to summarise, does the LCR match my criteria?

- 4/5 doors? YES
- Rapid? YES
- Good handling (all relative!)? YES
- Moderately refined? YES
- Decent residuals? DUBIOUS
- Sensible running costs? YES
- Good build quality? YES

- Rewarding? POSSIBLY BUT DOUBTFUL.

Maybe i'm just a pedant, but it really was an insurmountable gripe that i just couldnt tolerate on a daily basis.

Looks like the CTR is back in the running? I can seemingly pick up a decent one (with air-con) for circa

 

[QUOTE=bigbadben,Oct 22 2006, 10:59 PM] OK. I've had to compromise some of my criteria.

I drove a few Leon Cupra R's this weekend and was left a little cold!

Performance-wise the LCR is a devastating cross-country blaster with a predictably firm ride. The interior seem very well screwed together and durable too, yet the lasting impression i have is of a very loose, light gear shift action!

After the S and the VX - both with very positive and mechanical throws - i found it exceptionally disconcerting to 'stir the 'box' of the LCR!

So, to summarise, does the LCR match my criteria?

- 4/5 doors? YES
- Rapid? YES
- Good handling (all relative!)? YES
- Moderately refined? YES
- Decent residuals? DUBIOUS
- Sensible running costs? YES
- Good build quality? YES

- Rewarding? POSSIBLY BUT DOUBTFUL.

Maybe i'm just a pedant, but it really was an insurmountable gripe that i just couldnt tolerate on a daily basis.

Looks like the CTR is back in the running? I can seemingly pick up a decent one (with air-con) for circa

 

Integra. It does everything you want very well (and better than the CTR by all accounts).

 

Some really good points there WR.

But like I said, I've had to revise my criteria.

The Leon ticks every single box, but the 'experience' was a little flaccid (formed in no small part by a less than sweet gear shift). Maybe I've been spoiled by the S and the VX and I'm discounting a worthy vehicle, I don't know...

Factor in the lower purchase price of the CTR and IMO I can't lose! I've had some great feedback from you guys to give me a frame of reference!

I am however, surprised that you found the CTR so unrefined! IME the S is quite a noisy car (at speed and around town) and regarding in-cabin noise levels is at a very similar level to the VX!

Hmmmm, may have to test-drive a few...