fac51hacienda wrote:cheers mate, was hoping that the DC2 would be better than my 03 plate CTR..can't wait. Just need to sell my Merc C class 280 sport which has everything and only 62k miles with FSH!
keep in touch and let me know of any good insurance companies...
I'm worried about getting a Jap import, is there any advice you can give, thing I should look for and more importantly avoid?
I'm so excited and have been dreaming about that VTEC sound night after night.... 
You wont regret it dude - I loved the Civic and have a lot of respect for them but the DC2 is a phenomenal drive. I use Noel Dazely for insurance but Sky and Adrian Flux are worth a call too. Im paying about 750 a year, im 32 with 8 years no claims but 3 non fault claims in 3 years.
Import advice - DONT buy the first one you come accross, drive a few and get the feel of a car so you know a good one. Engage VTEC in all gears (bar 5th - it doesent kick in til bout 115mph!) Try and get one with a full service history, look for a greade 3.5 minimum import, a 4 is very good. Check the seats and steering for signs of wear. ABS, SRS, Rear wiper and AIR_CON were optional extras so look out for these. Check under the car for rust. Try and get a standard one they dont need modding. Remember you will prob want to spend money getting speedo converted to mph and installing an alarm & immobiliser which will also give you remote central locking. This will probably be a requirement for your insurance company. The top speed will prob be limited to 112 so if you dont wanna get done on private roads by Cupra Rs like I did on a private road the other day top end then you will want to get this lifted. So your looking at an extra £500 to get it sorted after you buy it and you may also want to change the cam belt and oil as a precaution unless you get the service history translated! Check all the elctrics are working inside and that ABS & SRS lights come on when you start her up. Check air con works if present. If you get a well looked after jap model like i was lucky enough too it will be in mint condition. Theres not much dust over there and evryone I have shown the engine to cant believe how clean it is! Check the engine to see how clean it is and get a long test drive - listen out for any rattles or noises. Open windows and listen for clicking at low speeds or when you change gear as this may be a sign of CV joint trouble which can be common with DC2. Check all the bodywork to ensure the panels are all original.
I bought mine from a guy who imports cars, does all the documentation and gets them taxed and mot so they are ready to go. It was in fantastic condition. Although it has 75,000 miles on the clock the engines are typical Honda, solid and good for 200k plus if loooked after well. There are plenty about so check the DC2 forum, pistonheads, autotrader and ebay. Buyers are in a stromg position at the mo as there are quite a few available and demand is slow.
PM me if you want any help mate and il do my best!!
I was touching 9min laps in my Focus ST but it's running around 300bhp and even more torque.