Launched in 2001 and produced through 2006, the DC5 replaced the DC2's B-series VTEC with an all-new 2.0L K20A i-VTEC engine and added a sixth gear — a genuine evolution rather than a facelift. Like several other younger performance cars on this list, its age means eligibility varies by market in ways worth understanding before you assume you're stuck waiting.
Overview
The DC5 was a clean-sheet platform, not a reworked DC2 — a new chassis with significantly higher torsional rigidity, Brembo brakes front and rear, and the first clean-sheet K-series engine Honda built, the 2.0L K20A i-VTEC, making 220PS at 8,000rpm through a 6-speed manual (versus the DC2's 5-speed). It was also wider, taller and around 60kg heavier than the DC2 it replaced. A September 2004 facelift brought squared-off headlights and taillights, revised bumpers and intakes, and retuned ECU mapping and suspension. Unlike the DC2, the DC5 Type R was a JDM, Australia and New Zealand-market car only — it was never sold new in the US or UK.
K20A i-VTEC, 220PS @ 8,000rpm
A clean-sheet design rather than a B-series evolution — bigger displacement, a 6-speed gearbox, and a genuinely different character to the DC2's high-strung B18C.
Pre-facelift (2001–04) / Post-facelift (2004–06)
The September 2004 update brought squared styling, revised aero and refined ECU and suspension tuning — the later cars are generally considered the more sorted version.
Auction Pricing
Japanese market data puts clean DC5 Type R values broadly between ¥1,200,000 and ¥3,500,000, with low-mileage post-2004 facelift examples commanding the top of that range. Being younger and less commonly modified than the DC2, condition variance is somewhat lower — but full service history and originality still matter enormously, which is why we inspect every car ourselves before you commit to a bid.
What to Check
The K20A is generally regarded as one of Honda's most reliable engines, but check timing chain tensioner condition on cars past 100,000km — a known wear point — and confirm valve clearance service history, since the solid-lifter K-series needs periodic manual adjustment that's easy for a lazy owner to skip. Rust is less of a concern than on the older DC2 given the car's age, but still check the rear wheelarches and sills. Clutch and LSD wear are worth checking on any car that's seen track use, and given how commonly modified these are, confirm the car matches its factory specification before you commit.
Import Eligibility
Because DC5 production runs from 2001 to 2006, most of the range hasn't reached the age-based 25-year threshold yet. Unlike younger performance cars such as the Evo VII–IX or WRX STI GDB, though, the DC5 doesn't get an Australian SEVS shortcut — it was sold new in Australia as the Honda Integra Type R, and SEVS only covers models that were never offered domestically. That means Australia and the USA both run on the same straight age-based timeline here.
Rolling Eligible
No SEVS pathway, since the DC5 was sold new here — eligibility follows the straight 25-year age rule. Earliest 2001 build cars are right at the threshold now, with the rest of the range clearing progressively through 2031.
Rolling Eligible
Same 25-year federal exemption timeline as Australia — earliest 2001 cars are right at the threshold now, with later build dates clearing through 2031. See our Import page.
MOT Only
No age-based import ban and every DC5 is now past the 10-year IVA threshold — a standard MOT is all that's needed, available now regardless of build date.
FAQ
Can I import a DC5 right now?
It depends on the exact build date. As of mid-2026, only the earliest 2001-built cars have crossed the 25-year line in Australia and the USA; most of the range is still rolling into eligibility through 2031. We'll check your target car's build date against the current rules before you commit.
DC2 or DC5?
The DC2 is lighter and purely naturally aspirated with a rawer, more analog feel — and it's fully age-eligible everywhere right now. The DC5 is newer, faster and more refined with a 6-speed gearbox, but still rolling into eligibility in Australia and the USA. See our DC2 Integra Type R guide for the full comparison.