I must admit, having owned a couple (a Phase 1 172 and a 182 FF), I always kind of felt they were somewhat overrated.... then I drove lots more cars, and realised that actually they were pretty darn good after all. Not really far off my DC2 Integra Type-R in many respects - probably about as fast overall, and although not as special or as well made, easier to live with - they don’t attract lots of attention.
Mine were not very reliable though, but I do hear a lot of owners say they are actually pretty reliable, so perhaps I was just unlucky. However, I do find myself looking at them again, 172 Cups and Trophys. Incidentally, the 172 Cup and 182 Trophy (as well as the 200 Cup) were all in the top 10 best hot hatches as voted by pistonheads recently. So there’s obviously something in it...
I still dislike the awful steering wheels though
Edit: just looked and the only 182 Trophy on PH is £8750, so quite a long way above what I would be willing to pay, particularly when you can get a tidy 182 for £2500 and retrofit the wheels and seats if you really felt the need (I’m aware of the sachs dampers but still), I’m sure the Trophy is excellent, but really is it worth over 3x the price? I very much doubt it?