Sup guys. My gf is in the market for buying either a used Integra or RSX and I'm gonna be helping her out with payments. We're both in college and work part time....so we don't really have a lot of money to spend. Right now, I would like to mark the upper limit of how much we would be willing to spend at $20,000 after taxes. She would put down a $6,000 down payment and together we think we can manage to finance the rest.

We want a car that has a good amount of power, is reliable, and has low mileage. I narrowed my search between a 2000 Integra Type-R and a 2002 RSX Type-S.

What do you guys suggest??? Which is the better car for the money??? Do you think we could find either one of these cars in our price range??? Do these cars come in an automatic??? I've only seen them in manuals.

Dazed and confused.


Any help or advice would be much appreciated...Thanx!



**Derrek from the YaY Area**

 

RSX Type S only has a 6 speed manual, and I think the Integra Type R also has only a manual, because it's the type-R. You could get an Integra GS-R in an auto, but then it wouldn't be as powerful.

My gf just got a 2003 RSX Type-S and it's awesome, but it is a 6-spd. I think the Integra Type-R would be awesome too, but it doesn't have cruise control...if that is a concern for you or your gf.

 

RSX non Type-S comes with a speed sequential auto.........

 

get an integra...2000+ i like the way it looks better

 

gsr only come 5 speed. 98+01 integras look all the same. for 20g you can get a gsr which would rock on the base rsx, but the type s would beat the gsr, but the type s would also cost more than 20gs.

 

my dealer has an rsx-s with 5100 miles for 18000 its an 02, so you can get the rsx type s for cheap.

 

Ok in terms of performance the Integra Type R kills everything else..you say but the type-s has 200hp? It's also a lot heavier..
Remember the Type-R was MADE for performance..it came without a/c..altho most ppl had the dealer install it. The Type-R also has the best stock suspension of any car south of 30 grand. A LSD also helps a lot on launches..
None of the cars u mentoined come w/ auto transmissions.
the RSX w/ a 6 speed manual and the two integras w/ 5 speed manuals.
g/l finding a type-r or a rsx under 20k though.. type-rs are VERY rare..but if u find one, pick it up!!!

 

Damn....both manuals huh? That poses a problem considering my gf doesn't know how to drive manual. And I was so looking forward to driving an Integra Type-R or RSX Type-S.

Oh well. I guess we'll have to resort to the base models Integra and RSX. Which one do you guys think is the best buy and better performance wise? Once again any advice or help would be much appreciated.



**Derrek From the YaY Area**

 

I agree!

 

Um, sorry to say, but both cars are dogs with an automatic. I'd probably give the nod to the Integra after doing some mods speedwise, but the RSX has the s/s auto like a TL-S (though you do get control of 1st gear!) and I personally think the RSX handles a bit better (even in base form) and has more room. You should even be able to get a new RSX Auto for around $21k...

 

r10apple:


Is that $21,000 after taxes??? Cuz I probably can't afford a new RSX if that price you gave me is excluding taxes. I'm currently in college and college is expensive.

Anyways, I've got a new question now guys....please help me out.
Since both of these cars in base models have relatively low horsepower, and considering that I want more.....
please tell me which car is best for modding and will reflect the best gains.

Also, how are the transmissions on these cars? Any problems? Do you think it would be handle a bunch of modifications such as headers, intake, and exhaust???

I'm planning on having them be all COMPTECH mods, since they don't void the warranty.



**Derrek From the YaY Area**

 

If these cars are going to be at your spending limit as-is, where will you ge the money to do the mods?

If you have the mod-money, why not get a 99 TL?

 

Considering it has to be auto, you are stuck with a late model Integra GS or RSX base (with or without leather). The Integra has 140 bhp, the RSX, 160 bhp. With the heavier weight, performance is probably similar. The RSX is new, has a bit more torque, and is generally more polished. The Integra is available as a 4 door (if you want that sort of thing), and has A LOT more aftermarket parts to play with. The decision comes down to cost:

2003 RSX: Base (no leather): $20,000
2003 RSX: Base (with Leather): $21,000
2000 Integra GS: $11-$13,000

Pretty easy decision really, considering your cost constraint.

 

Honestly, if you're going to go for auto, don't bother with performance mods much. They're both simply slow as heck. If you are gonna spend money on mods anyways, then get a used TL..there are some going for pretty cheap right now. Just have the tranny checked.

 

I agree. Putting performance mods on either car is kind of pointless, if cost is truly a concern. Of course, the Integra would give you a lot more money to play with, for cheap mods and stuff.

 

Helping your gf with a car purchase! ....wow ...unheard of! Get the Integra and save money for the engagement ring which is probably more important to her.

 

Get a 99 with Navi for under 20 and Mod like crazy

Both you and your girl friend will be happy and the extra 2 doors will come in handy when she is expecting

 

2003 TL-S has answered your price question: It's before taxes...
Headers, intak and exhaust of any sort on either car in the auto trim isn't going to do a lot for the performance. Yeah you'll get some, but not enough to tackle a lot of other cars. The cars still would handle like mad, but that is about it...
Honestly, I'd teach her to drive a stick or come up with some extra coin and try to find a used WRX with an auto...

 

Since you live in CA I wouldnt even bother with the Type R. That car is awesome but trust me it also attracts the wrong crowd. In the other forum, every week I hear a Type R being stolen left and right. Insurance on the R is also high due to the fact that is a "High risk car" Settle for the RSX if all else fails but Im not sure if the RSX-S comes in Auto.

Good luck.

 

Thanks a lot guys...I really appreciate all your advice and feedback. I guess we'll probably just get a used 2002 RSX since she likes the look better than the Integra.

Do you guys have any idea around how much I should be paying for a 2002 RSX base with leather between 15,000-20,000 miles on it?

I really don't wanna get ripped off.



**Derrek From the YaY Area**

 

My ex had a 2002 RSX with leather and auto. We paid $21,600 for it. We sold it with 9k miles on it for $17,500 about a year after we bought it before we got divorced...
I'd say around there is pretty fair...

 

r10apple:


Thanks a lot for your feedback. I'll definitely keeps those numbers in my head when I'm car buying. And sorry to hear about the divorce....