I currently have a 96 Accord LX Auto with 200K miles on it. I plan on giving it to my dad and getting either a 00 Celica GTS (6spd), 99-00 Civic SI, 94-00 GSR, or 95 - 01 Prelude (5spd). What I'm looking for is something that is more sporty than my Accord, reliable, and that has good fuel economy. Interior room is not a big deal for me because I don't have any kids and I drive alone 99% of the time. My price limit is 8,000 dollars.

The only vehicle I'm kind of hesitant on getting is the Civic Si, only because it has the least amount of torque. Any suggestions, or if you have experience with any of these vehicles, I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.

 

Can't really go wrong with any of them. Make sure you get the car well checked out since people don't go easy on sport compacts, and check the insurance rates on them too (Integras get jacked a lot => higher insurance premiums).

 

I would go with the Celica. Lightest of the bunch, best power/weight ratio, and my cousin used to own an auto GT. If you can put up with the theft, Sis and GSRs are fun to drive too. Preludes are the heaviest of the bunch but there are several owners and former owners who are very happy with them, i.e. good handling. Another cousin of mine owns a Prelude auto and they're pretty nice too, nicest interior out of the 4, IMO.

Just a guess but I'd assume the Celica is the cheapest on insurance. Good luck finding one for 8,000 or less though.

 

i personally love the celica gts. my friend had one and it handled really well. i remember seeing the hotchkis (sp?) celica with basic suspension mods pulling >1.0g on the skidpad in some article. however, i remember my friend breaking 3 trannies, but i forgot why. plus, the celica feels more luxurious and not as plasticy as the civic and celica.

i like integras, but i don't know how comfortable i'd feel since i'd have to park outside where it could get stolen. same with civics. but the civic and integra has much more aftermarket support the celica.

i'm not a very big prelude fan so that's at the bottom of my list.

overall, you can't go wrong with any.

 

Prelude.

 

I had a Prelude for 3 years. It was a 97 SH. Great car, handled great, and was fun after I dumped a ton of money in it. It was quick, but she was a heavy beast. The GSR is a great car to work with, quick and nimble not to mention a rock solid engine. Same goes for the Si, great all around car, but the tq is very disappointing. But the Vtec makes up for it. As for the Celica, never been a fan of that body style and power is a tad disappointing. Not sure what your needs are for the car.

One other to think about would be an RSX. Might be hard to find in the 8g range, but would be worth the extra $$. Not to mention the K- series is a hot engine.

Good luck with the selection and let us know how it turns out.

 

i vote Civic Si

 

Love the Prelude!

Pretty ironic that there have been some Prelude owners that have sold their Ludes and bought a TSX.