SeCsTaC

Hey guys, so I'm currently looking for another car because I'm going to sell the one I have to my dad. Well my budget is around ~3500 and it seems the Acura Integra fits my needs perfectly from what I've read. My criteria for a new car is below

1. Reliable
2. Fun to drive.
3. Good on gas.

The Integras that I've found are NOT the GS-Rs which come with the 170hp VTEC engine. The ones that I've found are the normal LS/GS that have the 140hp non VTEC.

What do you guys think of them? Anyone have any experience with one? Anything to look out for?

Lastly, the prices that these people are asking for their Integra's are very high compared to KBB.com. Is it expected or should I try to get KBB for it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated guys.

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

I had a '94 Integra for about 7 years. I put 90k miles on it. I missed it when I got my TL but that lasted for about a day lol. Mine didn't exactly have the best gas mileage, in fact I'm pretty sure my TL has better. Also the paint on mine got bleached from the sun (red car) so the hood started turning pink lol. Other than that ya it is a good car.

supraken

iTrader: (1)

The problem with Integra's is that it's hard to find one in good condition, never modded, with a clean title and get a good price on it. They're pretty good cars, but I think for the age, people are selling them for too much. I had one briefly a couple of years ago, and I was lucky enough to find a '95 with 95k-ish miles, from a original owner. It was in perfect mechanical and interior condition. Original clutch and still drove like new. Only thing was that it was also in red, and like imj said, the paint was fading, but some rubbing compound took care of most of it.

It was pretty fun to drive (manual), but was a bit noisy and unrefined as expected. Off the line acceleration was not that great but was still fun to drive nevertheless.

Didn't really pay attention to gas mileage, but it was ok. The thing I didn't like about driving on the highway was that at 70mph, you're at around 3.5k rpm. I found that a bit annoying..

Bought it for $2400 and sold it for $3000 a few months later

supraken

iTrader: (1)

Oh, and I'm not sure if it's still true, but as you probably know, they get stolen quite a lot.. Not many common problems as far as I can remember, except for water in trunk (bad seal on taillight, or moonroof drain tube leaking), and ABS light (usually dirty sensors), I had both problems on my car, but it's an easy fix.

For $3500, I guess there are not too many choices for a fun car that's also reliable, since you're most likely looking at cars in the '95-'00 range. If you're mechanically inclined and don't mind fixing things yourself, you can take a look at the v6 B4 A4's.

nyclio

What about a 95-99 Maxima? I just picked one up and went on a long drive with it. Runs like a champ so far - can't even tell it's turned on. 135K on the odo. I paid $1250.

Ken1997TL

Integras are great cars..

The problem as explained above is finding one that hasn't been modded to death. Insurance and theft are huge issues as well.

dallison

x2

we have a 97 with just over 100k. it is noisy, but not as noisy after the valve adjustment, ok gas mileage(but better than a 4runner) and a little pricey.

ours is a virgin and has never been touched, just what we were looking for

Costco

I had a 95 5-speed LS sedan for about 9-10 months. Bought it with 154,xxx miles and I put about 12,000 miles on it. It was pretty fun to drive, got good gas mileage (27 mpg w/ a stuck open thermostat and 29 when I put in a new one). The thermostat is an easy fix, a lot of older Integras I drove had the same problem too. If it takes a long time to warm up then its probably (rather, hopefully) the thermostat. I took it to LA a few times, up to SF a bunch of times. No leaks, or any maintenance besides the basic tune up stuff.

oh and someone broke into mine when I was downtown and stole my radio and stuff from my trunk.... yeah that sucked.

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

Oh man, my post would be long as hell. I'll post tomorrow, I need to finish my papers for class right now.

Here's just a few pics of my 2nd DB8 (1998 GS-R)

https://acurazine.com/forums/album.php?albumid=89

My first DB8 was a '97 GS-R that was totaled in a hit and run. Even at 150K miles the motor was running strong.

Eoanou

My biggest concern for you is that they get stolen a lot. But I would recommend the mid to late 90s Altimas, they come in a M/T trim they're reliable, they are probably as fast as an Integra, but a bit larger as well.

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

it's my main concern too.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

theft

S14 n Tsx

great car, but just too much hassle.

wackura

I had an Integra for eight years. I would definately get an Integra over a larger car such as an altima for the fact that the Integra is smaller and has a more sporty demeanor both in how it looks and how it handles. A 19 year should be driving an Integra. Now is the time for that kind of car. Altimas and Camrys are for 40 y/o's with back problems. I had a brake club to prevent theft and that worked fine. Several attempts were made on it and that was annoying but that's what you get for having a badass car. My insurance covered all the repairs that were needed. I miss that car, it made any bad day much better.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

Exactly. My sister had one for a couple months before she got her Altima. I liked it, she didn't.

I thought it was an extremely solid car for a 4 cylinder. It handled and drove very well. And was pretty peppy. My sister thought she would be OK doing 75 when there was snow around and she spun in off the road. No damage, but we traded it in a week later.

SeCsTaC

That's clean... and sick! How'd you find it and for how much? I'm looking at a 96 LS right now with 100k for 4500 I hope i can get him down to ~3800?

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

I paid a pretty penny for mine. around $9500. Yea it was a rip, but I really wanted the car.

Here's the thread I started when I bought it:

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/went-back-time-383121/

And the thread when I had to buy new wheels :

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/integra-needed-new-tires-so-389998/

Since purchasing it, I've put on new wheels, new shocks/springs, SS brake and clutch lines, new clutch w/type-r flywheel, new radiator, AC system cleaning, got the 105K service and some other repairs. Next up will probably be a Comtpech CAI in a month or two.

If I were you, if you're going to buy an integra, 1) check the motor to see if you see any signs of aftermarket parts being used and later replaced with oem parts. 2) get a compression and leakdown test on the motor!!!! 3) most acura dealers will do a complete used car checkup for you. you'll have to see if the person or dealer you buy it from will allow you to do this, this will potentially expose some issues with the car. I didn't have the chance to do this before I bought the car and had it done after and it exposed a couple minor things on mine.

If you do end up buying the car do these repairs immediately:

1) flush the brakes
2) replace the PCV valve
3) do an oil change.

the pcv valve is a very cheap replacement, if it's clogged, replacing it will only help your motor.

SeCsTaC

Thanks a ton for the info! By any chance do you know how much it would generally cost to have one of these "pre purchase inspections" done?

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

I paid about $80 or $90 at Cerritos Acura for the "used car" inspection. I don't remember the title of the inspection, but they checked everything. The only thing that's not included in it is the leakdown test and the compression test, that's an additional charge.

I've been going to cerritos acura for 11 years now. If you decide to go there, talk to Alfred, Ceasar or Fred. Tell them Anil referred you. I get nothing for referring you, just the hope that you'll get good service.

SeCsTaC

Thanks a lot for the help Sly. It seems finding an unmolested adult driven Integra in stick shift is like finding a diamond in the rough. I've only found 1 so far, and even then it was about 800 above KBB. That person however, is not answering nor returning my call, so I guess i'll just have to scourge craigslist and autotrader daily... in hopes of finding another.

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

It's very hard finding one. Do what I did, enter search criteria in autotrader, and save the search info. It'll email you whenever a new listing is added that matches your search criteria.

When i got mine, bluebook was around $7500 so I paid a premium for mine, had I been aware of the issues with it I probably wouldn't have bought it, but the DB8 I bought was bone stock and the only modification I found was that the air resonator was removed.

SeCsTaC

Shit I forgot, how do I tell if the car has been modded? Would the pre purchase inspection tell me this or no? Other than a bright red/blue intake I don't think I'd be able to tell if the engines been modded.

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

most shops may be able to tell because they'll see if parts like hoses and such are aftermarket or not. at least when I had mine inspected they were able to tell a couple hoses were replaced with non-oem parts.

datnkay

integras are really good cars...i went through several of them...i dunno, somehow i always end up getting one...i had both manual and automatic...i dunno though about autos for some reason the transmission is always kicking but that probably goes for most automatic cars, but if you're talking maual...they last forever and really good on gas...the only thing about driving them is you're always paranoid of getting it stolen even though the car might look like shit but for some reason people just steal them for if not the motor, they want the parts...so yeah, if you decide on getting an integra just make sure it's armed and double strapped, like the steering wheel and clutch...oh and one more thing if your looking at a stick...make sure 3rd gear doesn't grind...these cars take a lot of beating...good luck though

Papa_Sean

Used to love Integras but after years of test driving different cars Ive come to the new realization that I love torque lol

Costco

stright-(paint)balling

my buddy had a Modded GS-R in high school. oh the memories.
we tore the piss out of that car and it would come back for more. overall it's a strong car. I just wish Honda/Acura would bring back the RSX or Integra 2.0.
it was just a fun little high schooler's car.

wickedk24

Damn I wish I still had my 4 Door 99 GSR. That thing was fast and great on gas. Too bad it was stolen in front of my house. Sucks that people are still trying to sell them for more than what they are worth. But great cars to have

wickedk24

Acura Integra picture thread

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread/2241968

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

They sell for more than they are worth because the demand for them is high and they are really good cars.