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Acura Integra
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Comments
I am looking into buying a 89 Integra LS for about $3750. The only thing that is wrong with this car is the fuel gauge - it is non-functional. Does anyone know how much it would cost to fix it? Is there any problems with the 89 Integras I should be aware of? This car has 133K miles on it. Thank you for your help.
Dave
Check for oil leaks at the valve covers, cam seals, crankshaft seals and head gasket (the last one costs over $500 to fix, a look at the shop manual will make it clear why). According to my Honda/Acura mechanic, the first two leaks are pretty common on the first generation Integras, mine happens to have the head leak, so my driveway looks like hell.
Rear brake pads wear out faster than you might think, but if you replace them before they score the rotors, it's very cheap.
carlady/host
Thanks for the advice! I ended up not getting the Integra. The gear box felt overly loose during the second test drive, and I had trouble telling if the gears were engaged at times. I am now looking into newer models of Integras.
Dave
Hmmm, I've got a hard time buying that one. I would think the Integra GSR sedan could give the Ford a run for its money. I've got a '97 GSR coupe and if the sedan handles anything near the coupe, Edmunds might want to reconsider.
So how about a comparo between the Contour SVT and the Integra GSR? They're very close in price and Edmunds seemed to be very keen about the power of the Ford. And here's a reminder, the GSR has better 0-60 times (this from a puny 1.8 liter four, vs a V6 in the Ford), shorter braking distance, and a better road handling index (check out each car's numbers at Edmund's) than the Ford.
I would love to see this comparo and perhaps Edmunds might want to reconsider what is the "best handling front wheel drive sedan."
Comments anyone?
carlady/host
It may be worth checking into however, no Ford will ever be the Integra for reliability. If the handling on an Integra Sedan is decimal points less than that of a Contour SVT...I'll take the Acura any day of the week.
Anyways, I have the 1998 GS-R Coupe/Hatchback and love it.
Please, be sure to keep us posted on your encounter with the Integra, realbuyer!
carlady/host
Play a little hard to get for the Type R. That's my advice.
Bruce. Who REALLY wants a Type R too!!
After viewing and test-driving the LS, we started the initial negotiations. Tucked away in a corner of the lot was a white LS Special Edition from a prior allotment, pushing the magic 60-day mark. We "allowed" the dealer to persuade him to see if the numbers would work on this car compared to an LS and made the deal at the same price as the regular edition, getting the special wheels, sun-roof, and spoiler. Dealer made a decent profit, buyer saved around 2K.
Sticker (MSRP, I presume) + 5K for the current Type R? He got stuck, but, if he was willing to pay that, more power to the dealer! A willing buyer and a willing seller = a meeting of the minds.
carlady/host
For those of you willing to spend the extra dough, it is worth it. The thing is a beast on the highway. I drove both his R and the new gsr and found them both a thrill. The type R is not nearly as loud (cruising) as all the articles say it is. My civic si is a lot louder on the highway. It is however loud once it hits 6000 rpm, whoa!! it sounds cool though.
and squeaks from the hatch area of a second
generation Integra (90-93). I had the dealer
tighten things and checked around (including
the spare tire area) myself and the noise
persists. Mine is a 90 and it developed this
problem about two years ago.
I do have after market Alpine CD player that can
overpower the noise but any other suggestions?
Other than the noise, the car has great engine
and transmission (5 speed). I read on earlier
posts about break pads not lasting long enough
(on third generation models) but I have been very satisfied with their life on my model. Front pad every 80K miles and rear every 60K miles. I do a little more highway driving than city and also I am pretty gentle with them.
Would appreciate some input.
He did have to pay $800 for ac, and $100 for floor mats. The total was right at 26k taxes and tags included. You dont have to worry about reliability from an acura. He got 417 miles on his first tank, although he did take it easy. His second tank he got 370 because he used the upper band quite a bit. Is it worth it? Well that day i drove the hell out of a gsr and it was nice. The handling is not like the type r. For a little money on a grs you could handle just as good. The speed difference is somewhat noticeable, but the sound is a big factor. The typr r in the upper band sounds sooo good, but the gsr sounds ok. If you dont mind not having a moonroof and leather then the type r is good, but if you cant live without it then get the gsr and put $1500 into an intake, header, and exhaust - and maybe get close to the type r performance. It is a sweet ride though. Drive a gsr and pretend its quicker (especially on the highway),and it handles better.
The only negative aspect, for me that is, is that it revs high in 5th gear (ex. 80mph=4300rpm). If you don't mind, cool. Thats about all I can say, if you have any other concerns, write.
So tell me, fellow Integra owners, will my car make it to the end of the month? (3 more weeks). Also, how much should I ask for it? No radio, body is in decent shape, upholstery is starting to age...
I was thinking $1995?
PJC
carlady/host
I have a 1990 GS that squeaks and rattles a fair amount. My Sony / Alpine sound system, too, overpowers the noise but rules out conversation when it does. Check the plastic screws on the inside of the hatch back -- if they're loose or stripped you'll get more noise. There's a good chance that if you overtighten them, they'll strip, so be careful. If you cannot tighten them enough without stripping them, add a thin shim to take up extra space - this worked nicely for me.
On another note, my car goes through HUGE amounts of oil -- needs a ring job badly -- and I'm thinking of moving on to something else. I bought my car used (63K miles in April '97 for $6,600) and loved it until the compression and other engine problems started. Now I'm a bit bummed about the whole thing. If you're looking at used Integra's of this age, have a trusted mechanic check it over thoroughly (consider paying for a compression test) before buying. Good luck!
Thanks for the suggestion on the rattle
and squeak issue. I will give it a try,
and yes, I will be careful not to strip
the screws.
Excuse me.
David said "... the car was a squeeze ..." and
"...Thank goodness I'm not any taller or I would be unable to ride in or drive this car."
I say "I'm 6'2" and I weigh over 225. I owned a smoky 94RS (plenty of headroom no shoehorn required) that was totaled last October. I replaced it with a gleaming white 95LS (It also has a sunroof/moonroof. I have headroom to spare and I don't need David's shoehorn.) I can't disagree with David's assessment more."
One final note: Both cars were certified used. I've had no trouble at all with either car.
Jim Leavitt
P.S. It's almost too bad I like my LS. I've had 3 offers to buy it for more than bluebook!
carlady/host
vtec plate vanished - no scratch marks - why?
annoying rattle from sunroof cover, both visors, and passenger side "finger cup" door handle - help?
#54 in this townhall. Now get this I'm going to buy a gardeners helper (pickup but you probably figured that smart car owners that you all are). Does that suck or what. The only good thing I can say is one can get them sideways a lot easier than a GSR. Oh well time stands still for no man. At least I still have my bike. That no one will take from me!
So when I am trundling down the road and a GSR or the like comes up fast I will indicate right a give the right of way. Just may sure when you go by dont go by at + 2 mph diff, Haul a**!
Be safe
Dont drink and drive
JD
First, if your car is still under warranty bring it in and have all the little annoying problems fixed.
Hatch light - have you tried replacing the bulb? If so check the fuse and also see if the switch could be stuck (I'm not sure where the switch is located, try the owners manual or call the dealer).
VTEC Plate - a "nice" thief? Call the dealer, they may give you another for free.
Rattles - I know there is a technical bulletin on the sunroof. I had the same problem with the "finger cup" door handle - the dealer had to pull the door apart and found something loose. (it was still under warranty)
good luck!
I'm looking for this info to compare it to the published specs for other cars I'm interested in buying.
Thanks to anyone who can direct me where to find this info.
I myself am quite mechanically inclined, and will probably replace the CV joints and clutch myself. I'm wondering though, with the car torn that far down if there is anything that should be done with the engine. I know you shouldn't fix something that ain't broke, but I'd hate to tear down again in a year or so. The valves sound a little noisy, is that common in this engine.
Also, does anyone know the largest tire that can run on this integra without rubbing the fenders?? The car has not been lowered.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
Buy a GS-R (I have a 95 and love it),drive the hell out of it ,do the oil changes every 5000 and it will treat you well. I nearly had to sell it but now I don't have to yeah! Oh by the way does anyone know how to polish minor scratches out of a windshield your guidance would be appreciated.
Drive Fast but pay attention
I'm thinking of upgrading the shifter knob on a 98 Acura 1.6EL for a 99. In the US that means swapping the Civic's plastic one for the Integra's leather one. My question is: how do you folks find the latter shift knob, I mean is it worth upgrading ($62Cdn) to?
thanks for your comments,
Miro.
I recently owned a 1990 Integra with 119,000 miles on it. I, too, had to replace the clutch. It didn't do the slipping thing like I was expecting, but started grinding and having that metal to metal sound. When my trusted mechanic took it apart, he said it was about to fall apart (in some mechanic lingo). Once the clutch was replaced, it was great. Big difference in handling. I hadn't even realized how much it had changed from when it was new.
I also had to replace the CV joints right about then. I was getting a grinding sound when I turned. Again, once it was fixed it was great.
My mechanic indicated that the transmission was in fine shape and that these manual transmissions generally don't have any problems.
As for valves, mine would occasionally start clicking and would have to be adjusted. I'm sure you could easily do that.
If this is the original clutch and CV joints at 133,000 miles, it's time to replace them. Also, I hope you have made your financee understand the importance of regular maintenace - NOT going 10,000 miles between oil changes!!
I can't think of any engine troubles that I was experiencing. I had to replace the radiator, though.
Hope this is helpful.
Thanks for the advice. Looks like I've got a project ahead of me. Definately going to replace the cv joints and clutch. Might as well do some valve adjusting while I'm at it.
There will be no more 10,000 mile oil changes either.
Thanks again
If you're looking for a 4 door sedan, you might post in the sedan's conference if you haven't already. This is hatchbacks and you might not find the info you're looking for.
Also, I don't know about the others, but Prelude is neither a 4 door nor a sedan. Integra has both - hatchbacks and sedans. Which are you really looking at?
I think it's unlikely to find a Lexus or Infiniti for less than $8K. But I could be wrong...
Hate to say it but the 4 door Integra sedan with an automatic isn't too sporty. As Pam2 suggested I would check out the sedans conference.
hurtn4certn,
I just had the valves adjusted (30,000 mile maint)in my GS-R and it makes a huge difference. The engine is running much smoother and it feels like it has more pull. Definitely worth the investment.
Bill
Anyone know the link to Acura Integra's message board... can't find my link.. had cilents in the address and CMH was the web master.\
Thanks.
Bill
Unfortunately, I'll be selling my car to make room for a new Solara. Any takers?? :-)
-Pete