Acura Integra - (All years/styles)
As this wonderful car has become an integral part
of the Hatchbacks conference (I know, I know but I
couldn't resist!) let's continue here the
conversation we started earlier.
carlady/host
of the Hatchbacks conference (I know, I know but I
couldn't resist!) let's continue here the
conversation we started earlier.
carlady/host
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
I'm not going to sell it, but I want to let my wife know that we'd be better off keeping the car and driving it onto +300,000 miles because it's not worth selling. I'd think I could at least get $3500... any comments.
Edmunds.com's cool new TMV used car appraiser says I could get $5,800 for it!!!! Really?!! Automatic, clean condition, no mechanical problems, spoiler.
1) What are the differences between the standard LS and the Special Edition. I found a feature comparison on Intellichoice, but the only differences were leather seats, custom wheels and different tires (which I'm sure have been replaced) I read somewhere that the Special Edition has suspension tuned like the type R. Any other differences?
2) Do the coupes handle better than the sedans?
3) The technology for ABS and airbags has improved since 1996. How has it change in the Integra?
Thanks for the help!
2.) In theory, the coupe would handle better than a sedan, simply due to the extra body rigidity inherent in having two fewer doors, but they're mechanically identical and you'd be hard pressed to find a difference in real-world driving.
3.) I'm not sure, although if I were to guess, I would imagine 2001 model Integras might have dual force airbags, but that's speculation on my part. I'd go to www.acura.com to find out.
Anyway, the drain tube is located under the hood, probably on the right side of the car. They tend to get mold and sediment built up in them over time, and will cause leaking into the passenger compartment exactly where you describe it. This same thing happened to me with my Accord. The dealer didn't even charge me for the fix.
Now, the suspension is not exactly the same as the LS but it's definitely not Type-R or anything close. The '96 Integra SE is supposed to have the GSR's 24mm front sway bar instead of the LS's 22mm one. Not sure if it has the GSR's front upper strut bar. You can look under the hood for that. Look for a black bar between the two shock towers (also called upper shock tower bar or front upper tie bar). If it's not black (with no writing), it means the owner has installed an aftermarket one and it most likely didn't come with one.
Now I can't confirm the 24mm front sway bar. I was told that by someone who owned a '96 SE. It kind of makes sense because I remember seen a couple of road tests back in '96 of an Integra SE by R&T and C&D, and the roadholding (lateral g's) index and slalom speed were higher than those of an LS. It was almost identical to the GSR's. So I 'd have to make the conclusion that it has the GSR's beefier suspension or close to it or it's "tuned" to the GSR's suspension as you put it, not Type-R's.
The coupes do handle slightly better than the Sedans because they're 100-150lbs lighter (thus faster too)! 100+lbs less means faster steering response & cornering and slightly less body roll.
If you want Type-R handling with the SE let me know. I did it with my GSR. There are many aftermarket companies that make performance springs, shocks, sway bars & tie bars to improve your car's handling.
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
I looked at the ridiculously high-priced CarMax inventory here in Dallas-Fort Worth and found a 1996 LS hatchback, automatic, in green, with 44K for $12,598. Also a 1997 LS hatchback, automatic, in red, with 57K, for $13,998. And also a 1998 LS hatchback, 5-speed, in black, with 20K, for $15,998. New Integras (2000 model) are being advertised for $16,995 in the newspaper.
I also know that BMW 318 hatchbacks are coming down in price. I saw a 1996 5-speed in red for sale not too long ago for $14,500. Ten years from now that will make a great courier car for me because it will be $4,500, more reasonable.
The previously posted info. on the SE model suspension is correct. IE-Bigger roll bar.
Also, in 1999, Acura upgraded all LS and GS model suspensions to GSR specs. The wheel and tires are even the same.
-abba
The front sway bar (anti-roll bar) is still 22mm in the LS/GS, not 24mm as in GSR. Also, the LS/GS still doesn't come with an front upper strut bar as the GSR. Don't know where you 're getting this info, but go to an Acura dealership and look under the hood of an LS & GSR for the upper tie bar.. Everything else is the same, ie: springs, shocks, control arms, 14mm rear sway bar, etc.
There are many other differences between LS/GS & GSR besides the motor and the head, such as different transmission, shifter, larger radiator, intake manifold, ECU... too many to mention.
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
The only expensive maintenance item that I 've had is the timing belt (paid $389+tax at the dealer because they insist on replacing the water pump too, jerks) and you only have to do that every 80-90k mi. I 'm still on the original battery although I have a feeling it will die this winter since the car will be 4 yrs. old in 2 months. Had front brake pads & rotors replaced around 87k mi. Could 've had the rotors resurfaced but decided to go with new ones because they were only $48 ea. (www.hparts.com, dealer wanted $70) Still on the factory rear brakes. Can't complain. Honda parts are not expensive contrary to popular belief. I had a Geo Storm that I paid $90 for ea. disc rotor!
I think the Civics are very reliable. There are guys with 200k+ on their Civics still racing them (autocross racing)! It's not the most comfortable car but it will get you from point A to point B. I drive mine hard and surprised how the shocks are still holding up pretty good, even after I 've had wider aftermarket wheels & tires on. It still corners very well and the ride is almost as it was when I bought it new.
The Golf is a little better constructed which you can tell by each enormous weight for a small car. The average Golf weighs over 2800lbs where your average Civic is around 2350-2400. I 've been reading some scary stuff/troubles on new Golfs which I 've never seen on the Civic forum though. Most Civic owner complain about a rattle that comes from the rear. Mine comes and goes and I doesn't bother me. I have a Hatchback so some rattles are expected. I didn't get any for the first 60k miles though. After that I have one that comes and goes depending on how cold it's out.
Next year I 'll probably be trading in it for another new Civic, maybe a '02. My commute is 160 mi/day and so far knock on wood I haven't got stuck once. You really can't go wrong with a Civic. I think the Golfs are reliable too but sometimes it's hit or miss or once you get all the little problems out of the way in the beginning, they 're ok, BUT the reports and surveys speak for themselves. The Civic always rates higher in reliability than any VWs. Don't get me wrong, the VW is a good car with a solid chassis, more options, slightly better handling, and gives better road feel, but since you emphasized reliability the Civic would be my choice.
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
Anyway, I just joined this forum because I am considering the Integra GS-R. I am also considering the Celica GT-S and Impreza 2.5RS (only because it is AWD and I'm in New England). Just wondering what you guys thought.
Also, does anyone know of a good exhaust that can be put on an Integra without making it sound like a dirt bike and preferably without a huge outlet? If i get the Celica or Integra the first thing I will do (after the stereo) is add an intake and exhaust to improve the torque numbers and I dont want a car that is incredibly loud at low revs.
The AEM Cold Air Intake provides the most gains for the GSR. Anywhere from 11 to 15hp and 7-9ff/lbs of torque at the wheels and only costs about $210. I got 12.4hp and 7.5ft/lbs (dyno'd the same day before and after) at the wheels. That's 15hp advertised at the flywheel. The additional power and acceleration are very noticeable.
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
Excess depreciation would be to your advantage though if you plan to buy that leased car at the end of the lease.
Anonymise: Well in the past 20 mos that I 've been on Edmunds, people have paid between $299-369/mo for leased GSRs - 3yrs/36k mi. Of course $369 is a little steep but $300-330. There was one guy I remember that was paying $370 for a 2yr lease. I saw a paper advertising GSRs in '98 for $289/mo (not sedans). The leases now should be pretty low because I believe there still is a $1500 or $2K factory to dealer incentive on all Integras (check Edmunds Rebates & Incentives section).
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
-term
-down payment
-lease charge factor
-residual (determined by lessor: a bank or manufacturer)
Generally speaking, lessors ALWAYS ding the residual on a car when a new model is about to come out: more so if it's a completely new model and less so if it's just a cosmetic update.
If you are going to lease a car, educate yourself... dealers love to lease cars cause few people understand what's going on in these calculations. A good site is www.leasesource.com
I agree there are many OTHER differences besides supension between the LS and GSR.
However, according to Acura's website, the sway bars are exactly the same. And, as you mentioned, the shocks, spring, bushings, etc. are also the same.
I don't consider an upper tie bar part of the suspension. It's mainly for a stiffer body.
And you may be right, about the wheels, but good luck noticing a .5 lb. difference. More importantly, the tires are still the same.
ABBA (A fellow Honda/Acura fan)
The front upper strut bar plays a role in handling and steering. What about rear upper strut bar (in the trunk)? About 4 mos ago I added a Neuspeed one and it made a noticeable difference. The car turns faster now. Stiffening the chassis, means less body flexing and less forces on the springs & shocks thus better handling and sharper quicker steering. Tie bars absorb additional stress forces that would otherwise go to the suspension. A friend added a cross bar inside the car that goes between each side of the car low over the floor or the rear passenger area and he noticed an improvement in hadling immdediately. The Type-R has a smaller cross bar as well accross the trunk right behind the rear lights..
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
Check out the article and the picture.
Hopefully, the production version will be everything everyone expected.
Looks pretty agressive and if this is a prototype we may not see it here until '03. Definitely looks like it means business.. Not bad. I doubt it will come with the pretty low front fascia and stuff. That may be an optional kit. Looks small and light. Let hope it has all the right stuff.
I hate to say it but it kind of looks like a Celica a little doesn't it?
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
I'm hoping the new Integra will be sold in NA by next fall......PLEASE!!!!!
OR BETTER yet....in SPRING!!!!! (which is highly unlikely).
Guess I'll have to wait. I just hope they keep the weight down.
I have an acura type R 1993 model and this car
has been very good to me. I'm the orginal owner,and the only problem I have had was the ac compressor went out about 1 1/2 years ago. However now the evaporator is leaking. Since this model uses the old ac I can't fix it myself. I was thinking of retro fitting to the new ac. To clean out the old ac and the kit it will cost me about 60 bucks, which also includes a sealant that may just fix my problem. If this does'nt work im out 60 bucks no big deal. But for some garage to replace all the parts would cost me 600 bucks. Anyone think taking a shot at this 60 bucks solution would be good? This car has 95,000 miles its the lowest end car i paid 12k for it in 1993. Ive seen older models with 130k selling for 5500.00 used so I'm loving Acura. Was going to trade it in but all they want to give me is 3000 bucks they can screw off this car rules. Even though I have manual windows and doors. hehe. What do you guys think I can get for this car if I repair the ac. The ones I see in the paper dont stay in their very long and get sold at asking price.
Hmm... I wonder why they only offered $3k for a Type R(s) with manual windows???
Thanks
The reset switch for the maintenance light is slightly to the right of the steering wheel all the way under the dashboard, like about where your right knee is. Feel your way down there and you 'll find it. Keep it depressed for at least 5 seconds (I think, read your manual). Sometimes it doesn't go away until you restart the engine.
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
Thanks
I think that the Integras need a better interior, better tires, and better soundproofing, but I'd put the quality of their cars and their service department up against any in the world.
I did have one question though:
I test drove the 94 Integra today. I am aware they did put a new transmission in the 94-99's, however, the acceleration seemed off on this particular one. It didn't respond too quickly to (normal)pedal pressure. It had really soggy acceleration. I was wondering if this a a normal characteristic of the new tranny, or should I tell the dealer to double check?
Luckily I only had one of those incidents with my Civic but they shut up and charged me nothing after I started yelling at them because they knew I was right and wasn't going to take their crap. With the Acura dealer I feel like I 'm treated like a king. Nice waiting room, free coffee and donuts, and you don't have to say anything to get a loaner. At the Honda dealer I had to scream to get a loaner and they gave me an '89 Civic w/120k mi. while mine is a '97! It rattled and the steering wheel shook on the highway, a very abused car that apparently wasn't maintained at all. All it needed was to have the tires balanced and the rotors cut, or a brake job.. I returned the car the next day and told them it was a nightmare driving that car and I 'd be glad to give it back.. I really hate my Honda dealer and I 'm glad nothing 's really gone wrong with the car after 120k mi.. and I do the tune-ups myself. I only took it to them for the timing belt.. I hope the GSR is just as reliable as the Civic and I think it will be. The Acura dealers are the best dealerships I 've encountered, far better than GM & Chrysler that I used to go to. The good thing is I haven't been inside the Acura dealership in over a year and don't plan to for a year but I do miss their free coffee & donuts, leather couch and the 27" TV :-)
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)