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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    So, just got back from looking at and driving that Integra GS. The condition is stunning. The current owner bought it about 5 months ago from the original owner, who was 86. The intention was to have the Integra for his daughter, but she just couldn't get used to the stick, so now he's looking to unload it.

    Not being a GS-R, yes, it's not gonna provide too much in the thrill department, but if you're going for more of a "time capsule" concept, this Integra is in incredible shape. The seller claimed the interior to be "showroom new" which was surprisingly accurate. The fabric with the blue accents are a great throwback. It drives as well as it looks. Certainly doesn't have the redline of the GS-R or Prelude, but it's still a sweet revving Honda 4 cylinder.

    If it were a GS-R in that condition, I would have bought it on the spot for the asking price, but of course, someone else probably would have already. For a GS in this condition, I'd be interested around $5k, but he claims to have had offers as high as $6,800 that he turned down. He said he'd take $7,000 for it.

    Just to have that era of Honda styling and aesthetic in such amazing condition, I'm tempted. But not so much at his price.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    @stickguy - I like that Mazda6 wagon. If I remember correctly, you could even get the V6 in the wagon with a manual.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    If that was a GS-R, in that condition and with that mileage, it would be a literal steal at the asking price.
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    V6 yes, but not positive with a stick in the wagon. Definitely in the sedan.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    breld said:

    So, just got back from looking at and driving that Integra GS. The condition is stunning. The current owner bought it about 5 months ago from the original owner, who was 86. The intention was to have the Integra for his daughter, but she just couldn't get used to the stick, so now he's looking to unload it.

    Not being a GS-R, yes, it's not gonna provide too much in the thrill department, but if you're going for more of a "time capsule" concept, this Integra is in incredible shape. The seller claimed the interior to be "showroom new" which was surprisingly accurate. The fabric with the blue accents are a great throwback. It drives as well as it looks. Certainly doesn't have the redline of the GS-R or Prelude, but it's still a sweet revving Honda 4 cylinder.

    If it were a GS-R in that condition, I would have bought it on the spot for the asking price, but of course, someone else probably would have already. For a GS in this condition, I'd be interested around $5k, but he claims to have had offers as high as $6,800 that he turned down. He said he'd take $7,000 for it.

    Just to have that era of Honda styling and aesthetic in such amazing condition, I'm tempted. But not so much at his price.

    A GS is still a great little car. In everyday driving, you'd be hard pressed to miss the extra 30 high end ponies that you get with a GSR. I agree, that for $5K - $5,500 that would be an excellent buy. Good condition cars are getting HARDER and HARDER to come by.

    Anybody willing to take a road trip to Austin, TX? https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=489442944&zip=06902&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=06902&startYear=1994&numRecords=50&sortBy=relevance&incremental=all&firstRecord=0&endYear=2001&modelCodeList=INTEG&makeCodeList=ACURA&searchRadius=0&startYear=1994&numRecords=50&firstRecord=0&endYear=2001&modelCodeList=INTEG&makeCodeList=ACURA&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=ACURA&modelCode1=INTEG

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    If you can handle the faded paint and the seats that look like they need some reconditioning, not a bad buy. Those don't look like GS-R wheels though, fairly certain '97's still had the 5 spoke wheels before moving to a blade style from 98-01.
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    I was about to say the same thing on those wheels.  But yes, could be a decent buy.  

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    By the way, I’m going to look at one more Honda today.  Flamesuit on for when I reveal what it is.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,994
    Type R? B)

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  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    breld said:

    By the way, I’m going to look at one more Honda today.  Flamesuit on for when I reveal what it is.

    Del Sol

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    I know there is the nostalgia for a lot of us with the Prelude/Integra, but with (asking) prices rising on those perfect(ish), low(er) mileage cars, it makes sense to go and check out a (brand new) Civic Si Coupe. You'll be spending close to $10K to drive the car for 36 months/36k MILES. Say you are prepared to drop $7K - $7.5K for an "ideal, perfect" Prelude/Integra out there. In 3 years it is going to need SOMETHING. Say $1,500 in maintenance & repairs. Now you are at $8,500 - $9,000. A new Si just needs gas and a couple of oil changes.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,793
    nyccarguy said:

    breld said:

    By the way, I’m going to look at one more Honda today.  Flamesuit on for when I reveal what it is.

    Del Sol
    Beat me to it.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    edited August 2018
    Back when I was working my assistant had a red Del Sol for a while. I thought it suited her (very attractive and stylish blonde lady who liked attention) but she only had it a short time, hated it. Too hard to get in and out of, too low in traffic, made her feel unsafe, she said.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    henryn said:

    Didn't @xwesx travel from Alaska to Ohio to pickup a VW TDI, back when we were all jumping on those as a get rich quick scheme?

    :D

    I have done four such trips, and will do a fifth in about a month.

    The first such run like this was buying our 2010 Forester out of Seattle back in September 2009. Following that, I bought the 2013 Passat TDI from western Ohio (although, my wife is from the Erie area, so we do visit there somewhat regularly) in August 2016. Then, shortly after in March 2017, I picked up the 2014 Audi Q7 TDI in Houston, TX; that's still my longest such trip to date.

    A few days before the Q7 trip, an inattentive driver destroyed the 2010 Forester, so I ended up finding a replacement 2013 Forester in Moline, IL, which my son and I took home in June of 2017.

    Good stuff, those trips!

    This upcoming trip is, blessedly, not for me. A good friend bought a Nissan NV3500 passenger van for his large family, and we will be picking that up in Salt Lake City, UT, toward the end of September (we hope!).

    So, if you want someone to talk you out of some crazy road trip to bring a car home, don't look at me! I'll probably go with you! :p
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    I suppose I sort of did another take-a-new-car-home run before the 2009 trip, when we bought a 2008 Outback two years prior to that. I took a truck down to Oregon for my mother, so we ended up swinging by the dealer on the way through Seattle to grab it, swapped over to the car in Salem, then toured around to visit family for a bit before heading home.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,367
    nyccarguy said:

    Anybody willing to take a chance on Frankenstein:

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-bmw-330i-3/

    Aside from classic hot rods, I have never been a fan of engine swaps between different brands.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    I was gonna guess an Element.

    Del sol, I would get one if they have a sport model. Actually an older dude (mid 60s I would guess) who lives near me drives around in a ratty red del sol. Odd sight

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    pensfan83 said:
    It is on Staten Island. Home of lots of shady characters. I just had a catalytic converter put in my Prelude (along with a new flex pipe & new pipe that runs from the cat to the muffler). It isn't expensive AT ALL.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    I saw a White G37X the other day with the wheels from this Maxima on it. Pretty sharp. Definitely modernizes the look of the car. Plus the 18s fill out the wheel wells a little bit more than the stock 17s. Food for though.


    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    I love the way these wheels look on the car:


    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    breld said:
    Why? Both ends. You already did it, and why is he selling ?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    Yes, original color and only available in 2000 and 2001 I believe. Same one that was on the 99 and 00 Civic Si's. I sent an email inquiring, figure it can't hurt.

    Regarding the new vs. used route if spend $7K on a car there's no car payment outside of the initial cost of entry. Yes there's always the chance I'll be spending upwards of $1,000 in maintenance right out of the chute, in fact I expect to, but if that's the only non-routine maintenance I need to do for close to 4 years or even 5 then it's not as close as it appears. Of course there's always the chance it turns into a money pit, however with the way these cars are coveted I think there will always be a buyer if one had to jettison the vehicle in short order.
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,938
    nyccarguy said:

    I think @breld mentioned something about one side of the rear bumper cover being mis-aligned. I swear this is of ALL 5th generation Preludes. Hit or not (mine has been replaced).

    Was your Prelude assembled in Japan or Ohio? Both of our Civic's were Japan built, and both provided no fuss or muss. The VW Alltrack has been very Honda Civic like in that regard.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,938
    breld said:

    So, just got back from looking at and driving that Integra GS. The condition is stunning. The current owner bought it about 5 months ago from the original owner, who was 86. The intention was to have the Integra for his daughter, but she just couldn't get used to the stick, so now he's looking to unload it.

    Not being a GS-R, yes, it's not gonna provide too much in the thrill department, but if you're going for more of a "time capsule" concept, this Integra is in incredible shape. The seller claimed the interior to be "showroom new" which was surprisingly accurate. The fabric with the blue accents are a great throwback. It drives as well as it looks. Certainly doesn't have the redline of the GS-R or Prelude, but it's still a sweet revving Honda 4 cylinder.

    If it were a GS-R in that condition, I would have bought it on the spot for the asking price, but of course, someone else probably would have already. For a GS in this condition, I'd be interested around $5k, but he claims to have had offers as high as $6,800 that he turned down. He said he'd take $7,000 for it.

    Just to have that era of Honda styling and aesthetic in such amazing condition, I'm tempted. But not so much at his price.

    If he'd take $7K sounds sort of silly they'd of turned down a previous and assuming earlier offer of $6,800.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    andres3 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    I think @breld mentioned something about one side of the rear bumper cover being mis-aligned. I swear this is of ALL 5th generation Preludes. Hit or not (mine has been replaced).

    Was your Prelude assembled in Japan or Ohio? Both of our Civic's were Japan built, and both provided no fuss or muss. The VW Alltrack has been very Honda Civic like in that regard.
    All Preludes were built in Japan. I had a 2010 TSX assembled in Japan and am now on my 2nd American made Honda Pilot. The Pilots are both screwed together extremely well.

    Did you get your Alltrack fixed yet?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,994
    breld said:
    Hey... that was my guess!

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    YMMV, but. I Think those wheels are too frilly for that car.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,994
    stickguy said:

    YMMV, but. I Think those wheels are too frilly for that car.

    Those are the stock 18" wheels for the S(port) model. Same ones that were on my wife's G37XS

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  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,793
    breld said:
    Well, I didn't see that one coming...

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,994
    I guess I should call my insurance agent, to check on Golf R rates.. :D

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  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    kyfdx said:

    breld said:
    Hey... that was my guess!
    I think you were so quick with your guess that I missed it - well done, you're getting to know me too well, I suppose!

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    breld said:
    You have GOT to be joking (although I know you are dead serious)

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    @breld I...I...what?
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    So...the story on this Type R is much like my own. I chatted with the owner for quite a while. He's 60 years old and, among other things, has owned many Honda products, including a couple Integra Type Rs and S2000s. He was able to get the Civic Type R last December and has put about 398 miles on it in that timeframe. So, it doesn't seem to make much sense for him to maintain the vehicle he never drives.

    For me...I don't think I've shared too much here, but I do miss the Type R and, interestingly enough, having the Golf R actually accentuates by contrast how much I enjoyed the Type R. While the Golf R is incredible in its own right, and I do appreciate its relative stealthy character, I prefer the driving character of the Type R.

    But, any of those "compromises" are made up for with the fact that my wife enjoys the Golf R, so it's a true shared car, whereas the Type R would not be.

    Having said all that, I made an informal offer of $35,000 for the ever so slightly used Type R, the owner respectfully said his bottom line was $36,000, and we left it at that.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    kyfdx said:

    I guess I should call my insurance agent, to check on Golf R rates.. :D

    Wouldn't hurt. :)

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    andres3 said:

    breld said:

    So, just got back from looking at and driving that Integra GS. The condition is stunning. The current owner bought it about 5 months ago from the original owner, who was 86. The intention was to have the Integra for his daughter, but she just couldn't get used to the stick, so now he's looking to unload it.

    Not being a GS-R, yes, it's not gonna provide too much in the thrill department, but if you're going for more of a "time capsule" concept, this Integra is in incredible shape. The seller claimed the interior to be "showroom new" which was surprisingly accurate. The fabric with the blue accents are a great throwback. It drives as well as it looks. Certainly doesn't have the redline of the GS-R or Prelude, but it's still a sweet revving Honda 4 cylinder.

    If it were a GS-R in that condition, I would have bought it on the spot for the asking price, but of course, someone else probably would have already. For a GS in this condition, I'd be interested around $5k, but he claims to have had offers as high as $6,800 that he turned down. He said he'd take $7,000 for it.

    Just to have that era of Honda styling and aesthetic in such amazing condition, I'm tempted. But not so much at his price.

    If he'd take $7K sounds sort of silly they'd of turned down a previous and assuming earlier offer of $6,800.
    Exactly what I thought.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    I still don’t understand about the Civic. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,330
    I still don’t understand about the Civic. 
    Please refer to the title of this thread.  :p 

    Also, it’s not unprecedented for him to buy the same (or almost the same) car
    multiple times. 
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,793

    I still don’t understand about the Civic. 

    What, you aren't planning your second Stelvio yet?

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,793
    But seriously, I could maybe see it. Sometimes we let one go that we later regret. It happens.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    @tifighter hit it home. I miss my GTI and would probably get another. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    The Velcro license plate idea is making more sense by the day.  :p

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • DrivingfoolDrivingfool Member Posts: 227
    Sorry folks, this new sign-in, whatever they call it is for the birds. So, I've changed my screen name/e-mail/password and will give it one more shot. If not, guess I'm gonna say goodbye to Edmunds.com. Been here a long time and after that screwed up change many years ago, the one that lost all my history, decided to give things one more shot in here. Well, yesterday or Saturday, all my info was gone again and signing in was impossible. I'm not techy at all and if things get somewhat complicated in anything I log into, I'm usually just gone.
    So, no more "The Sandman" and we'll try "Drivingfool" and see how things go. And if I'm still having issues, I'm gone. Definitely hurts to do that as this is my favorite website, bar none, but if it ain't gonna be easy to use, I'm outta here for good. So, let's see what happens going forward. Maybe it is a good time to change everything going forward, who the hell knows. But I'm not to optimistic here as this site should be easy like it used to be. Anything complicated on my computer, I just click off and move on to something else.
    So, let's see where this leads!!

    I am, The Drivingfool
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    what, user name "Sandyfool" was taken?

    I keed, I keed.

    at least you are back. Your old identity still exists deep in the Edmunds servers. Someday you might find it again. If not, Drivingfool it is!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    qbrozen said:
    Breld wins the award for most expensive way to test drive cars. 
    Oh I’ve had my share of some choices that came with some high monthly depreciation.  The Type R was not one of them.  

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

This discussion has been closed.