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Acura Integra - (All years/styles)
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I live in Maine, so I drive to NH for service.They wanted to keep car as my driver's side seat, after 20k cracked.They wanted to replace it.
The Mazda cornered well and was very responsive,but not the same build quality of an Accura.The Mazda's ride was stiff,but more comfortable than my car.
In order to get heated seats you have to buy your RSX S in Canada. The Mazda 2.3 comes with leather and with heated seats, I wonder how M.P.G. you get though.
I don't know,if I was to buy again,I'd get a base RSX 160 H.P. 5 spd.I wish they still made the Integra.
I've had my Mazda 5 for about 2 months now and also own a 90 Integra GS. I purchased my Integra brand new and have proudly owned it ever since.
The Mazda 5 is about the same length as my Integra, narrower then my Integra, yet through enhancements in design and engineering is so much roomier inside. The Mazda 5 really handles like a car, the brakes are strong, the engine is really responsive, overall performance is very good. However, what you gain in performance you lose in mileage. The 5 seems a bit on the thirsty side even though I havent been driving it hard. With that said I would still recommend the Mazda 5 to anyone. The 5 has to be one of the best values out there, you get alot for what you pay.
One thing that alot of people forget to mention about the early 90's Integra's is how good they were on gas. They are cheap to run.
By the way there is one thing in common between your Integra and the Mazda 5, they are both built in Japan.
The engine was incredible! Plenty of torque, and smooth as Cool Whip! Acts like a V6.
Nice dash, and robust structure.
But the shifter was too far forward, and the throws were longer. The looks are chunky, not as slick as my Silver Bullet! Seats were a compromise, built for a wider driver, not as bolstered as mine.
Plenty of slop in the brakes, which some like, but feels far less diect and involved than my Integra. Softer ride, and relaxed control responses say "Camry", not "sporty coupe".
The RSX maybe a better car, but is not a "driver's car" anymore. Fast, but seems more soft than sharp.
DrFill
Between the speedometer and the tachometer, there is a vertical display that indicates which gear the vehicle is in.
The problem: when the gear selector is in the “Park” position and the key is turned to the start position, occasionally, the “S3” flashes on and off every second. Every time this happens, the engine will turn over but will never start
Sometimes, you can successfully start the car a few minutes later, but other times, the car has to sit overnight before cranking.
The problem is not predictable.
When the “P” is lit and the “S3” is not, the engine always starts.
I have a 1991 Integra that I have owned since I bought it new in Nov. 1991. I LOVE THIS LITTLE CAR! Honestly I wasn't in love with it when I bought it but I did my research and felt this was the best car/value at the time for a car in this class. I have never looked back as it is the best vehicle i have ever owned! I have 220,000+ miles on this puppy and it's still ROLLING! I'm trying to plan for the future as far as deciding on what the next car will be but I want to know how others are doing with vehicles this age. Can I expect to ROLL up to 300,000 miles?? The family is beginning to get on my case about my needing a newer, more reliable car but I say MY car has been very reliable all of these years so why fix it if it is not broken? Besides, what on earth would I buy that would serve me as well for the next 15 years: fun to drive, economical, great gas mileage, etc.? I can't imagine what will come close. Any suggestions, comments out there?
1) can't find anywhere on the forum if it uses regular unleaded (87 octane)
2) asking price is $3500, hoping to get it for $3000, is that a "fair" price"
3) what other service items should i get done?
THANKS!
From everyone's experience, what else should I check out to prevent future dying on the road problems?
Thanks
Matt
:mad:
The same thing has happened in the past and it turned out to be an insecure battery cable. This time, however, the battery cables are very tight.
Wondering if this is a sign for a new starter, relay, etc.... Please advice. Also, what's the cost to fix this?
I've a 94 Integra Auto, 80 K miles
My impressions were the exact OPPOSITE of yours, except for one: the new car makes the road feel more remote from the driver than the old one did. This is on purpose, I am sure, on Honda's part. They were trying to "mature" the car, and as a result the driving experience is less raw. This is something which I dislike, just as you do.
But OMG! The "Camry" of sport coupes? Long shifter throws? Wider seats with less bolstering? Softer ride? No way. Driving the new models made the glaring ergonomic flaws and sloppy ride of the '01 very noticeable. In the end it was no contest at all.
In the end, the only question for me was type-S vs base, and the higher fuel economy and availability of cloth seats on the base model steered me that way. At the time, the handling difference between base and 'S' was negligible, and I wasn't one to be in the higher-lift part of the powerband of the 'S' all the time, so I went with the base model.
Integras are very impressive though. They last forever. I still see my old '88 LS running around with its new owner, and it would be well over 250K by now. He commutes to work in it, even at its age, and I am sure it gives him no trouble - never gave me any.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
You may have to wait until it is doing it most of the time before you can get a proper diagnosis, however.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
You're right that I should wait...chances are it'll start perfectly when I go to the shop. Plus, the problem is less frequent now than a few months ago. I'm thinking it's weather related since it's now much warmer here in the NE.
My Integra just failed CA smog test in the NOX(PPM) . The first test failed at 25mph. My mechanic changed the converter on it, told me to drive about half an hour then have the car test again. The number got worse, and the car failed both 15mph and 25 mph tests. Since the new converter should at least improve the test, my mechanic wants to change the converter again. He also mentioned there maybe an issue with the EGP(?), he says this is a known problem with Integra and there is a toolkit issued by Honda to fix just this problem. :sick:
Could you please shed some light on this problem?
My Integra also has a problem that from driving a little while(usually after 30 minutes but can be few minutes), the engine light went on. Is this a known problem? what needs to be done here? :confuse:
Thanks.
Michael
This guy wouldn't be getting my money - take it to a shop that knows how to diagnose smog problems. I have also never heard of a special "Honda toolkit" for '92 Integras to pass smog tests, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Need some advice as you both mentioned steering and road feel.....
I own a 90 Integra and recently bought 06 Civic but am not satisfied with the steering in the new car. I knew there would be an adjustment, but I am totally disconnected to the road in the civic. Dealer service admits overboosting with power steering this year as I had to bring it in because I was convinced it was out of alignment due to its pulling and tracking issues. Says the steering is just so sensitive that it will feel like its pulling with road crown and will feel jittery at highway speeds. Great. Made to feel that way....I am not sure I want to live with this.....I practically need valium after driving the car. LOL.
BTW, I of course test drove, but I thought sensitivity would get better as I got used to it and it hasn't.
I still have my 90 and it's under a 100k. I am so discouraged at this point I may just keep it and sell the Civic outright as it's a hot car and with gas prices they can't keep it on the lots.
Since I am so satified with the steering "feel" and the road feedback I am getting from Acura(and NONE of the new cars have that anymore) can you tell me at what point there was a big steering change with these Integra's/RSX?
I want the connected to the road feel.
Sounds like I won't like the RSX either at least the new ones. What about the 02/03 RSX?
Also is there a big dfference in steering between a 90 and a 2001 Integra?
Any advice from anyone that would point me in the direction of a better car for me is greatly appreciated as I am far away from an Acura dealership and would like to get some tips so I have an idea what to test drive.
Thanks
With the RSX, Honda went for this Integra-all-grown-up feel. While the RSX's limits are higher than the old Integras, there is also less road feel, although compared to the Civic, forget it. For one thing, the RSX still uses hydraulic P/S, while the new Civic uses the crappy electric.
AFAIK there is no difference between the steering on the 02/03 RSX vs the brand new one now. All they changed for '05 was giving the type-S bigger sway bars and rims, and both trims a bit more sound-proofing. If you are just considering the base model, the '06 is virtually identical (except for the visual tweaks) to the 02/03.
Lastly, as you are probably aware, the odds are very good that your '90 with that few miles will go on chugging for quite some years yet, as long as you took good care of it along the way. Maybe just sell the Civic and keep driving it?
The only new car now that has as much road feel as the Integras of old (that doesn't cost an arm and a leg) is the Mini. And you know how hard it is getting your hands on one of those...
Of course, I haven't driven a Miata or a Solstice, both of which probably have very good road feel and handling. If tops-off is your sort of thing, of course...
This is what I do in cars with electric power steering.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Thanks so much - you answered all of my questions perfectly. So glad to find someone who knows what I am talking about, so few understand road feel/steering feedback issues and know the Integra.
I won't get my hopes up too much about the RSX although it may be worth trying. I may be able to find an 01 Integra with low miles as that won't be any radical change at least. I can deal with suspension changes more than steering (I wish I knew this before hand) Ultimately I will have to decide myself but this is very hard if I buy an Acura as I have to drive 2 hours to a dealership and I will be test driving on unfamiliar roads in a metropolitan area and I live in a rural one (lots of curvy roads).
I ruled out a new RSX as I wouldn't be able to utilize a new car warranty due to distance, but an 02 will be out of warranty anyway so it won't matter. The Acura dealer is very high volume and has 3 RSX's under 25K miles. One only has 14K. Also helpful, my next door neighbor is a mechanic and has no problem working on my 90 Integra.
Which brings me to the next thing. My neighbor certainly has never worked on my engine......I bought it 5 years old at 27K and it has 93K miles now. I am not bragging when I say what a good car it's been. 16 years old and has started first time every day. Only broke down once, I belive it was a distributor part. Oil changed regularly and I put timing belt on at 90K. Getting some rust though and you know what a cancer that is.
Do they MAKE cars like this anymore? LOL I am leaning toward keeping it. It truly has more drivability than my new Civic. Of course this is just my opinion, but aside from steering there is the new Drive By Wire technology that holds the throttle after you've released it and the RPM's stay up for a second before releasing with a noticable jerk. This makes stop and go driving a pain and dealer service and Honda say it's "normal"..... My 16 year old car is smoother to drive.
Maybe you can give me an idea of the mechanical reliability of the RSX since you own one.
It has been quite a personal turmoil I have been through to have a beatiful new car in my driveway that I am having so much difficulty driving, so thanks for listening. When I looked for steering help (many on the Edmonds Civic Coupe boards having similar issues with their new Civic's) I was shocked to hear the problems people are having with them already. I won't get too off topic with that but I read serious issues like 3 people with windshields coming off (less than a thousand miles on the car, I double checked the NHTSA website and formal complaints are there) oil leaks, transmissions failures, rattling like an old bus after a thousand miles........I understand these could be isolated problems and most are happy, but come on.....these are NEW cars.
Anything you can tell me about the RSX vs Integra mechancally to watch out for will be much appreciated. Just the highlights. I don't want to be a pain and I am not lazy, I plan on reading a lot of the old threads. I just don't want to go in blind again. What a costly and horrendous mistake I have already made.
They 06 civics are entirely sold out in my area though so I may recoup a good bit of my money. Thank goodness I didn't pay sticker. Being Motor Trends Car of the Year, gas prices are sky high now and with spring fever upon us I am at least in a better position than most.
Thanks again.
Drive by wire doesn't have to be a pain in the neck like that, it is just that some cars do that hanging-onto-the-revs thing to reduce NOx emissions, and I guess from your comments that Civic is one of them! I test drove a Cobalt that did it so much it was almost undriveable. Just FYI, the RSX does NOT do that.
And lest I unintentionally misguide you, I no longer have the RSX. I had it about two years, then got the "fever" as I unvariably do and sold it for something completely different. It never gave me any problems until the end, when the auto-up windows would intermittently jump back down as if they had hit an obstacle, which they had not. That started happening at about 20K miles. But the seatback did develop a kind of rocking motion at about 15K, which required replacement of the entire seat under warranty. I was most surprised. Oh yeah, and a couple of times the electronic HVAC control that directed the air up or out or down stopped changing air directions, but each time shutting off the car reset it and it worked fine afterwards.
Beyond that, it seems that the RSXs are about as solid as most Hondas tend to be, although all the Integras right up to '01 were exceptionally good. Obviously, if the rust gremlin has raised its ugly head at your house, then perhaps you shouldn't go back to relying on the '90 as your sole transport. However, as hot as the new Civics are, I would still think you'd likely take a bit of a bath trading in such a new car - the only exception to that rule in the first year seems to be the Mini Coopers. Well, unless your '06 Civic is an SI? But I think you probably would have mentioned that. :-)
Integra vs RSX? I dunno, the Integras have the usual aging problems with electricals and water leaks from the rain. They won't be any worse than your own car, and don't usually happen until well after the 10-year or 100K-mile mark. I always check CVs on those cars, the boots tend to crack and eventually leak and ruin the joint. But that is a problem with a lot of FWD cars when they get old.
The RSXs are a bit too new still to tell what will be an endemic problem for the whole model run, but I imagine they won't stray far from the old Integras in the things that crop up.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I have an 89' integra Ls ,Manual,186k on car,roughly 40k on rebuilt engine, 2 door...etc.. anyhow , i've replaced the engine,clutch, alternator,battery , and the throttle body .... but Im still having starting problems...if you let it sit for like an hour or more its fine, it just acts like it has a cold start... but if you take it to do errands and u turn it off and leave it off for like...say 15min .. it wont start back up, it just keeps on cranking...but wont actually catch.. I dont really wanna take it to a shop cuz i do all my work myself and im just hoping maybe someone on here might know what its problem is... I've sorta ruled out just about everything except the fuel pump/fuel injector/Fuel relay .... Plz any advice..suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :confuse:
Good luck!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
And what is the cold start problem? I am afraid I missed that one.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
.. btw, if it helps any... we know it has nothing to do with the battery,alternator or the throttle body cuz those have all been replaced.
-Does getting a hatchback instead of a coupe help with insurance costs?
-What is a good year to get a cheap, fast Integra (GS-R or otherwise) that will last a little while?
Thanks
thenut8522: there is no Integra ever made that helps with insurance costs! These are some of the most expensive cars to insure I have ever experienced.
Getting a GS-R (the model with the VTEC) will always cost a premium over the "regular" Integras. There aren't many cheap GS-Rs. Now if you can do without the VTEC, the LS's (or GS's if you really want the leather) can be had fairly cheaply now in the oldest of the last-gen Integras - MY '94-96.
Integras are all decently fast, and have an IMMENSE aftermarket to make them faster for not too much money if that is your thing.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Found the fix on http://www.g2ic.com/
(BTW, I still haven't found a good replacement for this car so I'm driving it till it drops)
Graham
Honestly speaking, unless your car is just in ABSOLUTELY TIP-TOP shape, your money would probably be better spent on a newer car than on a head gasket and possibly head too. You can find a good '94 or '95 (the newer style) with a lot less miles for around $5000.
Some things in the automotive universe are just signs. A head gasket failure on an older car is one - the car is telling you it's getting tired. :sick:
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
:confuse:
Thanks