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Im sorry but anyone who pays 8k for an 11 year old Prelude is not very intelligent; someone who pays 8K for one instead of buying a RSX type S for the same price is an idiot. (Im talking craigslist prices not dealers)
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It was an Integra LS I bought for $3100.
 
I do see a lot of 02-04 RSX-S's for around 8k with reasonable mileage though, which is around the same ballpark I'm seeing 98-01 Preludes (in good condition) go for in my area.
 
 
 

 
Shrugs. That's just how the market is.. and it's probably that way because people are buying them. hehe.

 

[planx]

Be like me, buy a 2000 subaru legacy GT. Just got it 1 month ago and it's an astounding car for the $4850 I paid for it. 164k kms for excellent condition. Just got pads and rotors replaced and I need to fix a leaky headgasket pretty soon. Other than that, I would say not a bad find at all

 

[basketball]

About the integra and prelude: I was told the feel of the clutch in the integra is much better than the rsx, it is very sporty and gives a lot of feedback. That;s not saying the rsx has a bad clutch. I was just told the integra has a better feel. Can anyone give a second thought on this? 
 
I will definately be buying a reliable japanese car as my first car. A leaking head gasket, is seems like an easy fix right? Well they have to take a part some of the motor thus taking lots of labour hours. I would say that job will cost you $1000 at the least. The subaru dealer with quote you $1500. I will not be buying a suabru as my first car, but maybe as my second.

 

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The RSX type S can be has for the same price as a prelude. But the RSX type S would be the first year of its production and have 200k + on it. While a prelude at the same price will have like 100k milage on it. 
 
I am sticking with the integra and prelude as of now. Just don; t know weather to chose a 4-door older model or 2-door newer model. I was also told the prelude is kind of a girls car, I can;t understand that statement. Although I don;t want to be seen as someone driving a girls car.

 

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The RSX type S can be has for the same price as a prelude. But the RSX type S would be the first year of its production and have 200k + on it. While a prelude at the same price will have like 100k milage on it. 
 
I am sticking with the integra and prelude as of now. Just don; t know weather to chose a 4-door older model or 2-door newer model. I was also told the prelude is kind of a girls car, I can;t understand that statement. Although I don;t want to be seen as someone driving a girls car.

 
I guess it really depends on how the market is in your area, but when I was looking for a daily driver, I found a couple 02-04 RSX-s for around $8k with arbout 70-80k miles. You just have to be patient. I've driven a lot of RSX-s as well as a lot of Preludes and Integras, and must say, I personally liked the handling on the Integra the most out of all the cars, but I found the RSX-s to be the smoothest to drive. They all have great gearboxes, but the RSX-s was the most "buttery."
 
I don't really see the Prelude as a girls car, but I've heard the same about RSX being a girl car as well. lol. I wouldn't really worry about what others think of you when buying a car as long as you like it. I can assure you, you wont feel like you're driving a girls car. I've had the displeasure of driving a new beetle... complete with the little flower on the dash, and the flower overlay covers on the taillights... now THAT makes you feel like you're driving a girls car.

 

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That's wrong, They're two different engine
The GSR is a B18 vtec engine and the 03' Civic SI use a K18 K20 i-vtec engine. The displacement is the same but it's a whole different block/engine.
Even if you're talking about the older civic Si, they use a smaller 1.6 B16 vtec engine.
 
I know for sure a GSR and Si can beat an impreza any day. The Sti is a different story though.

lawl yep.  There is no 1.8L K engine.

Also,  the Civic Si had a D16Y8 that made 127HP.  The Civic Type R (JDM only) came with a B16B, which was a destroked B18C5 that made 180HP.  The Civic SiR had a 160HP B16A.  The Integra GSR had a B18C making 180HP.  The only one of these cars that could compete with a WRX (225HP, runs mid 14s) in a drag race would be the JDM only Civic Type R. 

 
Just to clarify a bit, the Civic SI's in the US in 99-00 had a B16A2, which was around 160hp. Personally one of my favorites in the SI line of Civics, but they're overpriced, because people want too much for the ones in good condition, and the more reasonably priced ones have been horribly modified and either look like crap, run like crap, or both.

 

[Awooten82]

The subaru's are a lot of fun to drive but if its hard on the budget it will only get worse as most any performance all wheel drive vehicles expensive to maintain.  Acura's are nice but you are basically paying a premium for Honda parts and paying more monthly on insurance because of the luxury brand for similar if not the same performance.  Any Maxima that is year 2000+ is worth every penny you pay for it provided it was maintained well.  It was a very well engineered vehicle but like you said premium gas, and also expensive on repairs which is always a consideration  with 10+ y/o cars.   Preludes are amazingly fun and reliable,  I would honestly for your first car not even worry about the premium models like the "Si" or "GSX" type vehicles because that makes your monthly insurance way higher and its just your first car.  I'm assuming you are a teenager as this is your first car so you should be looking into insurance costs just as much as the car cost because as a first time driver your monthly rate could be as much as your car payment.  Plus in getting a standard model you will be less likely to get speeding tickets.

 

[basketball]

The subaru's are a lot of fun to drive but if its hard on the budget it will only get worse as most any performance all wheel drive vehicles expensive to maintain.  Acura's are nice but you are basically paying a premium for Honda parts and paying more monthly on insurance because of the luxury brand for similar if not the same performance.  Any Maxima that is year 2000+ is worth every penny you pay for it provided it was maintained well.  It was a very well engineered vehicle but like you said premium gas, and also expensive on repairs which is always a consideration  with 10+ y/o cars.   Preludes are amazingly fun and reliable,  I would honestly for your first car not even worry about the premium models like the "Si" or "GSX" type vehicles because that makes your monthly insurance way higher and its just your first car.  I'm assuming you are a teenager as this is your first car so you should be looking into insurance costs just as much as the car cost because as a first time driver your monthly rate could be as much as your car payment.  Plus in getting a standard model you will be less likely to get speeding tickets.

Hey thanks for your post. I agree with everything you said. Subaru's are nice but the maintenance if something does happen is to expensive. Acura's are very nice though. I think the interior's of the acura are a huge step up from Honda. Just take a new civic compare to a CSX.

I have actually driven in a 2000 Maxima. It is nice indeed. But it takes premium fuel. And if something breaks its just too much.

I was only looking into the higher models of the integra like the GSR and type r because they have the v-tech engine. I don't know if the vtech is any good.

Have you driven a 1999-2001 civic SI? I think those are pretty nice but they get stolen a lot.

Anything else?

 

[planx]

Hey thanks for your post. I agree with everything you said. Subaru's are nice but the maintenance if something does happen is to expensive. Acura's are very nice though. I think the interior's of the acura are a huge step up from Honda. Just take a new civic compare to a CSX.
I have actually driven in a 2000 Maxima. It is nice indeed. But it takes premium fuel. And if something breaks its just too much.
I was only looking into the higher models of the integra like the GSR and type r because they have the v-tech engine. I don't know if the vtech is any good.
Have you driven a 1999-2001 civic SI? I think those are pretty nice but they get stolen a lot.
Anything else?

Hahaha good luck with an ITR. Premium fuel. VTEC is an excuse to go very fast LOL. Once VTEC kicks in, you don't wanna stop trust me. For the 99-00 Civic, it's the civic SIR here and the SI in the states. Speaking of the states, buying a car from there is usually cheaper. And the SIR engine is very high revving as well, not as high as the Type R, but still revs very high. Problem with high output Honda VTEC engines? Good luck finding one that hasn't been abused. Most of them here in Vancouver just feel so tired because people here like to VTEC I guess? That's why I overlooked both the Civic SIR and Integra GSR. Just too modded (poorly) and sketchy, even tho it is Honda reliability. Look at the Acura EL. Not quite sporty, but a nice overall package.

 

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Hahaha good luck with an ITR. Premium fuel. VTEC is an excuse to go very fast LOL. Once VTEC kicks in, you don't wanna stop trust me. For the 99-00 Civic, it's the civic SIR here and the SI in the states. Speaking of the states, buying a car from there is usually cheaper. And the SIR engine is very high revving as well, not as high as the Type R, but still revs very high. Problem with high output Honda VTEC engines? Good luck finding one that hasn't been abused. Most of them here in Vancouver just feel so tired because people here like to VTEC I guess? That's why I overlooked both the Civic SIR and Integra GSR. Just too modded (poorly) and sketchy, even tho it is Honda reliability. Look at the Acura EL. Not quite sporty, but a nice overall package.

In reference to your first point about buying a car in the states is cheaper. Is Correct. Yes. But it is only worth if you are buying a high end german car, or perhaps an exotic. On those you can save north of 10-15 thousand. Take a BMW X5 M, you can buy a one year old one for $70k. The same would cost you $80k in Canada. But where the problem comes is when you want to resell. See most people don;t want to buy a car from the states in Canada, they just don;t feel comfortabel doing so. I hear dealerships don;t particularly buy vehicles from the states either. If they do, for quiet a bit less. So for cars where you think you'll save maybe 1-2k in the long run you won't! 
 
It is possible to find an integra GSR that hasn't been abused, but those go for a lot. I am a serious car enthusiast and one other post suggest to avoid higher models because of the insurance costs. I dont have a problem paying a bit more. For example a integra SE insurance will be $1200 a year and a GSR will be $1350. I dont mind paying  premium. After all the Vtech as you mentioned is for it. 
 
P.S; That's what Radar Detectors are for!

 

[planx]

In reference to your first point about buying a car in the states is cheaper. Is Correct. Yes. But it is only worth if you are buying a high end german car, or perhaps an exotic. On those you can save north of 10-15 thousand. Take a BMW X5 M, you can buy a one year old one for $70k. The same would cost you $80k in Canada. But where the problem comes is when you want to resell. See most people don;t want to buy a car from the states in Canada, they just don;t feel comfortabel doing so. I hear dealerships don;t particularly buy vehicles from the states either. If they do, for quiet a bit less. So for cars where you think you'll save maybe 1-2k in the long run you won't! 

It is possible to find an integra GSR that hasn't been abused, but those go for a lot. I am a serious car enthusiast and one other post suggest to avoid higher models because of the insurance costs. I dont have a problem paying a bit more. For example a integra SE insurance will be $1200 a year and a GSR will be $1350. I dont mind paying  premium. After all the Vtech as you mentioned is for it. 

P.S; That's what Radar Detectors are for!

Livin' life on the edge! Just always drive safely and fuel your need for driving pleasure in a safe environment. Well, not only exotic cars in the states but strangely Subarus go for VERY cheap down there. You can get a 06 legacy GT for 13k and less... Ridiculous! I found Mitsubishis to go for fairly cheap down there and also top model Accords and Civics. Generally speaking it is usuallu cheaper, but half of the time it's pointless to buy it there because it's not worth saving a few $100 or even $1000. I noticed Seattle (I live in Vancouver BC) might be taking advantage of this and raising their used car prices but a few 100kms down, Oregon is significantly cheaper by observation.

BTW, Integras and Civics are jackpots for car thieves. Buddies Integra Type R got broken into 4 times in 1 year LOL... They even stole the Type R # badge. That guy must love Hondas

 

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Yah I actually noticed the Subaru Wrx Sti's are slightly cheaper in the US. But that is due to the popularity of subaru in the US. If you;ve ever been to montana or idaho every 5th car is a legacy wagon, i mean honestly! Since you're in Vancouver and close to washington state it is less of a hassle for you to buy from the US because if you want to re sell you can simply head back to washington to sell. You need to look at the big picture. 
 
My brother had an integra sedan and he never had any theft problems. Perhaps it is your friend that is leaving his valuables exposed? Just a thought. I am well aware that these cars are prone to being broken into. But I would probably install an alarm system, if the one I buy doesn't already have one. And a steering wheel lock. I hope that will be enough. If you plan on speeding though, a radar detector is a wise investment. It will set you back a few hundred bucks for a good one(Escort, Beltronics, Valentine One..etc). It will bring you peace of mind, and drive a little faster

 
P.S: I actually was in Vancouver a week ago. I was there for only one day. And I must say the amount of high end cars and exotics is high! In a matter of a one hour I saw: Ferrari F430 Spider, Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP-570 Supperleggera, numerous BMW M3's and a lot of german sedans.

 

[planx]

Maybe because sedans are less eye catching haha. But Integras are known for their easy break-in-ability. I know this is a fact because I checked out the door panels and window coverings and it is quite easy to slip a wire through the window and unlock the car. Even I could do it! On newer cars like my moms 2007 Camry Hybrid, there are physical anti-theft ridges along the top of the side windows to stop wires (or rods? Idk what theives use) from sliping through and unlocking the car. I found a lot of lower-end and older vehicles to have this lack of protection, but the older Civics and Integras are known for their ease of break-ins. And my friend never left anything inside. Besides, there's no stereo because the first owner took out that entire option LOL. Literally nothing to steal but that Type R production # badge. And yes there are a lot of ballin' Vancouverites here. Heck, someone down the street owns a Maserati Gran Turismo and I'm not from a wealthy area. The craziest car I've seen so far here has to be a Ferrari F40. I literally almost excreted myself seeing how that is my dream car of all time. Nevertheless, Integras are great vehicles if you're willing to pay that extra premium, but it is totally worth it once you get behind the wheel everytime you go somewhere. VTEC!!

 

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Indeed, his integra had terrible body work in terms of paint work, but no rust. Anyhow perhaps that was the reason. I live in a rather big and safe area, not downtown or anything. Theft here isn;t a big issue. Nevertheless I will still install an alarm system and wheel locks. One other thing is tint the windows all the way around 30%(the legal limit). It will keep theifs from peeking inside lol. 
 
Integra isn;t my final choice though, I still am looking into the Prelude because of it's more powerful K22 engine and the fact that it is bigger than the integra and I am pretty tall(6"3). 
 
The Type R's i think are too expensive and aren't very practical as an all year round car in Canada. They remove sound detoning material which makes the car rather loud on the highway. And in the winter heat insulation could be a problem. 

 

[Awooten82]

Yes I have driven Si's B4 cant remeber all of the years, but never owned one personally.  They are a lot quicker and much better engines as far as performance goes. The only reason I would ward you away from them is that it will be more costly for you on repairs and insurance.  if you are trying to keep costs low just go with base models.   Save your money on your first car because it will be less of a money pit and that is basically all that most people first cars are.  trust me the less this car costs you the easier it will be for you to replace it with something you would rather have later.