Advice on 91 Honda Accord VS. 93 Acura Integra

[Majinvegeta]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a cheap car that will last me 1 to 2 years. I have not even gotten my N yet, so I want to get a cheap small car that I can use for driving around and getting used to parking & driving the car for my test. First and foremost, reliability is important, I don't want to have to end up paying extra every couple of months replacing parts. Now I know that obviously every car is different, and it all depends on how the person takes care of it. But out of the two mentioned in the title, can someone tell me which one I should buy?

1991 Honda Accord - $2500 (No rust, just replaced timing belt, 213kms)
1993 Acura Integra - $2500 (Some rust, broken mirror, but has replacement part, 192kms)

I know its limited information, but can someone tell me which one would generally be more reliable? which ones faster?

I am a total nub when it comes to cars, so I don't even know what kind of questions to really ask except the above mentioned.
Any suggestions are appreciated. BTW, I prefer the Honda Accord in terms of looks, but I don't have a clue which one is better in terms of factual information about the engine and what not, so let me know.

[gerbil]

not sure if this would help but .. i would prefer going for the accord for it's long and durability from friends and relatives. Only if the Accord is better.

that's my 2cent ..

[Flyer]

The Accord is cheaper on insurance and has four doors, which is more pratical. Is the Integra the coupe or sedan?

[Majinvegeta]

not sure if this would help but .. i would prefer going for the accord for it's long and durability from friends and relatives. Only if the Accord is better.

that's my 2cent ..


Thanks,

Yea I prefer the accord as well. Its good to know that you know people who have had no issues with it, thats the kind of vehicle I want, and thats why I went for a Japanese car.

Hopefully someone can give more info as well, maybe technical comparisons or something? since I am a nub, I can't tell jack **** about cars :(.

[Majinvegeta]

The Accord is cheaper on insurance and has four doors, which is more pratical. Is the Integra the coupe or sedan?

Umm...all I know is that the Integra is a 2 door vehicle, so I guess its a coupe? I don't even know that much u see :P.

I have not went to physically inspect the car yet, I will go tomorrow. But the Accord I have seen, and both exterior and interior are in good condition. I just want to know which one is more durable and stuff, engine wise I am clueless so I will have to get a mechanic to check and make sure its good. Thanks for the info on insurance, that is important as well :D.

[Flyer]

I'll upload the service manuals for the 1991 Honda Accord and 1993 Acura Integra in a minute...that should give you all the technical specifications for the car itself and could help in maintenance work...

[Hairball]

I've had a 1991 Accord until I sold it last year, it ran very well, very reliable car. I was mainly frustrated because the air conditioner died, and since they it used a now banned coolant, it couldn't be replaced without spending a lot of money.

If it's been properly maintained, you can probably get a year or two out of it if you get it now. And no rust is amazing, mine was starting to rust on the sides a bit last year, so it must be in pretty decent shape.

But, wow $2500 is a lot, I actually listed mine here last year for $1700, I ended up selling it for $1000 though. Maybe someone got a semi-hot deal ;)

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=319348

[Majinvegeta]

I've had a 1991 Accord until I sold it last year, it ran very well, very reliable car. I was mainly frustrated because the air conditioner died, and since they it used a now banned coolant, it couldn't be replaced without spending a lot of money.

If it's been properly maintained, you can probably get a year or two out of it if you get it now. And no rust is amazing, mine was starting to rust on the sides a bit last year, so it must be in pretty decent shape.

But, wow $2500 is a lot, I actually listed mine here last year for $1700, I ended up selling it for $1000 though. Maybe someone got a semi-hot deal ;)

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=319348

Wow selling for $1000?! holy crap, I looked over buysell and cannot find it these days at that kinda price. Initially I was looking to spend max of $1500, but I couldn't find anything at that price, only junk. Like real oldies at 86 or something or like Nissan Sentra's (which look horrendous).

Maybe the cars have become rare or something? i dunno, but from what I have seen on buysell, going from 1500 > 3000 I have gotten more listings on cars.

[Arcturus]

I own a 92 accord and it works well for me. Just keep in mind at that age nothing is trouble free. I have had it for 2 years and the previous owner took very good care of it. But I still have had to replace quite a few things that cost me a bundle. I needed a new Alternator, Ball joints, and Breaks, + some minor thing. I bought the car for 1500 (from a friend) and probably put another 1500 in it since.

[Flyer]

Okay, I've uploaded the service manuals for the 1991 Honda Accord (http://www.teamgwailo.org/uploads/Accord%201991%20Service%20Manual/) and the 1993 Acura Integra (http://www.teamgwailo.org/uploads/Integra93/). For both cars, if you want more power, you can drop a H22 into the Accord or a turbo or B20 into the Integra. Also, I'd get them to lower the price on the cars.

I know a wee bit more on the Integra, since I had a 1990 one before I blew the engine up >_> If it has a sunroof, check to see if the trunk leaks. Mgith have some speedometer squeeking, especially when it's cold. Also, check to see if the windows sit against the sealing material, since years of slamming the door or pushing it by the window might cause them to go out of alignment.

[Majinvegeta]

Thanks for the information guys.

Price wise, I really don't know what to say. When I looked up on buy sell, most of these Honda accord's year 1990+ are selling around 2800 > 3500! and this guy was willing to drop 300, thats why its 2500. I will try to see if I can get cheaper, but doubt it.

BTW, I am in Vancouver if you guys did not notice...maybe thats why theres price difference?

[plucky duck]

What about the Acura Legend, were they another stepped up version of the Accords back in the days? And I thought I saw some older Integras which were 4 doors.

Whatever you buy though, make sure you've set aside funds for repair and general maintenance down the road. Like the other fella mentioned, you may have to put more money into the car than what you initially paid for it.

[feet_]

those are outrageous prices wow.

the integra will be funner to drive, better looking.

better aftermarket support.

better engine, it more powerful, you ll get the same gas mileage too.

downside, insurance will be more.

more likely to be beat on by ricer kids.

try kijiji to find cars or the vancouver

or the van. car clubs forum classifieds.

[Jin-n-Juice]

I have a 91 Accord. I'm at 274k (got it just over 2 years ago at 249k). Paid ~$90 for insurance 2 years ago for just $1mil liability (no collision/comprehensive). Increased now cuz of my stupidity.

In terms of maintenance, aside from regular oil/filter changes, rust can be a problem... I hate the rust on my passenger side rear quarter panel, but don't feel like putting out the money to fix it.... The rust ate into my exhaust system so I had to get a few pipes fixed (welded back together). Within past 6 months, repairs were just radiator and alternator.

info:
www.cb7tuner.com
www.torontoaccords.com

[Majinvegeta]

I have a 91 Accord. I'm at 274k (got it just over 2 years ago at 249k). Paid ~$90 for insurance 2 years ago for just $1mil liability (no collision/comprehensive). Increased now cuz of my stupidity.

In terms of maintenance, aside from regular oil/filter changes, rust can be a problem... I hate the rust on my passenger side rear quarter panel, but don't feel like putting out the money to fix it.... The rust ate into my exhaust system so I had to get a few pipes fixed (welded back together). Within past 6 months, repairs were just radiator and alternator.

info:
www.cb7tuner.com
www.torontoaccords.com

Kool,

But see I am in Vancouver, rust isn't a big issue here, so I guess I will be ok for the most part hopefully :). Thanks a lot for the info guys, I think Honda Accord is my best bet, as long as it is in good condition.