Well guys, Ive been a browser/lurker for a while now but decided to come out of the dark and say hi (and ask for some help).

Well, as the topic states, I am looking to buy a DA integra. Went to look on one today, but, turns out that it needed a little more work than I thought. The guy wanted a rediculously low price for it but had 180k miles and some body work was in order (cool guy though).

But anyways honda techies. What questions do you ask and what to look for( especially in higher mileage DAs) when buying one of these badboys.

All the help apprecited.

P.S. If any in the MD/PA/B'more area willing to let one go for a nice price( running) you can just kindly reply .

Thanks.

 

Newbie gets no love

 

id say for any high milage car a compression test is need to make sure the motor is heathly make sure no leaks ... make sure no funny things with the car... no grinds etc etc etc. as long as u KNOW wat ur gettin into ur fine ... dont expect the car to be more then it is becuse u will hav a big let down when u learn it wasnt worth it... check every aspect like a fine tooth comb even though its not major now it might be major in the future

 

a compression test is not always permitted by the seller or convienent for you to administer.
I've bought a couple older DA's before. One with 238,000 miles and one with 198,000 miles. Here's a list of things I learn to check for through trial and error:

1. ask the seller/dealer to let you take it on a nice long test drive, highway and local streets. While on this test driver, keep the radio off, the windows down, and no conversation. Put the car through all it's gears using the complete power band, including reverse, make sure there isn't any hesitation in acceleration or in going through the gears. Keep an eye on the idle, make sure it's not too high or bouncy (some fluctuation is common when turning the steering wheel/ pressing brakes/or turning on a/c but it should not be continuous. Keep an eye on the temp gauge as well. Make sure brakes work well without pulsing, and make sure you don't hear any woo woo woo when driving, could be the front wheel bearings.

2. While car is on, pull over and test the electrical and power systems. Turn on the lights/blower a/c, blinkers, radio,press brakes, turn wheel, and honk horn, move windows up and down. You should not see lights flash, or feel the engine stumble at all.

3. do a thourough inspection of the entire car, everywhere your eye can see of any strange rust or bent looking pieces. Check the molding around the doors and windows, check in the moonroof track for rust. Turn the wheels lock to lock, and check the front axles for any leakage.

4. Before turning car back on and after letting it sit for awhile, pull the dip stick and check the oil. It should not be overly thick (sign an oil additive was used to silence the valves or stop bad oil consumption). It should not be black. It should be fluid and brown.

5. Turn the car off and on a few times, checking for hesitation on startup.

6. take the vin and run a carfax.

This is all stuff even a newbie can do, and will help you not get stuck with a lemon. Also know you get what you pay for many times. If all you have is $2000 to spend, like I did when i bought the 1990 teg with 238,000 for $1600, know there are going to be some problems.........just try to keep them to a minimum and make sure they are not too costly by doing the stuff below. Then just enjoy it for what it is.......an old used car........but it's a honda, so that's not bad thing

 

Thanks Dc. Really appreciate the help.

The DA I went to look at today needed a bit more work than I thought. A nice dent under the right rear taillight with rust. Bumper had scratches and a nice matching dent around the same size as previous. rest of body had run of the mill 12+ year old scratches (which was fine). But then on startup, it sounded rough on idle (like a diesel). That alone put me off. Had 180k miles as well. Full lock to lock on both sides made a whistling sound which could be a number of things(cv joints, axels, etc.) but couldnt pin point it. Also needed a nice painting as well as some new seats (seats were done).

The guy was willing to let it go for less than the 500 bucks because they were about to tow it. But, with the work it needed, not something I need to be messing around with on a college budget. . Wasnt inspected either

Thanks again guys.

 

i think you should look at this https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=975970 clean *** DA

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jdm92daintegra &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i think you should look at this https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=975970 clean *** DA</TD></TR></TABLE>

haha, very nice da except for the big wheels
but I think that is slightly out of his budget and on the other coast

if he has around $4k, he should check out this 2nd gen gsr in NJ.....looks really clean:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=978250

but really he should check out http://www.autotrader.com and do a custom search for a 90-95 integra 5 speed within 200 miles of him and $2000. He'll find a few things.
Good luck

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DCcliffjumper2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

http://www.autotrader.com[/url] and do a custom search for a 90-95 integra 5 speed within 200 miles of him and $2000. </TD></TR></TABLE>

90-93

 

Saw that NJ car and was a very clean example. And you dont find too many DA gsrs around either. But alas, out of a college student's budget ATM .

The thing is, wasnt exactly looking to drive too far to pick up a car as I just started school and cant just exactly pick up and go (if this was about 2 weeks ago, I would have been set).

Oh well, will just keep looking. Gives me more time to get more money .

Appreciate the help guys.