Need your opinions - Buying my first Integra

[string]

If the lowering springs weren't installed correctly then your 120,000km old bushings are probably destroyed. No mention of aftermarket shocks... the originals are probably dying from the lowering.

P-plater... Need I go on?

The engine is the last thing you need to worry about in a Honda.

[act_gooner]

Pretty sure that last one you posted is/was owned by someone on this site. Only thing I don't like about it is the color.
I think you should definately go for the vti-r. Not that the GSi is a bad car, its great, but the lack of v-tec will still be enough to turn you into a Honda fanboy but wish you had the v-tec. Speaking from experience.

[LostyJai]

OK... so when I go check the Integra, what should I be looking for?

My friend usually Integras have leaks, blown suspensions and the boot doesn't stay open?

Any recommended mechanics I can take it to for a thorough checkup so I know I'm not buying a dud...

[LostyJai]

I went to check out an Integra today in person. It drives fine, didn't appear to be any leaks and the engine looked surprisingly new?

We opened the bonnet and on side it looked like the screws have been tampered/changed, and it looked liked something along the edge was taken out (not sure what).

So I ran a REVS check and it turned out to be a repairable write-off... do you guys reckon I should pursue to get it checked by a mechanic or don't even bother?

[Mikecivic78]

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So I ran a REVS check and it turned out to be a repairable write-off... do you guys reckon I should pursue to get it checked by a mechanic or don't even bother?

Repairable write off could be good if it was repaired well, but there is always a stigma attached to such cars. It'll be more difficult to sell later. Make sure you buy it for less than book value.

[LostyJai]

Repairable write off could be good if it was repaired well, but there is always a stigma attached to such cars. It'll be more difficult to sell later. Make sure you buy it for less than book value.

Well it's a 98 (says "97 DC2" on make date?), 160,000kms... going for about $6.5k-$7k

[Indie]

I went to check out an Integra today in person. It drives fine, didn't appear to be any leaks and the engine looked surprisingly new?

We opened the bonnet and on side it looked like the screws have been tampered/changed, and it looked liked something along the edge was taken out (not sure what).

So I ran a REVS check and it turned out to be a repairable write-off... do you guys reckon I should pursue to get it checked by a mechanic or don't even bother?

Insurance takes a hit, as does resale. You'll probably lose any savings you might make here on those two factors, in the long run. Plus, that's a lot of damage that's happened to the car. If it wasn't repaired well, it could cause issues, and you can't really be sure that it was.

I had a similar situation with a really clean-looking S13 Silvia. Looked great, black, SR20DE automatic. Turned out to be a RWO. The guy had let slip that his uncle was a wrecker, and it became clear that this guy was taking wrecks, fixing them up, and flogging them off. Months later, the car was still sitting on Carsales, and he kept dropping the price, desperate to sell it. Nobody wanted the thing. After that, I ran the rego through Vicroads for every car I was considering, before I went to look at it.

Basically, they're a no-go in my opinion, but some may disagree.

[Mikecivic78]

Good point Indie.

I would say stay away. There are many other fish in the sea. Why buy a blemished one?

[LostyJai]

Thanks for te advice guys, I will continue looking.

[Indie]

Good point Indie.

I would say stay away. There are many other fish in the sea. Why buy a blemished one?

Heh, I know hardly anything about most aspects of these cars, but I reckon I've learnt more than I would've liked to about the used car market, haha.

This is very true. No need to buy one with any kind of history, unless it's a service history!

Hand tight, mate. Don't rush into a purchase unless it's a good enough car for you. The right thing will show up.