I Made a Huge Mistake Buying This Super Clean Acura Integra!

Click to Subscribe! ► goo.gl/x9qFdW
I just bought one of the cleanest, nicest looking Acura Integras I’ve seen in a long time. In this video I’m going to tell you why it may have been one of the worst car decisions I’ve ever made!
===========================
Follow Hello Road!
KZbin ► / helloroad
Instagram ► / _helloroad
Twitter ► / _helloroad
Facebook ► / helloroadofficial
Buy a Shirt! ► helloroad.tv/shop
Follow Me!
Instagram ► / mrethantufts
Twitter ► / mrethantufts
===========================
Music used in this episode:
"Cruising The Night Sky" by TeknoAxe
"Baltic Levity Thatched Villagers" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
"Disappointment" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
And selected tracks from the KZbin music library.

[@wolfemanxd]

Still for 4 grand for that clean of and Integra is a steal.

[@Crotal_Karma]

Agreed. I was thinking same thing. It's clean. Everything interior works. Enjoy it for a while. Then sell it for 4k minimum.

[@chillyspoon]

+1 - you saved a car from the scrap heap and it'll go on for years

[@bikeman1x11]

@@Crotal_Karma he will get his money back

[@alexquintal8336]

I crashed one and replaced the quarter panel because I love it so much

[@AmshaMorgan]

if i had 4grand i could get one of these beaten and turbocharged yet still running. or I could get a somewhat clean DC5 integra/RSX

[@jimsakai]

Keep it! It may not garner a lot of views but it’s such a clean car that it deserves to be loved. You have a lot of hoopties to drive the channel. Keep this one for yourself.

[@JoggerMeister]

Assuming your engine was rebuilt properly, you now have an essentially brand new Honda B18B1 engine, which has always been a reliable power plant. And at 140 HP, especially for the day, that's plenty sufficient for zippy travel, whilst simultaneously returning good fuel economy. This is an excellent car from a golden age of Honda engineering, and I'd hold onto it like grim death. :) I drive a 2007 Accord EX-L 5-speed manual, and a 2006 CR-V EX 5-speed manual, both of which remain true to Honda roots: Reliable, efficient, comfortable, practical, and fun to drive.

[@bikeman1x11]

easily another 20+ years from that motor!

[@HarryWangHungLo]

Please, please, please keep it! Needs nothing!!!

[@CodyKloepfer]

$4200 well spent I’d say. Beautifully clean.

[@CarlosRodriguez-ok8ym]

I just recently bought a 97 Acura Integra for my wife. Super clean just like this. GS not GSR but all stock and super clean. It even came with the original window sticker! It’s crazy lol. $3,500 was the price. I feel like it was a steal. Love that car so much.

[@petescarport]

For what you paid and knowing it's a perfect engine. That's a steal. That car will run forever. That's the one you jump in and know it will work. Amazing choice. I've owned a few and all of mine were trashed.

[@felixf5211]

Personally, I'd remove the tint and bring the car back to its original appearance. IMO, $4200 is not at all unreasonable, given the car's condition and reliability. I recall driving one back in the mid-'90s. It felt really good.

[@WolfPackPerformance]

Good note. I didn't tint the windows on my build for various reasons. I thinks its better not to.

[@all4thedriversubaru815]

Don’t be embarrassed my dude! Keeping the engine true to trim is commendable! Such a lovely example, fantastic car from a bygone era.

[@mrpandasian8871]

"Lemme tell you why buying this 99 integra was a mistake" Me who bought a 99 integra for my first project car: 👀👀

[@imcoldmilk]

this motivates me to fix my integra. i have a 94’ coupe with a b20b swap and i my first car and my daily driver. plus working in sales i get a lot of crap for owning it but i love it!

[@ElliottAlvis]

So stoked about this! I had a 97 Integra back in the day and it was one of my favorite cars! Excellent video as always man.

[@marcperras9072]

Keep it stock. It'll appreciate faster. Soon it will be worth more than you invested in it. The hot wheels commercial brought a smile to my face. When I saw that commercial on tv wayback in May 1994 I went out and bought a 1994 Integra GSR which I still own today.

[@OffTrackProductions]

I hear the price is going up on these, a LOT for an unmolested one. Probably a good investment there.

[@WolfPackPerformance]

You're right. I'm currently posting episodes on a conversion I'm doing and I resold an Integra I brought just for parts. It sold as is with no front end for $3,500 and the guy was willing to pay way more than that.

[@jonhcena3809]

Such a great small car.

[@PRNTestDrive]

This is without a doubt my absolute favourite Acura Integra generation. They were plentiful back when I was in high school but unfortunately it’s impossible to find a clean one up here anymore. Nice buy, I’m jealous!

[@chrisgreen67]

Finally a Honda, and you picked a great one! Sorry to hear about the engine, but it's great that you were able to go ahead and get it up and running!

[@bane1w238]

4200 for a clean Integra is gain in my book. Congrats! Nice car! Love the channel!

[@robertcabrera6232]

Your first video I've seen. Nice work! Even with the added expense I think you've got a good deal. Finding a clean Integra that hasn't been modded is extremely rare. Too bad you didn't go the VTEC route, the extra ponies with the manual is an absolute blast to drive! That said, with the top-end rebuild on the standard engine you can easily get another 200K if you stay on top of the maintenance, especially valve adjustments, oil changes, and another timing belt set at 100K. BTW keep it stock. A clean stock Integra like that one is only going to increase in value over time, even with added mileage, since there are so few of them left.

[@HondAcura111]

YEESSSS!!! I'm a honda man and this makes me so happy. Beautiful car.

[@JD78CN]

I would pay $4200 for one, I miss my old integra. I had a new one in 1996 in high school same color and also LS.

[@antonyingram]

It's a shame it bit you as at the original price that would've been a bit of a bargain, but even at $4200 it really doesn't seem too bad. Tidy those exterior blemishes and I could absolutely see it being worth that on the open market.

[@carlseiler6441]

If it “runs and drives great” now, I think you did Ok. It is frustrating that they label it as running when it obviously did not at the time of the auction.

[@dereckcameron6685]

I think you still came out good on it, prices in my area are probably a lot higher cause that would be a 5 or 6k car here.

[@troyminer7]

I think it’s a great price for an AWESOME car. So many of them have the VTEC swapped, I’d keep it stock and just enjoy it! Definitely when you do a full review get some nice driving shots. I’d love to see what the non vtec b series is like when you’re driving it and how these things handle on fun Cali roads

[@inertia210]

Id keep it all original no vtech so nice to see one not riced out ... great find even with the extra $ tag

[@jdrancho1864]

I like how you include at lot of the old commercials in your videos. They used to be an annoyance when watching TV, now they are nostalgic.

[@Adventureswithmike1]

If I didn't live all the way across the country I would hand you $4500 cash right now... Out here in Pennsylvania it is so hard to find anything as clean as what you have there. I've been looking for months.

[@lebronjames4705]

No one gonna mention how the license plate has 9 characters where only 7 are allowed 💀

[@bradymiller6381]

Yes you got a honda I've been waiting lol

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

You just saved a time capsule man. So rare to find a clean & stock one anymore. I just did plugs & cleaned up a few things on my moms '07 TL today. Og plugs at 187k mi, not a drop of oil on them, the coils or anywhere in the tubes. Some small ash deposits, but otherwise flawless & literally 85k mi past service interval. It's a Honda. Sometimes it doesn't matter that it's 85k mi past service interval (not that you should ever do that), but you get the point. Good for you, & I hope you drive that thing til it literally turns to dust, which it probably won't.

[@calliad]

I had a 95 Integra GS which was the base model, my first new car I ever bought hands down one of my favorite cars I have owned.. Love the way it feels and sounds definitely has a feel of high quality for the 90s! Have fun reliving memories..

[@bcwunch]

Man I still miss my old integra, still think about it everday 😞

[@henlo1910]

Hey, I have a 99 Integra LS too! I've owned a lot of faster cars but there's just something about an integra, they're light and fun to drive especially if you have a manual. Congrats!

[@samtheapex8465]

HEY ETHAN I have a super rare car you should look into it’s called an Acura vigor it’s essentially the forgotten Honda/Acura of the 90’s they only made 40k in the United States and are a complete gem if you find them with a lot of interesting parts and an inline 5 transaxle motor

[@triaxiong2569]

I have a 96 integra ls and i love it. Have it for ten years now and it still running like a champ.

[@hullinger]

Haha, I commend you and your perseverance. Mere mortals would have cut and run with that broken engine but it's super cool that you followed it through and got her back on the road again. Great job! I have no idea what the Integra market is like but I did just see a super clean '94 LS on eBay right now that has already bid up way past the $4200 you have invested. Me thinks you'll be just fine when it comes to recouping your $$$, my dawg!

[@toyoracer33]

Oh yeah - if you decide to try for a second Honda I highly recommend the RSX Type-S. What it lacks in Precision compared to the Integra it more than makes up with in brute strength.

[@neonreign2988]

Personally, I'd keep it. It's hard to find one of those in that good of condition. Reputable Japanese cars like Hondas and Toyotas hold their value pretty well compared to the depreciation of other imports and most domestic cars anyway.

[@whetzel_photo]

I have a 96 rs model with over 200k miles on it and it runs like a champ, I don't think I could ever part with it. I'm slowly building mine to be a fun daily, so it's awesome to see one on the channel! If you want to replace the suspension and are open to something a little more fun than stock, look at H&R OE Sport Springs with Koni Orange shocks. Barely lowers the car and makes finding twisty roads just a little more fun!

[@aldridgesimeon]

Owned one, driven for more than 100,000 kms..was great memory, the b18b1 is designed for no migraines for a very long period of driving..takes me back to driving the great ocean road with the sunroof open and the sub kickn.."the integra that could"

[@TysonHugie]

She's a beaut! Welcome to the fam. :)

[@Aminmotors]

I've owned 4 integras and I can confirm that 3 of them were rust buckets with clear coat failing like most. Definietely a good buy, just a pity you didn't know about the LS/vtec swap.

[@jj5515]

I loved the 89' model and now stoked to see the 2022 model coming out! Acura's design language improved... wonder what the integral will look like!

[@terbennett]

I would've kept it as is. B18C1s are still popular with racing teams, and a $3k makes me think it was used. A VTEC head conversion aka Frankenstein Swap can be rewarding or an unreliable mess. You have to find someone who has mastered this swap. I mean, they've failed many times and have figured out how to properly do it, through trial and error. It's not for the faint of heart. Personally, I think you made the right choice. It will retain it's value in stock form. Here in So Cal, you could easily get your money back on it. Bring A Trailer could fetch you even more. Sorry for being long winded, but you definitely made the right choice in getting that engine repaired.

[@louisc76]

I always kind of preferred the LS, the wheels are a cool mesh design. Simpler. Nice score. Fix the taillights and other cracked bits. That’s peak Honda right there! Everything since has been generally speaking less reliable and more complicated.

[@BESTNOODLEREVIEWS]

My 98' had a similar issue, had around 125K when the timing belt gave out and ended up with bent valves. I ended up buying a clean B18B1 head locally for $100, had a shop do a leak test and resurface the head, threw it back on and ran perfect. I drove it from SoCal to Portland about 15~ times, did just fine.

[@matthewrowe8033]

Love the Integra! You did right on the pricing.

[@milenacarvana770]

I luv it! I own a 06 Acura rsx witch replaced the integra, and 06 Acura tsx. I only buy Hondas.

[@kelleredward6153]

You still did awesome. Don’t be embarrassed dude! To the right person that is a 6k car for sure.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

In WA you could easily get $5 to $7k for a car that clean.

[@stussels]

looks great in white with no wing. the four round headlight front is distinctive. nice looking, timeless car design

[@MichaelGilbank1]

Dude! I just picked up a white 1999 vtir (gsr equivalent here in Australia) with only 110,000kms immaculate. Looks exactly like this one even because the original owner didn’t option for the spoiler 😂. Will upload my car soon

[@TommyG_0311]

Dude that's a steal. Finding a pristine Integra like that is basically unheard of. Considering all of the ones I have seen all had some kind of dents and dings or were salvage cars (like my Integra)

[@brianeighties4481]

I have a 92 integra bought it in 04 from the original owner. It’s been such a good car. I’m in the process of restoring it (just a paint job because everything else is perfect)

[@mbach2826]

Very nice car!! Even though it cost so much to bring it back to life. I've never had an integra before, but I've had a 95 accord lx and a 92 accord ex. 90s hondas are where it's at!! May that car last you a good long time

[@p.informatico1320]

Good buy! Don't overthink It. Watching how you usually drive vtec doesn't really make sense for you, as you don't usually high rev your cars.

[@OliverPickard]

To be honest I think you did the right thing with the engine. Personally of all the cars in your fleet its one of the last id get rid of, refresh the suspension with some bilsteins, new bushes and just drive it

[@smokingdankerrday]

Good car. Didn’t get screwed at action, did get screwed equating over 2k on that stock ls block, 500$ vtec head and 50 dollar convention kit. 150 dollar head gasket and a 60 dollar p28 ecu. Just wire I. Vtec and you have a fun car

[@teknique8292]

I would love to see the receipt! How did they charge you that much money???

[@kendalgee5808]

I had a 1999 integra. I drove it for 212,000 miles. This is what you should do. Shave off the front emblems and the rear emblems. Shave off the side moldings. Shave off the door handles. Try to get some Bomex mirrors. Slam your car 3" with airbags. That way you dont crack your tranny. Keep the same offset of your wheels when you slam it and keep it 15". It will look so clean it will make you want to cry. Remove all windshield wipers front and back. Remove your antenna. LS integra respond very well to strut tower bars, sway bars, lower tie bars.. Gut your interior. It will feel and handle like a lotus with the aforementioned mods. If you want sound go Iceman cold air intake. Be careful when it rains. I know a guy who has vintage Tanabe G power medallion that needs to be re baffled, also LS jdm side window visors, also get one for your rear window. You will be tempted to get bolt ons but LS doesnt respond well and your just wasting your money. Go ebay turbo and enjoy the blow off valve but u may never pass smog if you live in cali so u have to figure that one out. Theres some dope rota wheels in 2022 deep dish and JDM style. Never buy real spoons or regamaster evo's, a waste of money, they are going to bend no matter wut if you autocross. If you get sway bars ST , mine didn't fit in the rear and the mechanic bent my exhaust to make it fit. My exhaust rattled cuz it hit my rear st sway bar. Sway bars made a night and day difference.

[@RetroCarsForever]

I think you did fine dude...$4200 is about right for what you have. I test drove one just like it but was the VTEC version last year. If you just want a reliable daily, you're not missing much with the LS. You have to rev the SNOT out of the VTEC to get any extra juice.

[@DaFuhk]

I noticed the rear wheel wells don’t have the inner fender liners, can anyone tell me why? I just acquired a 96 LS model and the rear also didn’t have the inner fender liners. Do people take them out for a reason? Or does it just not come with it?

[@beetleboys]

at least you saved it and for this clean of an example you could flip it for over 4k and if you decide to keep it itll only rise in value

[@hugocarrillo502]

You got to keep it I got my 98 ls sedan super clean with 98 k miles and paid a lil more the with you paid all together freaking clean car bro

[@josequintanilla9932]

What’s the name of the song at 1:04 ? Also Nice integra I really want an integra so badly!

[@WolfPackPerformance]

Love those LS Mesh. All though I have three sets of custom wheels built to spec. I still have my LS Mesh!!

[@mexicanspec]

You should always fix what is there and put it back to how they had it from the factory. The car was designed for that. If you ever need to sell this car you should have no trouble making money on it. This car has everything going for it, a blank slate, if you will.

[@bmcshane80]

You could sell that here in OZ for 7K and it'd go in a day. These are getting SO hard to find so clean and the market for 90's Honda's here has gone through the roof

[@chrisalexio5616]

Very nice teggy, my first car was a 99 LS (special edition) so I had all leather and mine was honestly a 9/10 .. 134k original everything, everything was original and untouched.. unfortunately it was auto so I traded it in and it was the second biggest mistake of my life 🤧🤣

[@chrisalexio5616]

I think I paid 3500 or 4K back in 2016 ? I don’t remember ... but now if you check out my Instagram I got a little better teggy ❤️ @chrisalexio

[@xXxDurandalxXx]

eugh i had to do the same fix to my old sentra when i first got it, it ran and had less than 70k miles but the timing belt killed it but, thankfully the engine was more simple and the guys who fixed it were cool and did it for 1k lmao in your case, even with that motor, i think you have a pretty good purchase, A STRESSFUL ONE but hey now you got a really good integra, i bet if you sold it too you can get most of your money back as well!

[@bayareanewman1566]

Nice ride!! OK story time. I had a 2000 VW Jetta 1.8 Turbo. All black, with black leather interior. basically fully loaded. I loved the car. It had a a 10 year 100,000 power train warranty on it. It also has an interference motor design with a timing belt. Well I was supposed to change the timing belt out at 105,000 miles. At 97,000 miles I was on the freeway on my way to work, and my engine just dies. It wasn't dramatic, it just died. I was like "what the hell" (I had just gotten a tune up at 75,000 miles, and I'd taken care of it.. and now I was going to be late to work!) So I pull over I towed it to the dealership (It was under warranty still) Ends up costing VW just shy of 8 grand total! They had to replace the engine. It was damaged beyond repair (I was in the freeway when it happened, so they had to replace the block. Even after all this (It took them a month to complete the work) they still got me out of pocket for over a grand of miscellaneous stuff that was not covered. I'm glad it was covered though! 3 thousand more miles and I would have been out the cost. Barley made it! People don't know how important it is with these old timing belt cars!

[@Bang_n_slang]

Even though you didn’t go the vtec route , all stock will be worth more. I have the same car 97 stick shift leather interior and sun roof with 130k miles. Mint condition. I hate myself for not going ls/vtec and lowering it 😥

[@rubenguerrero2162]

She’s a keeper thanks for restoring the motor .

[@DarkWraith95]

I miss my 95 GSR. Wish I could have kept it. I would have suggested a VTEC head as well. Maybe some nice 15" wheels and that's it. Very reliable car.

[@bp8717]

What would I have done? Well that same issue happened to me. The cylinder head is $100 at a junkyard from a honda CRV (same head) 50 for a head gasket and 50 for the remaining seals. $200 fix. An extra $50 if you want any machine shop to resurface the head. You got ripped off pretty bad on that repair. It takes an hour to take that head off

[@ninjaflip5146]

I got my 1997 Integra RS for 4,100 dollars. 165K on the odometer and I got it in August as well. We spent around the same amount and yours is already way better than mine (don't get me wrong, my interior is also mint as hell ;) ). It needs paint work on the outside and an upgrade in the suspension, but as a college student I am incredibly happy I got to buy a piece of history before it's too late. Keep the car friend, I surely am.

[@Elgranchampion1]

You made a good point about Honda quality, and I've had the same experience, but there are caveats. I had a '92 Civic DX, a '94 Civic EX, an '01 S2000 (all built in Japan), and then a 2002 Honda Accord EX (built in the USA). Even though the '92 Civic was the cheapo model, and the '94 Civic was the highline model, their build quality was vastly superior to the USA-built Accord. Panel gaps were much better, materials were better, there was no squeaking or rattling like on the Accord. I had the Japan-built S2000 at the same time as the Accord and I could compare side-by-side and the S2000 had much better quality. I've seen newer Hondas and I think the quality of newer Hondas is not nearly as good as the Japan-built '90's Hondas (and Acuras). That's my take.

[@codywooten4725]

You could be in my place.. 94 gsr shell for 300. Gsr engine picked up for 650 rebuilt. And having it pieced together out of parts I score on market place 🤷

[@arnaldoluisn1]

Totally worth it fixing it and keeping it Original!!!!!!!!!!!! if you decide to sell, you will get very good money for it,,,,,,,,,,, but you wont sell it,, you are going to fall in love with it. I have a 1990 GS Sedan and it is my Baby, best car ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wishing you the best Mate...

[@motown8057]

Why don't you have over 100k subscribers? Great content!

[@joelmaslonka109]

Great pick up!!

[@YouDontWannaFightMe]

I’m sure you can get your money back if you keep it stock and enjoy it for a few years. There’s quite a market for clean Hondas of that vintage, but it’s all about finding the right buyer.

[@GoliathAngelus]

Beautiful car. Enjoy and drive it the way it is

[@axtran]

Damn that looks good. One of my favorite cars!

[@nefariouscj9791]

I live in PA and if you have a super clean all runing 5 speed like that you can easily get 4k no issue. Super clean car.

[@ramonreyes1389]

You have some generous mechanics. I’ve had mechanics try to charge me $2000 to replace my ac compressor, expansion valve, and condenser.

[@bigdavidstewart]

Bro this channel is so fucking good

[@Mysticfateee]

I love the look of the Integra... the only problem is yours is missing a spoiler. It just doesn't look right to me without a small spoiler on it

[@ecymbura31]

The fact that it isn’t riced out is a huge deal. That’s a original survivor in factory form that someone loved the correct way. Never a mistake to buy something that was cared for a never messed with

[@canadianbren4239]

i got a 94 rs its got a little bit of dents and paint scratches but besides that its in great condition and honestly id hope i never need to sell it its such a enjoyable car

[@panch7109]

You make me wanna buy i got a rebuilt gsr waiting for a car to be put in

[@paul06660]

4:35 I would have pulled another b18b1 or a b20 at pick n pull and installed it myself in my driveway lol. Also would have thrown on another belt to see if the motor survived, because they do about 50% of the time on ls motors.

[@c.arlitos_5940]

Don’t worry, you’re still winning even after the engine fix. Here in NJ/NY they’re going for more

[@bgsound2721]

When you change tires...have them put the weights on the back of the rims.

[@ShannonFLHI]

Keep it stock bro. Just put some new oem struts and shocks on it like KYB brand. Fix the small imperfections. Totally sweet car as it is.

[@benayajonatan7545]

But it is still a steal man! Wish i have that luck on sight unseen purchases

[@Torsee]

If the car makes you smile! That’s all that counts! Keeping it stock 👍👍! Nice car.

[@geoffreyreuther5260]

I mean, if you're not that into your Ford Probe, I've got a low mileage, strong running Lumina Euro I'd trade you for it! :D

[@shept.7736]

Really unexpected for this, but this integra is so nice!

[@joeseeking3572]

Had a 95 teal GS-R, same gray/black cloth interior as shown (no leather on the GS-R early in the model year). Loved the free revving engine, the snick snick gearbox and general handling. But, I lived in DC so it was only really appreciated outside the city or on Rock Creek Parkway with no traffic. Otherwise, not much power down low, rode rather harsh, high trunk liftover made hauling gear a pain, and for the price had a well executed but rather plain interior. And the sunroof was a slot. Fun, reliable but maybe not the right car for the environment - especially at the then fairly high cost of about 21k. (Then again I really wanted the Probe GT that stickered at 24k, but Ford would deal but got voted down - yeah, go boo me)