buying an integra...

alright, total newbie here, but i've been hoovering over the site for a little bit now trying to gather some info...anyway

i'm in the market for a new car, and what better to get than my fav car? acura integra....
buying the new puppy probably around christmas time, but i was just curious on some general info

i'm in the market for a used integra (with i guess about 50-80k miles on it), anytime from the 94-01 models are fine (because they all have the same basic body style that i love so much)
2 or 3 door
stick
i don't care to fix up the engine or anyhting, i'm not big on racing, i'm more of the show car, so i want to fix up the interior and all that (but thats all over many years to come, small things at a time)
i'm looking to spend about $7000, i guess i can go up to $8k

i'll probably drive the engine into the ground and then replace the entire engine, because i plan on having this car for a long time :)

anyway, i guess my question is, what do i need to know, whats some good info to know, what model is your fav? what most recent year can i get for the amount i'm looking to spend, all those basics

www.autotrader.com (http://www.autotrader.com)
You will find your answers here, just type in how much you want to spend and it will do the rest.

I recommend a GS or LS.

Same model - different letters depending on which year.

They are both fully loaded - roof, cruise, AC, power group.

A GSR, is also fully loaded, but with the faster vtec engine (1.8 L DOHC 170 hp).

You said you're not into racing, but will probably spend the money on show, and other cool interior stuff - which is why I recommend the GS/LS.
You get the same fully loaded pkg as the gsr, but with the non-vtec engine (1.8 L DOHC 140hp) so you pay less. And they might not be as fast as a gsr, but they're not slow either.

Since you're planning to eventually swap in a new engine, that's another good reason to save your money for now and get the non vtec.
Who know's? maybe inthe future, you'll want more power and opt for a GSR or Type R engine then.

Good luck. Either way, it's a fine fine car. I'm sure you'll be happy.

Fixing up the engine isn't only for racing. You love your car, why not let her breath and work more efficiently? Maybe I'm wrong but don't show cars these days have to work done under the hood too? Just a thought...Haha I STILL need to get my Teg.

go with like a 94 rs or ls...i got one two years ago for under 8...you could probably get one now with around 100k for like 5-6gs..

well depends if you want the VTEC engine , its faster better , but your gonna pay more. , i have a 1994 gsr , black lowered 2 inches , 17" konig monsoon rims , and dcsports intake /dc sports header/ greddy exhaust . 80g miles , good condition , good paint , stick( gsr only comes in stick) , love it , (first car) he was asking about 9,500
and i talked him to 8,500 (about blue book) just go get a book with aqll the prices with it , and if your gonna do mods or anything to it , buy a 94-95 , they are more tuner friendly and i think there lighter , and they have obdI , and after 95 its obdII , which has more constraints on the engine and mods you do to the car. there hard to find (gsr) but it was damn worth it , 3 months to find black and everything i wanted on it
have fun
happy hunting

hrm, yes u do want to fix up the engine, you just dont realize you do, but when simple cars start beating your awesome looking cars, its a sad sad day, my cars more show then go, not a good thing but @ least im not embarrassed to say hell yea thats my car

well i personally think that you gotta back your looks with a good engine. otherwise, its all show and no power. well i guess if you want a show car i recommend getting a ls or gs and getting the real JDM front with lip and sides and wing. Get the whole car repainted to chapionship white, its a yellowish white, and get some red street glow under the car. get some nice 18in bling, and drop the car.