Couple questions for all you 'teg owners

[Ixiterra]

I'll be in the market very shortly for a new-used car. I have my mind set on getting an Integra. Very economical, reliable, good-looking, and even has a little bit of power under the hood.

I plan on getting a GS-R. Coupe or sedan is up for grabs right now, and may just depend on availability/cost. I'm used to driving a 91 Nissan Maxima, so I'm kinda leaning towards the sedan.

Anyways, questions:

I do a lot of expressway driving, and I like a quiet, smooth ride. I've heard there's a decent amount of tire/road/wind noise in these cars. Could anyone who's driven quite a few cars put the noise level on a scale? It's not a huge issue, but trying to listen to the radio with the wind blasting kinda sucks.

As to the smooth ride, how is it on the 'tegs? I've heard the sedan takes dips and bumps a little bit better because of the longer wheelbase. I've seen a lot of people on this site with larger than stock tires, do they help smooth the ride at all?

How's the engine sound when cruising around 85MPH? (I'm coming in with the slight preconceived notion about whiny ricer engines. )

Also, what's a good model year? I'm looking between 97-00. Of course newer is better, but I'm on somewhat of a budget. But are there any significant problems or added bonuses with any particular year that I would want to know about?

Thanks in advance for the replies. Feel free to share any of your Integra experiences as well.

[Igovert500]

Well I can't answer your question about wind noise, but I can help a bit...as far as larger rims...they do not improve ride quality, they make it slightly worse. Larger rims are better for turning, handling, traction, etc, but as far as ride quality, they will make you feel more bumps.
Also, road noise can be largely dependent on the tires you are using.
You may wish to look at www.tirerack.com they have some good tech articles on how different suspensions, wheels, and tires affect different aspects of your driving experience.

[Andee_G]

he said tires, not rims

[integralover]

well lets say this my roomate has a 2000 eclipse gt. he loves that car. now he just bought a 96 teg LS for $800. has slight body damage. he told me that he really likes the teg. he just got back from a trip to his parents. said the teg was so much smoother of a ride than his eclipse. and was really suprised at the pick up it had. now he has a V6. he said that he plans on trying to fix the car and definately keep.

now teg's are high reving cars. the gsr has a rev limiter at 8k rpm's. when your that high the engine will definately be loud. but at highway cruising speed say 80-85 mph the engine will be noticable but with the radio on at a normal volume you really don't notice it.

i think you'll enjoy the car. and why don't you just take it for a test drive

[Ixiterra]

Oh yeah, test drive is coming real soon. I just got the Integra idea running a few days ago. Was thinking of getting an Impala or maybe a Sentra before that. Somehow stumbled on an Integra page and fell in love in a few minutes.

[tran_nsx]

wow, he's never been in one and he's already in love. wait to till the test drive, and don't be soft on it, let it hit vtec a couple times, u might even like the noise, hehe.

[LSfrankinside]

Originally Posted by Igovert500

Well I can't answer your question about wind noise, but I can help a bit...as far as larger rims...they do not improve ride quality, they make it slightly worse. Larger rims are better for turning, handling, traction, etc, but as far as ride quality, they will make you feel more bumps.
Also, road noise can be largely dependent on the tires you are using.
You may wish to look at www.tirerack.com they have some good tech articles on how different suspensions, wheels, and tires affect different aspects of your driving experience.

wtf larger wheels make you feel bumps less do you know anything god damn. Hmm maybe your right. ill put on some 10" rims so major potholes are like small pebbles to me