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★★★★☆

“I bought the Honda/Acura Integra LS (B18A1) used, as...”

written by skywings on 29/11/2006

Good Points
Durable engine
Versatile for modifications
Aftermarket product availability
Handling feel
Fuel efficient

Bad Points
Average performer
Interior noise

General Comments
I bought the Honda/Acura Integra LS (B18A1) used, as my first car. It is an excellent first car for the inexperienced driver, who wants a reliable car with good 2 door coupe looks. It is also a good car for the keen mechanic, who wants an excellent base engine to build up and modify.



ENGINE:

I've had two mechanical problems with it so far. It has overheated twice; the fan switch needed replacing the first time, and the radiator needed a thorough reconditioning the second. I have also had problems with a leak in the brake master cylinder recently. Do note however, that before I bought my car, it was quite neglected. Otherwise, I believe that at 280,000kms old, and having been neglected, my car is in relatively good shape mechanically. I wonder if a Renault or Peugeot has ever outlasted a Honda/Acura.



The LS is only an average performer; I wouldn't really challenge anyone to a drag race at the lights, so it is a good car for inexperienced drivers. It is fuel efficient too, but some insurance premiums may be a bit steep.



Even with average performance, the B18A is a great platform to build on. It's quite versatile; people have turbocharged it quite successfully, mated the B18A block with a VTEC cylinder head (B18C from an Integra or a B16A from a Civic), called an LS/VTEC motor or Frankenstein, or have just built the B18A with aftermarket parts and high compression. There are many aftermarket products available for the engine, body and interior accessories.



EXTERIOR:

The shape still looks good, in my opinion. I favor the slim curves of the 70's and 90's over the boxes and corners of the 80's, and the bloated curves of the 2000's. Particularly as a first car, the Integra will make its owner quite proud of owning a low riding, 2 door sports coupe with sunroof. Better replace the ordinary stock rims with something more to your tastes though.



Apparently, some makes are not built tough enough to withstand the Australian sun, so if you live Down Under, park your car in the shade! Look out for bubbling clear coats and faded paint on the roof and/or hood, and rust in the sun roof.



INTERIOR:

The interior is quite plain, but I've always liked the simplicity of it. All you've got on the dash are the necessities; digital clock, tacho, speedo, various warning lights, fuel gauge, temp gauge, climate control and radio. None of this radio controlled buttons on the steering wheel; just the horn. No GPS or tripmeter. Just the bare essentials. There are electric windows and mirrors. Watch for slow or chattery electric windows.



COMFORT:

The seats are comfortable enough, but taller people may feel a bit cramped in the back seat. It is more of a four seater than a five seater, really. Personally, I don't mind that my middle-aged mom has trouble getting in and out, because I drive alone or with one passenger most times. It's no family car. What 2 door coupe is?



It is a noisy car though; the road noise and engine noise in the cabin can be a bit much for conversation on a road trip.



PRACTICALITY:

Boot space is adequate for shopping; the rear seats fold down 60/40 and the parcel shelf is removable, making the car accept large objects through it's fastback hatch. I had trouble getting a 1m x 1m canvas into my mom's Camry; it just fit in the back seat if you moved the front seats forward, and if you were clever with angles. The painting just slid into the back seat of the Integra through the hatch without touching the sides.



It has a full size spare, which is good in today's world of space savers and cans of compressed air, but I've found the full size just too big, and it doesn't lie in the well deep enough to be flush with the boot floor.



HANDLING:

In understeers like front wheel drive cars do, but it's responsive and drives how you want it. The Camry just cannot connect you with the road like the Integra. There's not much body roll, and you can go round corners at a decent speed before fishtailing. My sister's Camry screeches around corners at under that speed, while my brother's Prelude slides. Some people might find the ride a bit rough, especially after you put on some low profile tyres and lower it a little.

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