hey guys,
I am looking for a new car most likely within the next 2 days, so if you read this please respond and don't just skip it, thanks. I am deciding between several cars at this point, all with 5-speeds, all 4 bangers. they are 87-90 jettas, 87-89 accords, 87-88 integras, and maybe a 93 elantra. I know the engines on the hondas and jettas are great, so here is a list of questions I need help with for the accords, and if you can the integras too:

- how economic are they? mpg? (this is very important)
- how are the tranny's, bombproof?
- how are the brakes?
- how long do the brakes and clutch typically last?
- what issues should I look for in a florida car?
- are the pop-up headlights easy to fix? also is there a cool looking kit to make them fixed headlights?

thanks guys, I am well versed in cars, but this will be the first frontwheel drive 4 cylinder car I ever had, most of my cars were used for racing (ie. corvettes, mustangs, trans ams, rx-7, fiero....)so I know what typically to look for, but I just need a heads up. knowlege is power! and I am a knowlege whore. thanks to anyone who actually responds.

 

anyone? help? please?

 

i owned an 89 accord and let me tell you thats the car you should buy if you are looking for realiability. the A20 is a good engine and cast iron block, those cars last forever...you should really check it out, here's a website .....www.3geez.com. .....that should answer ANY question you have about 86-89 accords........

mpg- i got around 33-35

tranny's- to give you an idea, it was my first car, and i tortured it...never had a problem.

Brakes....the only real problem we had with the car....i was driving and the brake lines went out at 230000 miles, so it was time for new ones anyway...

clutch and brakes.....all original until 230000 miles.

pop up headlight fix....there is no kit made to make fixed headlights, but a few people on the sight i gave you have done headlight conversions.


Keep in mind that this was a family owned car, we bought it from the lot in 89, so i know what it had been through before i owned it. If you do decide on buying one, i suggest you buy the fuel injected version which would be the lx-i and se-i models of the car...it will make maintenance a lot easier and will give you a few extra ponies too.....hope that helps!:thumbup:

 

First off, How many Hyundais so you still see around other then the current models?

I think that takes care of that choice leaving the 86-89 Accord, tegs, and the 87-90 Jettas.

They should all be able to get about 20+ mpg when in proper tune.

Trannys, Well 5 speeds are generally less problem prone compared to autos but as far as how they stack up against each other I don't know. I have a 3rd gen Accord and have never had a problem with my five speed. Of course I've had mine since it was almost new.

Brakes Specify this question.

Well brakes and clutches you get what you pay for. They can last as little as a year or as long as 5 or so.

Issues can't think anything specific for hotter climates.

Headlights could be easy depending on the problem, motor
Fixed headlighs for the 3rd gen Accord were available overseas but cost an arm and a leg to get and lok ugly. You can custom make something but popups are uniqe.

 

good stuff, keep it coming guys.

oh and around here there are alot of the old hyundias still rolling around.

 

trust me they won't be for long.