Dude... if this is a loan, don't do it. You'll end up getting screwed in the end where you'll lose half that value the minute you install it all. Borrow the bare minimum when it comes to a car...

 

Thats what my rents suggested. And then what? You recommend working my way to building her up? That'll take a long time and money I won't have upfront. And quite frankly, I've waited a long time for a car I am happy with. But I guess, financially speaking, you are correct and its probably what I should do.

I mean, I can always take out a personal loan to cover some of the expenses of what I want the car to turn out like right?

 

My suggestion for a 15k budget would be first. Buy a 00 or an 01. Becuase as you probably know the enhanced secuirty in the key with the chip etc...In my aread when i was searching for cars it was hard to find a modded car and i came over a 97 gsr (too bad i couldnt get it). My advice would be spend as less as you can on a gsr and either boost it...lower it and stuff like that or just do some minor engine upgrades and do the jdm front as well. I dont know what your kind of tastes in cars are but, if you find a good gsr first do your dream of the front end and then work from there like lower it, wheels etc...
Damn i wish i had 15k right now....

 

Well, here's the important fact: It's a honda, and if it's an integra, there's a good chance it will get stolen. And the better looking, the more likely that will happen.

I say keep it cheap and your goals not too intense. You car should be fun and look snappy, but if you don't have the cash in pocket to burn, don't do it. You'll get slammed badly. Personally, I've chosen the slow route to upgrading, and it's helped me learn a lot of things about my car and more about what I want from it... and saved me a lot of money to boot. Take you time man

 

you could get an older teg, i got my 95 DB8 for 7 grand, and spend whatever you feel necessary on mods. IMO i wouldnt spend the extra money to get a 00 or 01. just my .02

 

Its not like I already have a nic car and $15k, I drive a POS and am looking to buy.

Actually, chances are slim that my car, any car for that matter will get stolen around where I live. The environment that the car would be in on a daily basis consists of mostly trees and deer lol, not theives. But I do understand your concern because most places the Integra is a highly stoeln vehicle. And on the same token, if I proceed in this transaction afraid of what "might" happen, I will never reach the goals I've set forth.

Given the low-theft rate around my area, I intend on taking that risk.

The problem with a GSR is the higher initial cost, and higher insurance rate. I will certainly get a quote for both, but in order for me to not be financially overextended I have to be cautious where this money goes.

An older car for me is out of the question, I already drive an old car. I'm in the market for '00-'01 but thanks for the suggestion.

Again, thatnks for all the replies and feel free to keep discussing its been a great thread thus far.

 

Oh and for clarification to your question earlier... h:
DC* & DB* are the chassis codes for the 3rd gen Integra...2dr & 4dr respectively.

DC2- 2dr Hatchback, B18C* motor
DC4- 2dr Hatchback, B18B1 motor

DB8- 4dr Sedan, B18C* motor
DB7- 4dr Sedan, B18B1 motor

 

Start (Money left)

89-91 RX-7 Turbo II. ($12k)
Rebuild, street port ($10k)
Intake, exhaust, FCD, EMS, MSD, tuning ($7k)
T04 manifold and turbo ($5k)
Plenty of other supporting mods ($?)

You're looking at a ~$450hp car easy.

*cough*
... Oh, yeah, Integras are good cars too.

(Edit: I screwed up this post on a "qoute" mishap and had to try to rebuild it h: )

 

Somehow these numbers aren't adding up to $15-16k for me :dunno:

 

I second what others have said... don't take out a loan for the value of the car + mods. Because if the car is ever stolen or totalled, the insurance company is going to give you the value of a regular teg (if you even have full coverage) and then you'll be stuck paying the rest to the bank for a car you wouldn't even have.... be a pretty crappy situation. Granted, some insurance companies are cool when it comes to mods but don't plan for it... and that's once again, only if you are paying for full coverage.

Also, if you are looking for a '00-01 clean, low mileage GSR... don't expect to have too much of that $15k left to make a dent into really doing much with mods, especially after you buy a quality JDM conversion and get it painted, etc. Of course, if you take my advice from the first paragraph you would maybe just take out a loan for whatever car you want + a JDM front end. But from there, I would work to pay for future mods... don't spend money you don't have, you'll only get yourself in trouble