I am new here and could not find a general or an off topic Honda/Acura section, so here's my situation:

I am in the market for a sporty import, most likely a Honda or Acura, cause I've been a Honda guy for quite a while. I need an automatic with a 4cyl, coupe or sedan for under 3,500 bucks, just to get me around town while my family use my mid-size sedans (94Accord and 97Legacy) for work and school. In my area, I have found these four cars, I am leaning towards the Honda and the Acura for their reliability.

My question is, what kind of performence difference is there between the 89 Integra and the 89 Prelude? And, what of these cars would you personally choose and why? I just need something cheap and reliable, asides from something sporty. I do not plan to mod the car I get unless I just find some nice Enkeis or Konigs to throw on.

1989 Acura Integra LS coupe $1,995
1989 Honda Prelude coupe, base model $2,995
1991 Nissan 240SX $3,395
1991 Toyota Celica $3,650

EDIT: off subject, I am trying to find the box to click to "subscribe to thread" so I can get an email update, where is this elusive box? I see one now probably because I'm posting, but not when I view threads.

 

hi, with 3.500 you can get easily a OK 92 93 Prelude, get an SI and you'll be getting 160hp, if you preffer 3th gens 88-91 for 2000/2500 you cand find a very nice 3th gen but get the SI (3th gens) they come with 130HP, i'm not sure about old integras but the 91 i guess is rated 140HP but "i think" only the GS or GSR i'm not sure
Oscar
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/526433

 

I would love a 4th gen! I just can't find one in my area so far. I thought SI's were only manuals, and since my fiancee will be driving the car (bad knee), it must be an auto. Are auto SI's hard to come by in 4th Gen?

 

The 4th gen I found is 80 miles away, how does this sound?

1992 Prelude SI
127,000 miles
Automatic
Alloys, Moonroof, Cruise, Tinted windows, 1,000 mile warranty, 100,000 mile warranty available
But, here's the clencher, it's 5 grand.

 

wow, with 5K you can get a Vtec 93 (all leather etc) ... well i think the best way is www.autotrader.com there you can search using your ZIP code, i don't know but sometimes i think those dealers are really ..... whatever dude but with 1.500 you can buy a 88-89 in good condition, not to mention for 800 you can find a bad one and bring to your mechanic, but please don't ever pay 5K on a 92 prelude ,, maybe a 95 (newer, and i little better interior) but search on autotrader they have always good offers (from private owners) trust me with 3K you'll get the same Prelude 92-93 (si, S is the one with the accord engine, good, but a little slow for a prelude) that this dealer is asking 5K ,, ohhh dealers ... they're terrible dude, dammm
Oscar

 

can't find any on autotrader in my area for cheaper. that's the newest cheapest prelude within 75 miles of my zip. i'm in a kind of "domestic only" area.

 

the 4th gen Si definetly comes in auto, I have 95 Si thats auto.