Hey everyone,

I am fortunate to say that I will be able to use around 17K$ to a car of my choice. This car will function as a daily-driver, and it will be a college car. (I presume I will attend UCIrvine next year!).

As of right now, I am looking at these three cars ;
-99-00 Civic Si Coupe
-99-01 Honda Prelude 5th Gen
-99-01 Integra GS-R

I just wanted to know what you all thought of each of these, and if any really stood out in your opinion? Of course, If i purchased the Si, I could mod it ... wheras if I were to purchase either the Prelude or GS-R I wouldn't have much room to do so.

I do not care if my car is a 12 second car or whatnot, but rather a fun daily-driver that is somewhat quick. I just want a well-rounded car. I think what i'm really looking for is a car that I can go 65mph's on the freeway in, but step on it and actually go somewhere! (My Toyota 4Runner doesn't cut it :[ )

I would really appreciate any insight you all had, because obviously you all are experienced.

Hope to be hearing from ya soon!

Thanks!
-Brent

 

You listed 3 very good cars. Of course I'm biased having owned my listed Prelude since it was brand new, but I actually tested the other two as well. You can't go wrong with any. The factor that set the Prelude apart for me from the other two was exclusivity and refinement: the GS-R and Si are factory souped-up versions of otherwise standard stock vehicles. The Prelude is, from the wheels to the roof and bumper to bumper, unique. It shares a platform with the 6th gen Accord, but that's it. It was drawn up at the factory to be it's own car, whereas the Civic and Integra are the basis for the Si and GS-R. Prelude is a much smoother ride, less interior noise, and more luxurious cloth on the seats. Some people have even said the Prelude is more of an Acura than a Honda. Biggest difference, however, was when VTEC engaged, and this is what really did it for me....... on the Si and GS-R, the engines are SCREAMING at the top of their lungs. The Prelude lets out a sweet, sexy, full throated purrrrr. This can be attributed to the larger displacement. I have 85k on it and have not had a problem. Just routine maintainance.

 

Hey,

Thanks for the insight

I have a question though;

Are you saying that you don't feel vTEC kick in the prelude as hard as you do in the Civic Si / GS-R? Or by purr / screaming were you just referring to the noise?

Thanks again,

And keep em comin!

-Brent

 

i wouldnt get the gsr mainly cuz its 4 doors, or the civic cuz everyone has one :/

 

I would go for a 2000 Celica GT-S. I test drove one and was impressed. It feels like the old Porsche 944--the steering, the chassis. Plus, I love the raspy engine. I know they're everywhere but the car is a real looker inside and out and its the lightest car in its class. It felt special to drive, and that's good enough for me.

 

i say prelude.. because it looks nice... it could pull pretty good and chicks dig the lude! =)

 

Nooooo, don't go Celica, bad safety problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay first off, I'm with machinehead on the Civic thang, EVERYBODY has one, I'm almost tired of seeing them, do't get me wrong though I do like them, just hooked up.
2nd the screaming from the engines, he must mean the sound, when your putting the pedal to the medal, the engines on the other 2 make a screaming sound which is really funny if not kind of annoying. But the Prelude, OOOOOHHHHH.................
It makes a soft purring sound from the engine. And the Vtec, if you can't feel the kick in the Prelude when foot stmps on the gas there's somethin' wrong. Yes, the SI and GSR are fast but a lot of people have to soup them up to do so. The Prelude is fast at stock. And I may be wrong, but I believe 97-up was stock with a H22, I may be wrong. Either way, I'd say go with the older of Preludes, if you are talking about Irvine, CA. don't forget you have to pay insurance, so check it out before you buy. Me, I am getting a Prelude when I return from Korea. An older one like 93-94, and putting a H22 engine in it, I am souping mine up.
Go PRELUDE Dude, it's the only way to get what you want.

 

Yeah, I was refering to the melody rather than the power..... I love engaging VTEC. It is like butter! The power is there, don't worry about that. It's got more punch than an Si, and just as much if not a little more than a GS-R. Tell you what. Find a female who knows cars, and you will get her into a very good mood taking a VTEC Prelude out on the twisties, keeping the engine between 4500-6500 (the sweet spot). No lie. It's that :naughty: .

 

The preludes are alot faster I think, but my results may be a little off since I have so many aftermarket parts but seriously though, if you spend a little money on a prelude they can get down to high 13s in the 1/4 mile very easily, the 4gs at least, im not sure about the 5gs, I'm sure with a little more weight reduction and aftermarket parts they would do 13s, my 4g with an intake, header, TB coolant bypass, reset ecu, and removed spare tire & passenger seat runs low 14s when it had 137k miles and a clutch with 137k on it and stock tires, they have alot of potential, last time I raced a gs-r I had to judge car lengths from my rear view mirror, I cant wait to race it when its done with all my new mods