Would you purchase a '96 teg with high mileage? Help!

[Guf]

Hey, so I'm going to see an integra this weekend that looks like it's in mint condition and has some mods (air intake, rims) for 3k. The only downside is, it is a 96 SE LS model and it has 170k miles on the odometer. Now, in a market where I could find a 99 teg with 110-130k on it for the same price, would you buy it? Or is it too risky? I'm a student and I need it to last for at least 2 years, would I have valid reason to worry?

In contrast, the owner wrote the following:

Timing Belt & Water Pump Replaced, Cold Air Intake, Fuel Pressure Regulator, New (Battery, Distributor, NGK G-Power Wires & Plugs, Engine Coolant Temp. Sensor), Regular Scheduled Maintenance & Tuned Ups, Oil Change Every 4K w/Only Synthetic Oil

Still, people I ask look at me and say "dude...it's 1996". Any advice appreciated, thanks!

 

[JGvtec]

Every 4K w/Only Synthetic Oil

Thats a plus.

When was all the work done though, at what mileage? It would also help if you ran a compression test.

 

[natron84]

Well, its a honda so its gonna last. Mine has 220000 on it and it still runs strong. That being said, its always risky to buy a car that has already been modded. Even if its only light bolt ons the owner wouldn't have put them on if he didn't want to beat on the throttle a little.

 

[Guf]

Every 4K w/Only Synthetic Oil

Thats a plus.

When was all the work done though, at what mileage? It would also help if you ran a compression test.

He didn't mention, I plan to ask him when I go see it. I would do a compression test but I dont know how to, I'm thinking about asking him to go to a mechanic close-by to run the test.

I dunno, the car just appeals to me. The color is unique (midnight purple) and it's sitting on black rims and '98 type r suspension. The car also looks to be in very good condition, and the fact that it's a 96 throws me off...

 

[72Spitfire]

Most Honda and Acura engines will go over 300k with proper maintenance. I would ask when (mileage) the water pump and timing belt had been changed last, can they prove it??. They are good for about 90k miles. It will last you for a while as 170k is not much for a B series engine.

 

[72Spitfire]

Also, is it a standard shift or auto? It seems the auto tranny's fail around 240K (At least the 2 i have had experience with). Manual tranny's are bullet proof if you change fluids regularly and don't run 400 hp through them.

And, see if you can do a compression check. If he says "No"...walk away!

 

[Guf]

Also, is it a standard shift or auto? It seems the auto tranny's fail around 240K (At least the 2 i have had experience with). Manual tranny's are bullet proof if you change fluids regularly and don't run 400 hp through them.

And, see if you can do a compression check. If he says "No"...walk away!

Automatic, unfortunately...

Here's a pic:

 

[ben h]

if theres no rust and paints good id say go for it im on 224k miles and still going
ah its an auto i wouldnt get it

 

[WAR 178]

2k max IMO
The car will last as long as you take care of it.
I bought my first teggy with 213k and it ran like a dream!

 

[Teggy64]

It's not bad, but I would pass on it cause it's auto. I paid 2k for mine and it's a 97 with 148k. 3k is asking too much especially when it's already modded plus the auto trans are known to crap out.

 

[Cripton805]

Agreed. 2.3k max for me and an Auto.... Everyone is right. Around this time, they start slipping.

 

[OGstackadoIIa]

A little pricey and a little ricey, lol - jk about the rice part. That is a bit much for that car, that year, that mileage, and that transmission type. I would be around the same price as Cripton on this one.
It's a pretty trippy color

 

[Guf]

I'm thinking about offering 2k in cash straight up...2.3k max if anything. If he asks for 2.5 I don't think I'll take it, right?

Also, it comes with a set of alloy tires, has custom taillights, and has a JVC deck.

 

[freespirit]

$2300 seems like a very fair offer for the condition of this vehicle. Have the transmission looked at though.

 

[Surferman]

Make sure you test drive.. turn a corner while going at a good speed and speed up. my auto tranny only slips sometimes when its cold and I do that. lol. i got about 160K.