Complete beginner looking for help!

[DC5Noob]

Hi,

I am a complete beginner when it comes to integras and forums alike so I apologise for my possible stupidity.

I am looking to buy a DC5 and I am struggling to understand the seeming price difference between what is currently available on piston heads and auto trader etc.

Should I be more concerned about condition of the car or mileage, for example if the car looks like it has been sat up for a while, dirty looking engine bay, mild rust under the arches, but only has 55K could this be worth taking on, albeit a bit of a project, or should I spend the extra and buy something that has a higher mileage that has been looked after.

I can't really spend more than 7.5K, does this mean I am bound to buy something that will have some sort of issue, weather it is condition or mileage?

Also is there any tips people could give me incase I'm simply not thinking about it in the right way,

I fell in love with these cars years ago but don't want to be blinded by my want for the car by purchasing foolishly!

Any help would be very appreciated!

Many thanks!

 

[Johngreen537]

I wouldn't worry about a car that's done decent mileage. Mine has 92k on the clock and it's mechanically sound.

Rust wise though, I'd walk away. If it's on the arches, you need to examine it on ramps to be sure it's not rotting underneath. If it looks like it's just had an underseal with rusty arches, I'd be worried it's got something to hide too.

If you've got 7.5k to play with, I'd take a look in the for sale section here. Most owners on here document the cars in a thread, so you can get a better history than service book stamps!

Oil is critical on k series engines, so check it's oil level and the colour on the dipstick. If it's lower than minimum and black as soot, then I would assume it's not been under the best care. Generally though, the engines are strong and will last untold time when looked after.

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[Lukeyboi89]

Perfect advice above.

I would definitely buy one from here that has a lot of history with it.

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[DC5Noob]

Thanks for the reply!

I spotted some rust on the arches which threw a big concern up and it looks like its been sat up a while as the whole thing is very groggy!

What should I expect paying 7-7.5K for one, I take it this won't buy me a perfect one as they seem to be going for more like 8.5K +

Thanks!

 

[TyperItr]

If you are patient enough i am sure one will come up within your budges as i think you have a decent budget for a good condition prefacelift. 100% i would buy on condition and not mileage. There are a good few high mileage examples around that have been minded well and I would purchase one of these way before a low mileage example if the condition was not up to scratch. These cars are very durable and can handle the mileage very well.

 

[Linus27]

Yes, agree with above. 7.5k will get you a nice pre-facelift and I would buy from this forum also. There has been a few nice ones on here recently for sale. I would also go for higher mileage but good condition over low mileage and rust/poor condition.

 

[adam.]

Condition. Condition. Condition.

That's how you buy a specialist car of any kind.

 

[muffinman]

Every car ive bought has always been based on condition, especially hondas!

Arguably you could spend 8.5k and it could still need a few bits doing, i think you'll find a dc5 sold on here would better than one from autotrader.

To be honest you could probably buy a fresh import for 10+k and it wouldn't be perfect!

 

[Alexander0628]

Iv seen a few nice ones floating about for 8k if you could stretch your budget abit.

First reply is what you want to be looking for.
And to add mine is at 83k and just been mapped and is running sweet.

Woukd trade good bodywork for miles as these k20 are soild if properly maintained. And rust can just be one big can of worms.

 

[Alexander0628]

But then just to add, rear arch rust is common on these cars as with the age, so is by the side of the front struts so if you see some dont be put off right away just do some more digging,

Great place to check is under the rear bumper(grab a torch and stick your head under the car and check), the boot floor and bottom door seals.

 

[DC5Noob]

Great responses so far guys! Really appreciated!

I'm gunna have a look again at this 'run down' one near me as I think I could at least learn what to keep away from!

I have been looking on the for sale section on this website and there is a couple that I would assume look perfect for me, but I am still worried my lack of knowledge will lead me to a problem.

There is one up for 7750 on the forum, if anyone could tell me what they think of this it would be greatly appreciated as I may take a look this weekend if it's still available and worth while in the opinion of some one like you guys who know what your looking at! Or if there are any on here anyone would recommend?

Once again though, thankyou for your responses so far, given me a good idea of the direction I need to look in!

 

[p1tse]

Good luck

As above condition over mileage

Some amazing cars here which have 100k+ and still used as a daily

Trade ones which don't appear to be fresh import and has lower mileage I bet its a mix of km and miles etc. and then they try and quote it all being km.

C.£8k should get you a nice pre facelift
Albeit even unblemished then it's easy to spend on these motors just to make it that little cleaner, updated, fresher or new toys !

 

[integraleo]

Sold my supercharged one a month ago. Had 129k on it but I'd had it 5 year's and was well looked after. Rear arches needed doing but the rest of the car was solid. Was running 320 hp with gearbox rebuilt with carbon synchros, new clutch,nearly new tyres re070 all round, seats and rest of the interior in very good condition, even mats and rear parcel shelf in good nick.....sold that for 8k....it's up for 9800 ish now I think

 

[p1tse]

Sold my supercharged one a month ago. Had 129k on it but I'd had it 5 year's and was well looked after. Rear arches needed doing but the rest of the car was solid. Was running 320 hp with gearbox rebuilt with carbon synchros, new clutch,nearly new tyres re070 all round, seats and rest of the interior in very good condition, even mats and rear parcel shelf in good nick.....sold that for 8k....it's up for 9800 ish now I think

Is that your old one on eBay at the moment , think a PFL with FL front lights and different bumper?

 

[DC5Noob]

Ouch,bet that was a hell of a toy!

I'm thinking I need to go view a few and get an idea of what I can get for what I want to spend!

However any suggestions from anyone for the ones that are currently for sale would be greatly appreciated!

Hopefully I will be getting one soon!

 

[integraleo]

Yes that's my old one, it's a Jun bumper, lights not changed the bumper covers the teardrop parts of them. Fun car that

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[DC5Noob]

Would love to have bought that!

Is there any out there ATM you would recommend?

Looking at the one on here at 97K miles, what do you think?

 

[Darren4]

Do you have a specific spec your after i.e c pack, mods ect.

You should put a wanted advert in the 'wanted' section to see whats out there, as a lot of members could be thinking about selling up.

Having a car thats not been in the country long is a good plus

 

[DC5Noob]

Thanks for the reply darren!

Ideally I would like a c pack with push button start however I am happy to add this myself, just a small preference! I'm happy to have completely standard or minimal mods but nothing crazy!

I'm essentially looking for the lowest mileage, good condition in terms of engine and body work, that I can get for no more than 7.5K as I would be in trouble for stretching higher than that!

Good idea though, I will post a message on the wanted section, and having looked at what's about am hopefully viewing a few this weekend, would be good to get some feedback on some photos of one's I look at if I post them on here to see if I'm making a good choice or not.

 

[p1tse]

Will you have plans to mod, sometimes easier and cheaper in the long run if you have one which has had some good choice of mods?