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Hello, thanks for your reply to my questions about buying a used Toyota Prado I sent in last week. I am also looking at buying a 1996 -97 imported Honda Integra, automatic or manual, non-Vtec, with about 75000 km on the clock. Are there any problems with this model? Thank you.

Robert

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 22 August 2008

My initial thoughts were more around the age of the vehicle rather than the make / model. In your favour however is the kilometres travelled which if genuine, are very low. This model Integra was one I purchased for my son a few years back and he had a great run out of it. I found the non VTEC model much easier and cheaper to insure which is a big consideration for many and performance did not suffer greatly.

Transmission wise I would definitely go manual. The cost of repairing or overhauling any automatic transmission properly can often outweigh the cars value, especially if the vehicle is over ten years old. Honda does not enjoy the best of reputations with some of the older automatics either while the manuals are pretty bullet proof.

Two areas to keep an eye on, once again due to age, are the cam belt (change every five years or 100,000kms) and the cooling system. Have a quick look at the colour of the water in the radiator (engine cold). If it's not green then you need a drain, flush and the Honda additive added to help stop corrosion.