1994 Acura Integra

The 1994 Acura Integra is a popular compact sports car known for its reliability, handling, and fuel efficiency. It came in various trim levels, including the RS, LS, GS, and GS-R. The base engine options were a 1.8L DOHC inline-4 B18B1 engine producing around 142 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The higher performance GS-R model featured a 1.8L DOHC VTEC inline-4 B18C1 engine generating approximately 170 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic, depending on the trim level. People often praise the Integra for its sporty handling, precise steering, and overall driving experience. Conversely, some common complaints include rust issues, especially in colder climates, and the car’s age, leading to potential wear and tear on various components.

Engine

1.8L DOHC B18B1

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points, including the valve cover gasket, distributor o-ring, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, oil consumption, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the affected gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 - $150+
• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The distributor can fail due to age and wear, leading to issues like misfires, rough idling, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace the distributor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+

1.8L DOHC VTEC B18C1 (GS-R)

• VTEC Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The VTEC solenoid can experience leaks or malfunction, affecting the VTEC system’s engagement. Symptoms include a lack of power at higher RPMs or VTEC not engaging properly.
  • Solution: Replace or repair the VTEC solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some B18C1 engines can experience oil consumption due to worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
  • Solution: Depending on the severity, solutions range from using a heavier weight oil to replacing the piston rings or valve stem seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (heavier oil) - $1500+ (engine rebuild)

Transmission

5-Speed Manual (All Engines)

• Worn Synchronizers
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into certain gears, particularly 2nd and 3rd, indicates worn synchronizers.
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, or a soft clutch pedal are signs of clutch failure.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+

4-Speed Automatic (B18B1 Only)

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slippage, delayed shifts, or erratic shifting behavior can occur due to worn clutches or valve body issues.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission service or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid and filter change) - $2000+ (transmission replacement)

Suspension

• Worn Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn suspension bushings can cause clunking noises, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Common culprits include control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and trailing arm bushings.
  • Solution: Replace the worn bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking struts or shocks, excessive bouncing, and poor handling indicate strut or shock failure.
  • Solution: Replace the struts or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+

Electrical

• Main Relay Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The main relay can fail, causing the car not to start or stall intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the main relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows can malfunction due to worn motors, regulators, or switches.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty motor, regulator, or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust is a common issue, especially in areas with harsh winters. Susceptible areas include the rear quarter panels, rocker panels, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on severity)

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack due to age and exposure to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or install a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (cover) - $500+ (replacement)

Summary

The 1994 Acura Integra, while a fun and reliable car, is prone to certain issues due to its age. Engine and transmission problems, especially related to oil leaks, distributor failure, worn synchronizers, and automatic transmission issues, can be moderately expensive to fix. Suspension issues, like worn bushings and strut failure, are also common and can impact handling. Electrical problems, such as main relay failure and power window issues, are relatively inexpensive to repair. Rust is a significant concern, particularly in certain climates, and repairs can range from minor to very costly. Overall, potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common issues and factor in potential repair costs when considering a purchase.