What's up? Chillin round here. My question is for all those fellow tuners out there. In january I plan to buy an import I'm not sure wich to get. I've narrowed it down to about 3 cars. the first is a 1995 bmw 318ti. The second is 1994-1997 acura integra. the third is a 1994-1998 honda accord. All these cars fit in my budget of about $4,000. I want to know wich is the better buy also wich will cost less to customize on a budget.  

integras hands down probly second in aftermarket support next to its sister car the civic and make sure ita a g-sr or forget it  

Acura Integra GSR, I own a 1997 Integra GSR and have no problems to report. It is more reliable than a BMW and will cost less to repair. You will be able to spend more $$$ for aftermarket parts and mods than repair costs. The Integra is easy to work on and you can locate tons of aftermarket parts just about anyplace online like EBay.  

The Integra. No doubt there. Parts are easy to come by. Great car all around, easy to work with too. Can't go wrong there. One question... is it an actual import(JDM)?  

no theres not even an acura company in japan its only honduh or europe for that matter they just know were dumb enough to pay more for the same car with better looks  

Well for about a grand more you could by a 95 240sx with good body condition with a broken motor. Then buy an sr20 motor to put in it. That in my opinion would be sweet. Its got, looks, rwd and a the sr20 motors good for like 400 horsepower. Although you get 200 when you get the motor, you can up the boost levels to like 13 and get a hell of a lot more power. I dont know thats my dream.  

No I understand that Acura is nothing but an american like branch of honda, just as scion is toyota's and same for mitsubishi and eagle. (Well somewhat, you should get the picture by now) I was just wondering if it was an actual Integra from Japan. Though I doubt it, imports are hard to come by. Legalization, vin number, insurance, meeting dot standards; the costs and process alone are a hassle. However a JDM Integra would be nice...  

I can understand people that say you should grab an integra. No doubt a great car with a lot of aftermarket oportunities. Honestly though I drive a 318ti and I've driven several of my friends integras (not saying that im an expert on them though), I would say to go for the 318ti. Although the aftermarket part following is not as large, BMW parts are EXTREMELY interchangable. The 318ti already has quite a strong 4cyl (and there are a few safe and strong supercharger kits), but the m3 engine from that bodycode will fit in perfectly. The new engines will fit easily too, but it takes more work. So if you go crazy and do an engine swap you have an engine that has as much following as the integras. LSDs are also interchangeable. Also the 318ti is rear wheel drive, handling is amazing, and 50/50 weight. BMW and Acura's build quality are both very nice. Plus its fun to drive a 318ti since they are more rare then most tuner cars.  

i think everyone here knows my position on euros but the 318 is actually a good car and if i had the money might look into one but im more inclined to an import  

Ok, if those are your three choices you narrowed down after alot of reaserching, I'm going to have to say go with the 3 Series Beamer, just for the simple fact that they are nice somwhat luxurious cars compared to the other two, and nicer looking. The Accord is a four door mom mobile (nothing wrong with that,just not the performance enthuisiast's first choice), and the Integra is the most played out car after the Honda Civic. 3rd in line would have to be the Nissan 240.

First off, are you just trying to get a nice daily driver or go fast. If you are looking to go fast, I wouldn't pick any of those three, but if your looking for a nice daily driver, the Hondas have excellent build quality, but im sure ladies like a clean BMW more than they do your typical Honda econo-box.

Think a little more about your choices, and what you want to do with the car.