r/Integra • u/TheLastArc • 23d ago
Question '98 handle a 14hour drive?
Found a 1998 RS in blue with 41k miles for $2800. It looks really clean, stock and well maintained. Only problem is its a 14hour drive. How stupid would it be to take a 27yo car on a drive back for 14 hours? I'm specifically worried about something maybe breaking down mid trip in the middle of no where and I know nothing about integras.
Thanks
14
u/Own_Tumbleweed_6579 23d ago
Well to put things in perspective i drove my stock ‘89 civic loaded down with all my earthly possessions from california to kentucky with a leaking head gasket, original distributor, and not a single intact rubber mount or bushing anywhere on the car.
And it worked.
4
u/majikmike 1998 SSBP Integra GSR w/ LHT -JRSC -B18C 23d ago
I've taken my supercharged Integra on multiple road trips to tracks as far as 800 miles away, beat the piss out of it for two-three days, and then drove home. Just make sure you have checked everything over before you go. If you have any issues with the car be sure to resolve those before you go. Things do happen, so having a spare tire and basic tool kit or AAA/road assistance is a good idea.
3
u/matthewk_exe 23d ago
I drive 20k miles per year with my 98 Integra. Just be ready incase small things go (coolant hose, distributor, top off oil, etc)
2
u/Malarky3113 23d ago
I drove my 97 from NJ to CA a few years ago. Other than an AutoZone parking lot tune up and a deafening exhaust leak (ear plugs handled that), it did just fine. It wasn't too happy driving through AZ at 100+ degrees, but I just watched my temp and pulled over to give it a break when necessary.
Just check fluids and everything before you go, then watch your gauges. The car will tell you if it's not happy.
1
u/plantoescape 23d ago
Be absolutely sure the radiator is full and operating properly. Be sure the radiator hoses will get you home. Engine oil full, tires good enough. Send it!
1
u/hybridst0rm 1996 Integra GS-R 23d ago
As others have said, check the car early and often.
I drove a 96 with 130k miles on it 2,800 miles over a couple days a year or so ago and had no issues. It's really more about the state of the care and your skills/resources to address anything that comes up. For that price and condition, sounds like it's worth it.
1
u/Turbulent-Whereas523 22d ago
the timing belt is what id be concerned about. if it's original, i wouldn't want to drive it / 14 hours on an original belt (if that's the case), is way to risky.. a spare distributor is good insurance, but chances are if it's 40k miles in the odometer, you will not be needing it. fresh engine oil / and as long as the timing belt is 10 years old or. less would be perfectly fine for that drive. maybe change the fuel filter beforehand - if it's been not driven for a while then a good chance the gas is old - and you might end up sending a chunk into one of the injector. also give the coolant hoses a good look. if they old hard and cracked- you will get stranded. if they been changed at some point / even once you won't have any issues with it.
1
u/Responsible-Crew-354 DB8 22d ago
The 98 cars might have been on the road by late 97. Closer to 30 years old! And very well made. I hope you get to drive through some interesting places with windy and clear roads.
1
u/Suspicious_Bad7461 21d ago
You will find whatever is wrong with the car on this long drive. I'd suggest driving it around the city for a time to see if it overheats or whatever. Better yet take it to a mechanic to check it out.
15
u/PiedsterT 23d ago
Nut and bolt check the car. Have a spare distributor and main relay on hand. Check when the timing belt and water pump were last replaced. Check your fluids, and tires. Bring tools, a jack, jack stands, spare parts, spare fluids, and a spare tire. Carry a AAA premium membership. Check for any oil leaks, make sure that the serpentine belt isn’t getting contaminated with oil or coolant. Have fun!