Chris Tonn’s discovery of a pristine, low-mileage 1998 Acura Integra GS-R sparked a wave of nostalgia and a serious question about its value in today’s market. As someone who has owned Integra GS-Rs in the past and present, the sight of such a well-preserved model is undeniably exciting. However, the asking price of $11,800 raises eyebrows and prompts a deeper look into the realities of Integra GS-R ownership and its place in automotive history.
To put it bluntly, pricing this Integra GS-R at $11,800 is a bold move. It sits in a grey area between a reasonable price and an outright rip-off, demanding a closer examination of what makes the Integra GS-R special, and whether this particular example justifies such a premium.
Front view of a red Acura Integra GS-R, highlighting its sporty design and 90s aesthetics, parked outdoors.
When the third-generation Acura Integra debuted in 1994, it quickly became a sensation. Appealing to a younger, upwardly mobile demographic, it offered a unique blend of sporty styling, a premium badge, and the renowned reliability of Honda engineering. These Integras were quick, fun to drive, and embodied the desires of the era.
While the base Integra RS model was attractively priced under $14,000 brand new, many buyers opted for the more luxurious LS, GS, and SE trims that followed. For enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance, the Integra GS-R was the prize, boasting a price tag of around $20,000.
However, the late 1990s witnessed the explosive growth of the import tuner scene, and the Integra became its undisputed icon. It was customized for every imaginable automotive subculture – show cars, drag racers, loud street cruisers, and track machines. This immense popularity, unfortunately, bred envy and resentment. Integra GS-Rs became prime targets for theft, their sought-after parts easily interchangeable with the more affordable and lighter Honda Civics, further fueling the demand for stolen components.
Side profile of a silver Acura Integra GS-R parked on a street, showcasing its sleek lines and sporty wheels.
Jumping to 2015, the automotive landscape has drastically changed. Almost every automaker now offers a vehicle that is affordable, quick, enjoyable to drive, comfortable, and dependable. Yet, the Integra’s legacy persists. Surprisingly, they remain targets for theft and continue to be modified for racing and shows, while some still serve as daily drivers. A considerable number are available for sale, but the vast majority have suffered the ravages of time, modifications, rust, or a combination thereof.
Finding a decent Integra GS-R equipped with the legendary B18C VTEC engine is still achievable for around $4,000. With luck, you might even stumble upon a relatively stock example, as I once did. While it might not be flawless – Integra rear quarter panels are notorious for rust, paint fade is common, and questionable modifications are often found – it can be a solid foundation. Parts remain relatively inexpensive, and a cottage industry has emerged, with many individuals buying Integras in any condition to dismantle and sell components. Even new OEM parts are still available, ensuring some level of support for these aging machines.
Rear angled view of a blue Acura Integra GS-R with aftermarket wheels, emphasizing its sporty rear spoiler and exhaust.
Driven by pure nostalgia, I acquired a 1995 Integra GS-R two years prior. Despite limited parking and driving time, the allure was irresistible. It was a completely original, single-owner car, purchased below Kelley Blue Book value from an owner who was unaware of its performance capabilities, simply wanting a black Integra with a manual transmission. His ignorance was hilariously confirmed during the test drive when he inquired about the “weird noise” above 6,000 rpm – the VTEC engaging.
The purchase was impulsive. While not perfect, the car became a project. Despite its garage-kept New England history, it required more than just routine maintenance. Fuel lines, brake lines, and eventually, the entire suspension were addressed, thanks to a fortuitous deal on Tein coilovers and a comprehensive replacement of every nut, bolt, and bushing. An exhaust issue led to a full OEM JDM Integra Type R exhaust system upgrade, including header, catalytic converter, and muffler, fueled by my obsessive-compulsive desire for originality and performance.
Countless hours of minor work followed, along with rust repair and a full wet sand and polish by Ciro’s Autobody and IPS Racing, both highly recommended establishments. This personal journey brings us back to Chris’s 1998 Acura Integra GS-R and its perplexing price. Due to time constraints from a full-time job, young children, and writing commitments, I outsourced all the labor on my Integra project. Even factoring in professional labor, taxes, fuel, insurance, and even a set of SSR Competition wheels, the total investment in my GS-R remains less than the $11,800 asking price of the featured car.
While a stock, low-mileage Integra GS-R is undoubtedly a rare find, it was never a limited-production vehicle like the coveted Integra Type R, Buick Grand National GNX, or similar collector cars. Therefore, demanding such a high price, especially for a vehicle lacking the correct wheels for its model year, seems excessive.
The Integra Type R market is a different realm altogether. My contacts at IPS Racing are preparing a Type R for sale soon – a barn find needing “a little work” but destined for perfection. For those interested in the more attainable Integra GS-R, it offers a nostalgic trip back to the 90s import scene, but potential buyers should exercise caution and realistic market assessments before committing to prices that might be more driven by dreams than reality.
