Seller Destroys a 1998 Acura Integra Type R Hours After Selling on Bring a Trailer for $51,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Car crashes happen. As long as no one is injured, most people move on about their lives, and insurance does the rest. This is perfectly fine for a normal car like a Nissan Altima or Honda Civic. However, when the crashed car is an enthusiast icon like a 1998 Acura Integra Type R, the crash stings enthusiasts everywhere. It’s even worse when the 1998 Integra Type R is already sold on Bring a Trailer for $51,000 and then gets wrecked. 

1998 Acura Integra Type R | Bring a Trailer

Acura Integra Type R meets a sorrowful ending

According to CarScoops, Bring a Trailer user swind74 recently bought a 1998 Acura Integra Type R after placing a winning bid of $51,000. The buyer was so stoked on the new ride that they commented after winning the auction that the Type R was their “first car in high school,” and they “can’t wait to drive [one] again.” 

However, tragedy soon struck everyone involved in the sale. Only hours after the auction ended, the seller took the Type R out for one last spin. The seller commented on the listing, “took the car out and wrecked it tonight, so it looks like no one is getting it.” Buzzkill. 

Bring a Trailer had to step in 

Images of the Type R from the seller's listing on Bring a Trailer
1998 Acura Integra Type R | Bring a Trailer

After reporting the incident to Bring a Trailer, BaT investigated the situation and confirmed that the seller did wreck the car after the listing ended. It would be fair to suspect some sort of scam or something, but that was deemed to be not the case here. Bring a Trailer commented, “We have confirmed with the seller that the car was damaged following the end of the auction.”

Of course, the most important thing is that no one was hurt in the crash. After that confirmation, Bring a Trailer also made sure not to charge the buyer for any purchasing fees. 

Vistecimports posted a photo to their Instagram of a rather banged-up Type R, insinuating that the car had been wrecked. The photo shows the ugly remains of a crumbled up Integra Type R on the side of the road at night. The crash was later further confirmed by a CarFax report that described a crash that damaged both the front and rear ends. The report even states that the airbags were deployed and that overall the car received moderate damage. 

What makes the Acura Integra Type R so desirable? 

Hagerty says the average cost of a 1998 Acura Integra Type R is $52,700. So, why is a late 90s Acura so valuable? Collectability is a strange thing. It often comes from wanting something as a young person who couldn’t afford the item. Once a generation of people grow up and have their own money to spend, the things they wanted as kids become more expensive as demand for that nostalgic item also goes up. 

The Hagerty valuation analyst Adam Wilcox says, “The Integra Type R market has been getting hotter over the last year, and auctions on BaT are known for having outrageous results.” So, the Integra Type R is not only nostalgic; it’s fast. 

According to Hagerty, The front-wheel-drive Acura Integra Type R has a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder VTEC engine that produces nearly 200 hp paired with a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission. It can do 0–60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 143 mph. Those figures paired with a bit of high school nostalgia make for quite the package.

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug

Over the past few years, the collector market has gone bananas. Normal cars and trucks, barely 20 years old, with low miles, have been going for Ferrari money. However, the pull to experience the stuff we remember from our youth is a strong force, and the money spent on these cars proves it. 

RELATED: Can’t Afford an Acura Integra Type R? Buy a 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S Instead

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This 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R Just Set an R34 Auction Record

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Skyline GT-R isn’t the only JDM car, sporty or otherwise, that’s eligible for importation these days. However, its iconic status within the automotive community makes it one of the most popular—and most desirable. Some Skyline GT-Rs have sold for similar prices to used modern R35 GTRs. Others, though, have commanded even higher prices. And recently, one 1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R set a world auction record.

A 1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec broke auction records on Bring a Trailer

1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec | Bring a Trailer

Several high-valued R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs have popped up for sale in recent months. The 1999 V-Spec example that recently sold on Bring a Trailer, though, is a bit special.

While it’s not the most expensive R34 Skyline GT-R ever sold, it’s now the priciest one sold at auction, Hagerty reports. The previous record-holder went for the equivalent of $313.4K at a 2020 Japanese auction, GT-R Registry says. This 1999 model, though, sold for $315,187. With the buyer’s commission, that works out to $320,187.

The gray front seats and dashboard of a 1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec seen through the open doors
1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec front interior | Bring a Trailer

Part of the reason for this 1999 R34 Skyline GT-R’s price tag is that it’s a V-Spec model. Like the standard R34, it has a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, a six-speed manual, all-wheel steering, and all-wheel drive. However, the V-Spec’s AWD system has an active rear limited-slip differential, GT-R Registry notes. It also has carbon-fiber front and rear diffusers, as well as sportier, lowered suspension. And inside it has an expanded version of the standard multi-function LCD screen.

This 1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec, though, has two more features that contributed to its $315K final price. Firstly, fewer than 300 R34 V-Specs were painted Midnight Purple II like this car. And the second reason for the high bid has to do with why all R34s are rising in value: its Show or Display status.

Why is the R34 Skyline GT-R so expensive?

It’s worth pointing out that all Nissan Skyline GT-R models have gotten more expensive in recent years. That’s partially because auction-goers’ tastes are shifting towards 1980s and 1990s cars, especially performance-oriented imports. Hence why a pristine 2000 Civic Si sold in 2020 for $50,000.

The other reason for rising GT-R values is because they’re finally eligible for importation. There’s significant pent-up demand for this JDM icon fueled by genuine performance and Fast and Furious memories. That’s why R32 GT-R values climbed after it became 25 years old, Hagerty explains. Then when the newer, more advanced R33 became import-eligible, it, too, became more valuable.

And since the R34 Skyline GT-R “is the one everyone wants,” Road & Track muses, it’s generally the most valuable. That’s why, even though it’s not 25 years old yet, examples in Japan are already spiking in value, Hagerty notes. As of this writing, the cheapest examples Toprank Importers have stored in Japan cost roughly $140,000.

That last part is the other reason why the 1999 V-Spec went for over $315K on BaT. As of this writing, there are only two ways to legally own an R34 Skyline GT-R in the US. The first is finding one of the handful federalized by MotoRex. And the other is by importing a 1999 V-Spec or 2002 M-Spec Nür under the NHTSA Show or Display rules, R&T explains. The latter is what the seller of this Midnight Purple II V-Spec did.  

Was this V-Spec model worth the high price?

The rear 3/4 view of a a 1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec on a road
1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec rear 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

So, to summarize, this 1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec’s auction price stems from a combination of desirability and rarity. Plus, it only has about 40,000 miles on the clock as well as Ohlins dampers.

That being said, this V-Spec model might not be the auction record-holder for longer. A 10-km M-Spec Nür is about to head to auction and might go for close to $500K. And in three more years, the first R34s will turn 25. That might shift the market values somewhat.

But for now, the winning bidder has one of the only US-road-legal examples of a highly desirable 1990s JDM supercar. $315,187 is admittedly a steep price to pay for any car. But in terms of emotional satisfaction, it might be worth it. Not to mention, the bidder now owns a genuine record-holding vehicle.

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RELATED: Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R

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The Honda Civic Is All the Car You Need for $15,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Honda Civic is arguably the most popular cheap car of all time. For good reason, too. Even in this market, it’s easy to get a good deal on one. Supply is plentiful, and despite the Honda Civic’s hot boy tuner reputation, owners generally take care of their cars. This combination of factors makes America’s favorite sedan the perfect candidate for sneaking in under the high used car market values right now.

Even in this market, $15,000 goes a long way

A 2014 Honda Civic | Frederic J. Brown via Getty Images

According to a recent study by iSeeCars, the Civic is the best sedan (or coupe) to take your dollar as far as it can go. The publication sampled millions of models across a wide range of five to seven-year-old vehicles and the Japanese sedan came out on top, closely followed by another Honda: the Fit. Their quality testing also ranked the Civic highly in safety and reliability.

Of course, that should come to the surprise of no one. The little sedan is cheap, fuel-efficient, and stylish. It has been for a long time too. The study found that the Honda Civic came in an average of $15,000 below the $15,000 pricing benchmark. Even better, this price is applicable to newer models. It really is not hard to find a clean, newer model for this kind of money, which is only one of the reasons the vehicle is so appetizing

Why the Honda Civic?

The black-on-black interior of a Honda Civic
The interior of the Civic | Jim Watson via Getty Images

So, we’ve established that practically, the Honda Civic is a good value. But, car purchases are often also made simply because the buyer likes the car. Well, there’s plenty to like about the Civic, as talked about briefly above. For the more practically minded, the Civic is just as nice as it is for the enthusiast, offering plenty for both crowds in the way of features and amenities.

Newer models have only become better looking, and the older designs have aged relatively well compared to the rest of the econo-car crop. this is especially true for the hotter Si models. On top of that, the interior is a great place to be for the money. Newer models also offer a host of creature comforts like radar cruise and newer, Bluetooth-capable stereos.

Is it a good idea to buy right now?

Honda's logo among plants in an office
The logo of the Japanese company | Philip Fong via Getty Images

Now that we’ve established that a Honda Civic of any variety is a good buy, it’s time to discuss whether you should say goodbye to your old ride and hop into one. Right now, used market values are historically high. So, selling that old whip won’t be a problem as long as it’s been taken care of. We also know now that the Civic is a solid score that can be had for below $15,000. There really is not much to lose here. Despite the market, it’s easy to find a clean model, even a Civic Si like this one, to get into without much headache. Plus, we know that the Civic historically holds value very well, making this a great buy at any point in time.

RELATED: Lease a New 2021 Honda HR-V for Less Than You Think

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The Fastest New SUVs Under $50,000 According to U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

People buy SUVs for many reasons. They’re typically among the most spacious and versatile vehicles. SUVs often offer a better view of the road ahead too. But what about driving dynamics? As it turns, driving an SUV can make for a pretty fun experience, especially if you find yourself behind the wheel of a sporty SUV. The good news is if you’re in the market for a sporty SUV, U.S. News has revealed its picks for the fastest new SUVs under $50,000. Let’s find out what they are. 

Shop Mazda if you want a fast SUV that won’t break the bank

If you’re shopping for a sporty SUV on a budget, you’d be wise to shop Mazda’s current lineup. In fact, according to U.S. News, models like the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo, 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring, and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 make up some of the fastest new SUVs under $50,000.

The 2021 Mazda CX-9, which found itself near the top of U.S. News’ list, comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Use regular fuel, and the CX-9 makes 227-hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. Opt for premium fuel instead, and the CX-9 churns out an impressive 250-hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. As for how much the CX-9 costs? Boasting a starting price of $34,160, this year’s model is as budget-friendly as it is quick.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring, on the other hand, starts at $30,560 and comes driven by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. According to U.S. News, while regular fuel will have the CX-5 Grand Touring churning out 227-hp, opting for premium fuel instead will have this sporty SUV delivering up to 250-hp.

As for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo? With a starting price of $30,050, the CX-30 Turbo is the cheapest new Mazda SUV on the list. At the heart and soul of it is a 227-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Fill the CX-30 Turbo with premium fuel instead, and the CX-30 Turbo is rated up to 250-hp, U.S. News reports.

BMW sells some of the fastest new SUVs under $50,000

Mazda isn’t the only brand manufacturing sporty SUVs. As a matter of fact, U.S. News included several new BMW SUVs in its list of the fastest new SUVs under $50,000. Take, for example, the 2021 BMW X1. Equipped with a 228-hp 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder engine, this year’s model offers no shortage of power under the hood. And, with a base price of $35,400, the 2021 BMW X1 is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers on the hunt for a sporty new SUV under $50,000.

The 2021 BMW X3 earned itself a spot on U.S. News’ list of the fastest new SUVs under $50,000 too. Standard with a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, U.S. News reports that the 2021 BMW X3 offers up more than enough power to “hustle around town or on the highway.” As for how much it costs? The 2021 BMW X3 boasts a starting price of $43,000.

BMW X4 | BMW

U.S. News also included the 2021 BMW X4 among its picks for the fastest new SUVs under $50,000. Unfortunately, the BMW X4 starts at $51,600. But if you’re willing to spend the extra cash? U.S. News reports that with a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, the X4 is well worth the spend. 

These new luxury SUVs boast plenty of power under the hood

A blue 2021 Jaguar E-Pace parked, the 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is a sporty SUV
2021 Jaguar E-Pace | Jaguar

As for those on the prowl for a new luxury SUV? U.S. News included plenty of luxury SUVs among its list of the fastest new SUVs under $50,000. The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace 300 Sport P300, for instance, starts at just under $50,000 and comes equipped with a 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the 2022 Audi Q5 comes driven by a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and starts at $44,100.

And if neither luxury SUV is quite your style? U.S. News also included the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace among its picks for the fastest new SUVs under $50,000. Not only does this year’s model come equipped with a 246-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but, according to U.S. News, it also boasts impressive handling and cornering abilities. Consider that it starts at $49,995, and it’s no surprise this year’s model was able to earn itself a spot on U.S. News’ list.

As for which new SUV you should choose? You’ve got plenty of options that are worth your consideration, especially if you’re in the market for a new SUV under $50,000. Try taking a few of these options out for a spin, and you’re bound to find yourself behind the wheel of the perfect sporty SUV for satisfying all of your daily driving needs.

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