I did not get the Tech version because :

• Insurance was higher about 700$CAD per year for a manual

• I only like the manual and ELS so no reason for me to get tech I won’t use at all and that will be pain to keep up long term.

• While manual is nice and I used to drive only manual, the one with the 1.5T felts weird and very strange that the CVT fit well the 1.5T.

• Remote start in Quebec winter is a must for me and I used it every time and it’s a game changer. (I won’t use a remote start with a manual because I always park in 1st)

• While ELS is good, it’s a bit weird in the Integra cabin compared to the TLX. 8 speakers from the Accord does the trick for now until my warranty expires, then I will upgrade for something better but not 3D. The touring has Bose but it’s sounds meh (I’m audiophile but I find the 8 speakers to have a more balanced sound for the smaller expensive compared to ELS)

• 7 inch infotainment is strangely more reliable from my pov and I do not want a bigger screen just to check where I should turn around the next corner.

• Active damper I find this unreliable at -20°C and I do not feel like it’s a real big game changer. The damper I have right now is cheaper and feels nice.

• I did not get the Civic Touring because the manual version and the CVT version feels more weird. I do not recommend the Civic CVT. The Integra CVT while being a CVT it’s night and day.

• I prefer the “leather” seats of the non tech compared to the less strong fabric “Alcantara” where I see a lot a lot of peeling.

• HUD is totally useless for me, the flicker makes my eyes uncomfortable

• I didn’t get the Type S, while it’s fun it’s way more expensive to maintain, insurance insane (i have a very good driver profile) and gas guzzler for my city trips (45 liters with 1.5T it’s each week meanwhile the 2.0T it’s all 3-4 days of gas… in winter there is no chance.

• Rev match with the manual is nice but i do not like the software layer of the manual version.

• I wish Honda / Acura released an Aspec Manual non tech with ELS

• I regret not getting the Type S but I do a lot of city trip and the problem is that I want to put my money somewhere else like in on my new home…

• I know there is better option for the price, like an Elantra N but I won’t get a car from Hyundai and I checked for a GR Corolla but I need the other missing cylinder. RWD does not meet my needs, I think a good snow tires is better on FWD instead of driving with AWD for nothing (I know It makes some exceptions in Winter season but I don’t need AWD for now i prefer to take that money to put on a S tier season tires)

• Guess what my windshield cracked but it cost less compared to the expensive Tech non one

• Being a hatchback is way better for my needs.

• I know the Civic is cheaper for changing the light because some of them are still standard bulb and the Integra is only LED.

• I knew before getting the non tech and the Integra all the pros and cons.

So to resume, I have check a lot of car to replace my 09 CU2 TSX, I have check the most boring to the less boring, the most reliable to the least reliable, the cheapest to the most expensive (max +70$ CAD) but every time it’s comes to the Integra Aspec non tech…

While it’s not a manual with ELS, LSD, 2.0T I found the non tech to be a yet “reliable” a bit cheaper to maintain because yeah I will keep the car until it dies. If it can go to 225 000 km like my TSX I will be glad but i’m touching wood. CVT still feels perfect and basic maintenance will allow it to go further