Acura car theft

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Old news (May 2001) (www.carsafety.org):
Car thefts are down on a per vehicle basis.
2.6 claims per 1000 per vehicle-year for more recent cars, versus prior years' models' history.
(Don't know if there's some bias here.)

What caught my eye: Acura Integra 2-door 1998-2000 model years: 21.6 thefts per 1000 vehicle years. The 4-door model was 16.1!

Q: What's so appealing to these cars? Are they just too easy to steal, combined with a best-in-class status, or is it one of them street-racing deals like in that "Fast and Furious" movie? Or is there a shortage of parts? What?

I was interested in buying one, but now it will require my cleaning out space in my garage. Maybe next year, when I'm done.

[Old Actuary]

Honda Accords, which are cousins of the Integra, are notoriously easy to steal or break into. You just need a pry bar to peel the top of the door back about six inches and unlock it.

It happened to me twice and I was able to bend the door back into shape by hand. It's not very sturdy construction.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Yes, but you'd still have to WANT to steal it, if you're a thief. Not that you are, of course. Innocent until proven otherwise.

So, what's the appeal? Anyone?

[IHope2Pass]

IH2P Theory:
The more popular a car, the more likely a target of theft because the parts are more popular. This might explain the Accord... but the integra???

[Maxprime]

Worst car to own is actually the F-Body (Firebird/Camaro) of the late 90's. Their windows don't have frames and therefore are very easy to pry out of the track and get into the car.

[3rookie]

I would assume that Integra parts could be used for Accords since they are the same company.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

I've always wondered about this. The Accords have been #1 many times for the most stolen car in America, but they also are usually in the top 3 where sales are concerned. On a per-car basis the thefts of the Accord (and its main rival the Camry) are just average compared to other cars.

I considered buying an Integra a few years ago, but the ridiculous theft rate was the deciding factor that deterred me from buying it. Even if I was willing to live with the risk, my insurance company wouldn't, and they'd charge me some serious premiums. I wonder what the stats are on the Integra's replacement, the RSX and its cousin the TSX.

There must be something more than just parts why it is so popular among thieves. There must be some specific type of gangsta appeal to it.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Maybe the wishbone suspension allows for better trickery?

Here are my guesses (TAN: why am I posting to a three-year-old thread?):
1. Easy to steal.
2. Well-established black market for parts.
3. Little changes between model years.
4. Parts are too expensive at retail.

[2pac Shakur]

The statistics are rigged.
It's a scam way for the insurance company to make money.
Wake up you ostriches!