MechEng

Over the holidays, me and some friends got talking about the new cars they purchased, one of them a Merc C-Class, the other a Mitsu Lancer Sport-UT. Both nice vehicles, but they were so shocked when I told them I still have my 94 Integra. I purchased it from my brother in 2008 when he had a small fender bender and I decided that my 96 Prelude had seen better days. It was starting to rust extensively and I couldn't help but be drawn back into the 90s Golden Era for Honda. The Integra was so peppy I remember, definitely not as fast as my Prelude but eager off the line.

The amazing part is I think the car is still 'keeping with the times'. On average 26mpg combined and 30+mpg on the highway, are specs some new cars struggle to match.
I can haul all kinds of building materials in the hatch, carry 4 people, and even though it has 142hp it will easily do 0-60 in less than 8s because it is so light.

a)Ok what am I missing: new cars are probably safer, but I have one Air Bag and great handling to avoid accidents.
b)New cars are probably quieter: yes the car can be noisy, but I spayed rubber asphalt in my wheel wells and that has made it better.
c)New cars are more reliable: really? Sure their initial quality is impressive, but lets see how they withstand 18 years of living in the rust belt. Ok I've done my fair share of body work via some pop rivets and sheet metal but who cars, the car is my daily driver.

I did a tally and the following are the only non-maintenance repairs:

130,000km: Clutch: brother thought it felt 'harsh'
174,000km: Thermostat: stuck open
176,000km: Muffler
204,000km: Mid Pipe
206,000km: Gas Tank: small leak
208,000km: U-Pipe: A/C Line
217,000km: Drivers Side Engine Mount
218,000km: Rear Tailight Gasket

Mods: Eibach springs, Tokico blue shocks, drilled rotors, GS-R Upper strut bar

at 225,000km: Still going strong, all fluids have been changed including PS, and brakes,
I think my baby is good for another 18 years. I get my car sprayed every year to prevent rust from attacking the brake lines.

So I realize this isn't 'tech' but I am bored and enjoying my last day of freedom before the work grind starts. Just thought I'd share my story for those considering purchasing an Integra or contemplating keeping theirs. I wrote this to justify why I wouldn't buy my friends 2001 325i even though I can afford it, it think it would be better spent on a bigger house.

Attached is a pic of when I bought it with 14" rims from my brother! Ha

DirtyDA9

Holy mother of CLEAN! That thing is in perfect condition. Nice work man keeping that thing in such great condition.

Dannyx321

damn is that the original paint? :O

b18velocity

Congrats on being smarter than the average bear.

My biggest regret so far in life is selling my 01 GSR, it was completely payed off.. I've had a car payment ever since and I would love not to again.

standy xsi

and slyer than the average fox

that's mint man, also prove's honda reliability!!

MechEng

Thanks for the compliments guys. No its not the original paint. My brother had it painted
At ... Wait you'll laugh but it was Maaco bottom of the line paint
With no clear coat. Still looks good, needs a wax every year. Unless
Your **** you can't go wrong with it for a DD old car.

It's funny how ppl usually say don't buy a first model year, well
I'm living proof Honda got it right from the beginning. Never left
Me stranded once. Just came from up north in a crazy snow storm
My Yokahamas snows were amazing I was blasting past 4x4 trucks
In a 2hr drive. And yes I take care of the car but I dont baby it, it stays
Outside and I do 10,000km on oil changes although I do use synthetic.

Car companies need to take a lesson from the Integra shifter
Feel, I never get bored of it!