20 years with my GSR

[v-tecpwr]

Today I have owned my 1992 GSR for 20 years. I bought it with 22 miles on the odometer for $23,500 out the door and now it has 275,000 miles on it. I never thought that I would keep it for this long. I have thought about trading it in a million times, but it’s like part of the family now. I still use it as my daily driver.

When I bought my first Integra LS Special in 1991 there was a red NSX on the show room and I tried to convince my dad to let me buy that, by he just laughed at me. He said that I would just kill myself in that car. Of all the cars I thought about trading the GSR in for, I just couldn’t see wasting the money on them when I really wanted the NSX. I finally bought one 3½ years ago. I was going to sell the GSR and just daily drive the NSX. My wife convinced me to keep the GSR and just use the NSX for fun days.

I’ve still thought about getting a new daily driver just so I wouldn’t have to deal with all of the little things that keep breaking on the GSR. It’s still way cheaper than a monthly car payment though. I really want an Aston Martin Vantage but I think that might be a while.

I have written down my fuel costs and mileage since I bought the car also. My wife hates driving my car because I still make her write down the mileage when we get gas. Here are some pictures of the numbers and prices. I wish gas was still the same price that it was in 1992.

Back in 92

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6967335363/" title="integra gas 001 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6967335363_31286a75ea.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="integra gas 001"></a>

From 2002

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6821214124/" title="integra gas 002 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6821214124_ae4ebcff64.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="integra gas 002"></a>

Present

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6821214320/" title="integra gas 003 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6821214320_cb16e42d36.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="integra gas 003"></a>


I just had the seats recovered again for the second time. I updated it and put heated seats in. I don’t know how I lived without them for the last 20 years. The last time I did leather was in 1997, and it was time to do it again. The rear seats still looked brand new of course, but the front were getting pretty tired. The rest of the interior is still holding up great. There are a few scratches on the center console, but the dash still looks great.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6967393585/" title="DSC_0081 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6967393585_b7ce94ea62.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0081"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6967393677/" title="DSC_0063 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6967393677_28aa0ae6b8.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0063"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6967393469/" title="DSC_0080 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6967393469_fafc80fbfc.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="DSC_0080"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6967393377/" title="DSC_0085 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6967393377_debf4ff18c.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0085"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6821271430/" title="DSC_0070 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6821271430_64d1019b92.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0070"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6967393205/" title="DSC_0071 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6967393205_1342ba63b1.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0071"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6967393085/" title="DSC_0079 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6967393085_df96bb2ee1.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="DSC_0079"></a>


I put suspension on the car back in 1993. I changed the shocks out about 3 years ago. I got 200,000 miles out of a set of Tokiko Illuminas. They came with the lifetime warranty, so I got the new set for free.

I put a Wings West Kit on it in 1997 or 98. I changed the front end to a 90-91 front so I could use the Kit from that year on it.

I have put this car thru the wringer. I delivered pizza in it for about 8 years. I figure about 100,000 miles or so are delivery miles. I also tracked the car for about 12 years. I haven’t taken it to the track much lately, but I need to start doing it again. I have blown up a few transmissions and engines, but I can’t complain from all the abuse that I have given it.

I hope it still looks good in another 10 years. I think it’s time to change the wheels again. I’ve had these on for 10 years now. I’m thinking about Advan RG2’s but I can’t decide. I have an old set of Momo Quasars that I had on the car in 93 still in the shed, but they are about 20 pounds a piece for 15x7’s. Maybe I’ll get them refinished again and throw them on for fun.

Here are some pictures as it sits now.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6968015361/" title="DSC_0029 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6968015361_5d93fd5143.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0029"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6968015721/" title="DSC_0030 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6968015721_6bda632fb9.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0030"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6968016185/" title="DSC_0034 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6968016185_e51238c517.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0034"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6821893730/" title="DSC_0004 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6821893730_80161c7524.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0004"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6821893948/" title="DSC_0038 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6821893948_297355aa6e.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0038"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6821894200/" title="DSC_0021 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6821894200_6719307bcf.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0021"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6968017177/" title="DSC_0055 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6968017177_381ca18f7c.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0055"></a>

And here is one more with the NSX.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77781443@N07/6968017463/" title="DSC_0013 by v-tecpwr, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6968017463_d9737b26a3.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0013"></a>

 

[redbird92]

SWEET!! I love the car!

 

[socold57]

very clean da:smile:

 

[PHOEN$X]

Nice! $23k in 1992 was a lot of money for a car. It's cool that you kept it in such great condition for a DD.

 

[Hapa88]

True classic!! Looking good!

 

[Aluminsx]

That is a pretty car. Looks like you could eat off the engine.

 

[nsxot1c]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I only WISH I have kept all of the cars I've had years ago. I find myself kicking myself and regretting selling nearly every single one of them (hundreds I've been through over the years). Thankfully, the NSX is the longest car I've ever owned almost a 9 years now. This one, I think I may literally keep forever :biggrin:

 

[Ultraman]

I used to do the same (tracking gas $ spent and mileage) with my 89 Accord back in the college days. I installed the OEM equalizer and it actually made the stereo sound quite nice. Also added minor mods like mud guards and center consol, painted the rear mirrors to body color. Of course the car is long gone but definitely missed.

 

[Ultraman]

Just want to add you maintained the Integra extremely well and contrats for still owning it after so many years!

 

[pgilliam1]

Keep her. You can't buy another car with memories. I have a 1982 Toyota 4X4 truck that has become a true friend. More memories with it than I can remember. After this long it would be weird not to have it :wink:.

 

[Ultraman]

Keep her. You can't buy another car with memories. I have a 1982 Toyota 4X4 truck that has become a true friend. More memories with it than I can remember. After this long it would be weird not to have it :wink:.

Did the car ever give you any trouble?

 

[moprblms]

Still wish I had my red 1997 GSR bought new from the dealer man I miss that car. Nice ride thanks for sharing

 

[v-tecpwr]

Keep her. You can't buy another car with memories. I have a 1982 Toyota 4X4 truck that has become a true friend. More memories with it than I can remember. After this long it would be weird not to have it :wink:.

I think that's why I can't sell it. I just can't see myself without it.

 

[v-tecpwr]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I only WISH I have kept all of the cars I've had years ago. I find myself kicking myself and regretting selling nearly every single one of them (hundreds I've been through over the years). Thankfully, the NSX is the longest car I've ever owned almost a 9 years now. This one, I think I may literally keep forever :biggrin:

I will have my NSX forever. I have a friend from high school that's been thru about 30 cars. He still wants my integra but he never keeps a car long enough.

 

[Stephen@NCAutoUSA]

Wow. Looks real sharp.

 

[SaleenS7Rs]

That GSR is in great shape for being 20 years old

 

[wagyshag]

Awesome story!! Thank you for sharing!
If I were in your shoes, I would NEVER sell or trade it.
For 20 years old and 275k miles - WOW! Beautiful!!

 

[angus]

Such a funny story - I too have a DA and had it for 16 years. I have owned many many 90-93 Integras but always kept my first one.

Funny coincidence - my DC2 has the exact same wheels.

Oh and nice Pioneer P1 !

 

[v-tecpwr]

Such a funny story - I too have a DA and had it for 16 years. I have owned many many 90-93 Integras but always kept my first one.

Funny coincidence - my DC2 has the exact same wheels.

Oh and nice Pioneer P1 !

I like my wheels, but the 17" ones just make the car way slower than with the factory ones.

The P1 has been a great deck. I got rid of a lot of wiring when I switched over to it. I've had that deck in there since 1998.:smile:

 

[myw]

amazing story. gives me the warm fuzzies when i used to be in love with my now departed dc2.

i think its great how you have kept that car is such great condition after all this time. having seen your car it makes me sadly realize (lol) how much time has passed and how old i am now lol; i never ever see da's (and barely even dc's) anymore.

beautiful nsx btw.

 

[hatchboi]

very nice DA, such a well kept and clean classic acura!

 

[Oyagi]

Great story! That's impressive faithfulness.

 

[pgilliam1]

Did the car ever give you any trouble?

You mean truck?

I had the tranny rebuilt at 75K, rust spots (that I keep patching), water pump, master cylinder, fuel pump, all the rest of the mechanicals are original. I've never even touched the AC and it still blows cold. Haven't had to touch the carb either - that's a miracle. I do keep her well maintained and have to keep a grease gun handy for the many grease fittings they used back then.

 

[robbiedawg]

i'm the original owner of my 96 gsr,which now has 56,400 miles! i live close to work,and had another car before the nsx.it has always started,and only needed a radiator besides maintenance (tb/wp,distributor)it's been a great car,i am thinking about an m3 for a new dd just for variety,figure at this rate i'll wear out before the integra does.

 

[itrsteve]

Very awesome! Those DA GSR's aren't exactly easy to find these days either. Definitely keep it, the sentimental value is obviously much greater than market value.