Road Tests: Long-Term Test

We've completed this test. Click here to see the final results.

We intended to add a certified used Chrysler minivan to the fleet this month, but a stop at a Denver-area dealership revealed that Chrysler Corporation is one of the few automakers that hasn't jumped into the certified used marketing fray - and likely for good reason. So, lucky for us, we get to drive the thrilling Integra GS-R for a couple of years instead.

We selected the Acura for a couple of reasons. First, we do not plan to add any new Acura models to the program during the next couple of years, so obtaining a used one made sense. Second, we specifically selected the Integra because it is the most affordable Acura model available, and we wanted another coupe in camp. Third, we chose the GS-R because we like to have fun. Hey, who doesn't?

And our black, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R is plenty of fun. This car literally screams down the highway, partly because we get a kick out of redlining it as we row through the gears, and partly because it tachs at 4,000 rpm at 80 mph, which creates quite a bit of interior racket. Handling is quite good, but the original Michelin XGVT tires howl with little provocation. Acceleration is exhilarating, braking is excellent and the seats hold the driver in tightly when the road gets twisty.

However, it's readily apparent that this average-mileage car (currently close to the 25,000-mile mark) isn't new. The interior smells slightly musty, and there are more creaks and rattles inside than you'd find in a factory-fresh model. Our Integra's black finish is in great shape though, and body panel fits are tight inside and out. Sadly, our car doesn't have a CD player, so it's back to making mixed tapes for drivers of this long-termer.

Our fully inspected Integra is still covered by the original manufacturer's warranty (four years/50,000 miles). Under the Acura program, vehicles built in 1992 or more recently, and with fewer than 80,000 miles, are eligible for certified used car status. Vehicles out of warranty are given a 12-month/12,000 mile reprieve, and buyers can stretch coverage to 100,000 miles if they desire.

We've leased the car for two years and 40,000 miles, which is why our payment is rather excessive at $526.81 per month. Opting for a three-year term and a lower mileage limit could substantially reduce this figure. The selling price of our car was $17,620.45. In contrast, a similarly equipped new Integra would run $21,735, including destination charges, plus the cost of the dealer-installed fog lights, and it still wouldn't have the cool alloy wheels found on our test car (available only in 1996).

The Integra has been dispatched to south Florida, where our new-vehicle database manager will put some miles on the clock this summer. With black exterior paint, a black cloth interior and no window tint, Scott Schapiro is already griping about an air conditioner that is virtually ineffective in Florida's record summer heat. Schapiro drove the GS-R from San Diego to his home in Hollywood, Fla., and we'll detail his trip in next month's update.

Best Fuel Economy: 27.3 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 21.3 mpg
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: Nothing