This clean low-mileage 1986 Honda CRX is a nicely preserved example of the classic two-seater hatchback, but it’s not without its issues. The seller notes some mechanical challenges that he’s not interested in tackling before the sale, including a high idle and a tendency to overheat. These are not particularly vexing problems to solve, but nevertheless, the car will be sold with these mechanical needs noted. Early Honda CRXs have a smaller following than the later models due to a few challenges associated with parts sourcing and more difficult engine swaps (if you’re into that), but if you want to own a sweet-handling affordable classic with low annual operating costs, it’s hard to go wrong with any generation. Find the CRX here on eBay where bidding is just over $1K with no reserve.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Patrick S. for the find. I’ve love first-generation CRXs for quite some time, more so than the later ones for a few reasons, mostly due to styling. I dig the red pinstripe that runs through the bumpers and down the sides of the lower panel trim, and those flat-face hubcaps are a lost design from a bygone era. The acres of glass was a Honda staple before side airbags became a thing, and the chunky taillights and big center garnish that lets everyone know what model this is are features that were lost on the more streamlined later models. This one also has a holy grail feature, which is that the rear wheel arches aren’t rotten. Almost every one of the CRXs I’ve seen in local junkyards were complete cars in great condition that were likely junked due to cancer over the rear wheels.

Now, I know you already see it: an automatic transmission. Yes, this defeats many of the reasons as to why you’d want to own a CRX, which is that sweet-shifting gearbox like only Honda can make. But if you have to own a survivor, chances are you may have to buy an automatic-equipped example. Certainly, being patient will likely yield you a clean manual example at some point, but at a much higher price point than what this one is currently bidding at. On a related note, this isn’t the hot-to-trot Si model that most enthusiasts pine for, but rather the lower spec DX trim which made do with less horsepower, no fuel injection, and drum brakes in the rear. On a brighter note, that interior is impeccable – how many 90,000 mile cars from 1986 still look this good inside?

Now, this brings me to my next bad decision: I found a rust-free first-generation CRX Si on my friend’s property in Georgia, which we’ve been selling vehicles off of as Barn Finds Exclusives on this very website. This is basically the last car I’ve wanted to add to my stash of 80s icons, and I’m hopeful we’ll work something out for it before too long. There’s a bare engine head in the cargo bay that may or may not be from this car, as I haven’t gotten the hood up yet due to the years’ of brambles covering the hood. These do have interference motors that go boom if the timing belts aren’t done, but I’ve already got a line on a replacement engine if this one’s no good. I should know in a few weeks if we’re dragging this one out, so stay tuned!