A dear departed friend of mine definitely rated as a “car guy”. But his tastes were all over the place, from a Honda Civic to an Infinity sedan to a Scat Pack Charger. He was actually a Honda customer way ahead of the U.S. curve and one of his more interesting cars was a CRX such as today’s 1987 discovery. I likened it to a hopped-up roller skate as it wasn’t super fast but had great road manners and driving characteristics. I haven’t thought about one of these in years so I think it’s time for a refresher.
Based on the Civic, the CRX was introduced for the 1984 model year and kept in production through 1991. Offered in a single hatchback body style, estimates are that approximately 400K units were assembled over its eight year model run. The engine employed varied, based on model trim level and country of registration, but our example should be powered by a 76 HP, 1.5 liter, in-line, overhead cam four-cylinder engine, mounted transversely and connected to a five-speed manual transaxle. The listing is light on details though there is a claim of “Looks & Drives Great.” Honda’s are known for their high mileage capabilities and this example has managed to muster 231K miles. The seller adds that this car has been inspected and road tested via AutoCheck.
As for appearances, I’d suggest no complaints, the silver finish shows well and there’s no evidence of crash damage or indication of rust – this is a California native. Of note are the wheels, they appear to be the original CRX pieces but they have been refinished in black as opposed to the stock silver or argent shade. If this sub-compact lightweight looks small to your eyes, that’s because it is. Everything automotive today seems to be behemoth sized but this diminutive Honda weighs in at under one ton, with a 145″ overall stretch, riding on an 86″ wheelbase.
My biggest surprise is the interior – it’s in remarkably clean and sound condition. The zebra stripped cloth upholstery is revealing some wear along the driver’s side outer bolster but that’s about it. The carpet is in surprisingly nice condition and belies this car’s age and usage. It is a plasticky environment, but that’s the case with most Japanese cars of this era, but there is no indication of fade or cracks. The only non stock component noted is the radio which looks like a DIN unit with a CD player. Oh, and A/C? Fuggetaboutit.
All of this leaves me with one question and that’s who would be the target market for this CRX? In spite of the previously mentioned statement regarding Honda’s high mileage proclivities, 231K miles is a lot of rollin’ along. Those who may have an interest in such a car will find this Colton, California resident listed here on eBay where it’s available for a current no reserve bid of $980 with twenty-four bids tendered so far. If the price stays in the $1,000 range, I believe the seller will find a buyer soon, regardless of a target market, right?
My stars, izzat thing carbureted?
Maybe the infamous 3 barrel
For that kind of money, what do you have to lose?
If the CRX wasn’t 3000 miles away, I’d take a chance and hit the button, though I’m a little confused by the appearance versus the stated mileage. It should be showing more wear, in my opinion.
But the CRX is a fun little car and not that difficult to work on. Parts availability would concern me, but it sure looks as if the major issues, if any exist, are mechanical, and I believe you can get parts for those.
A few weeks ago it was run through an auction on eBay where the high bid was $3,101, which seems cheap. It won’t end close to $1,000, but might still be a bargain. In the late-90’s and early-2000’s cars like this packed the staging lanes at the local track in their 4&6 cylinder class, engine swaps were common as were turbo installations. Mileage in this car shouldn’t matter if the body is straight and the paint and interior are pretty good. Imports are still popular, but it’s focus has shifted more towards rear wheel drive models due to the popularity of drifting.
Steve R
US $4,000.00
39 bids Ends in 2d 5hThursday, 09:13 PM