Honda CRX (1984 - 1997)
MODELS COVERED: 19841992 1.6i and 1.6i V-Tec Civic CRX and CRXi 19921997 1.6i and 1.
6i VTi CRX convertible
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
Want a small second-hand sportscar thats fast, characterful, reliable and practical? Look no further than Hondas CRX: its affordable, fun and great to drive.
A great affordable and very reliable sports coupe. The purists say the CRX is nothing more than a Civic with a smarter body but you won't care about that once you get one out on the open road. Probably the best buy is one of the last old-shape coupes with the V-Tec engine fitted; you won't be able to wipe the smile off your face. The newer shape wasn't as well received. If ever a car was designed around one feature (in this case, the electric fold-away roof), it's this one. The engines were more refined but not as exciting. You pays your money..
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Eighties Civic CRXs will be rather tatty now though would make a great first car for a young driver. Better, however, to try for a early Nineties facelifted example or pay up to around £1,000 for the glorious (and surprisingly rapid) VTEC model. If you want a new shape convertible CRX, prices start at £2,500 for an Esi on a 1994 L plate. Youll need to stump up another £100 for an automatic.
The models with the electric roof are well worth seeking out and these start at £3,700 for a 1995M example; the final cars had standard air conditioning, too.
Not much goes wrong unless previous owners were over-enthusiastic (and many will have been). Look for signs of heavy front tyre wear, possible accident damage and any kind of abuse from rallying or racing. A service history is vital.
(ex Vat based on a 1996 1.6i Convertible - approx) A clutch assembly is around £120. Front brakepads are around £45 with rear brake shoes at £40, a full exhaust about £380, a radiator about £140 and an alternator around £265. A headlamp lens is about £155.
All the engines are willing but, as suggested earlier, try and buy yourself into a VTEC version. At around 5,000 revs, the engine lets out a glorious wail under heavy acceleration which is addictive. This is particularly prevalent on the old-shape models. The newer coupe had more refined but less characterful powerplants.
It isn't only about the engine either. The gearbox is a delight, sweet and slick, far better than most modern-day transmissions. The steering too is sharp and precise, complementing handling that enables you to place the car exactly where you want it.
Real drivers wanting affordable motoring from a great-looking reliable little coupe will find it here.
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