Tuesday 30th September 2014

Honda CR-X: Spotted

Disgruntled at the turbocharged future of fast Hondas? Find solace in this beautiful CR-X

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One day soon, and not before time, we will see the production spec Honda Civic Type R. 2015 is a big year for Honda with the arrival of both the fast Civic and a new NSX. Expectations are high given some of its previous VTEC thrillers.

You think this looks clean?

After all, it's been a long while since driving enthusiasts have had cause to get excited about a new Honda. The S2000 wasn't replaced, this damn Civic has been in development for yonks and Honda's sole sporting model at one point was the CR-Z. Ah yes, the CR-Z. It promised to be a exciting 21st century sports coupe with its funky styling and a hybrid powertrain. The result was rather unexciting and quite expensive. Hmm.

With that name, Honda's intention was clear: the CR-Z was to be a CR-X replacement. Specifically the pre-Del Sol car car with its distinctive silhouette, low mass and frenetic nature.

You may remember from when Harris wrote about a JDM CR-X what was so exciting about this little coupe. It was just so much more advanced than the European competition; we eventually became rather blase about fast Japanese stuff with engines that would spin into the stratosphere without complaint but when the CR-X arrived in the 80s it really was revolutionary (sorry, that was too good to resist).

See here!

So why discuss it again? Well this CR-X is a UK car, an unmodified one too. And when on earth did you last see one of those? It's immaculate as well, right down to the VTEC embossed leather seats. That's testament to very low mileage (58K) and what seems a very diligent current owner. In his 16 years with the car the CR-X has wanted for nothing and has been dry stored meaning it isn't afflicted by rust as so many early cars are. Moreover, it's had some recent perishable items (tyres, filters, brakes) which is always encouraging to see. It will of course need a more detailed inspection to discover whether it really is as ready-to-go as it appears.

If so it will surely be a blast. Revvy, nimble and compact, this CR-X will be one to cherish for weekends on B-roads and a sweet reminder of how enjoyable small cars with great NA engines are. It appears a little too nice to use frequently or on track but that's of course for the next owner to decide on.

For many the £9K asking price will be a stumbling block. The CR-X never sold in huge numbers over here because of a relatively high price and it arguably lacks the iconic status of its hot hatch contemporaries. The little Honda is therefore quite hard to value, especially with that low mileage. Many will rather have a 205 GTI or Golf GTI instead (the cars in the links do look very nice) but for those willing to be different there's a lot to love with the CR-X.

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HONDA CR-X
Engine: 1,595cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 152@7,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 106@7,000rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1992
Recorded mileage: 58,281
Price new: £13,900
Yours for: £8,995

See the original advert here.

[razzle99]

I had a red one of these a good few years back - I absolutely loved it !

[P4ROT]

Thats silly money, but it doesn't stop me wanting to buy it.

[soad]

Used to see quite a few in the late 90's, be lucky to spot one once a year now.

Is that price a joke though?

[Mr SFJ]

soad said:

Used to see quite a few in the late 90's, be lucky to spot one once a year now.

Is that price a joke though?

That looks almost concourse. I think the price is a tad high, but in 10 years if the condition is kept as it is now, would it lose any money?

Swings and roundabouts.

[With these feet]

Maybe I need to put the interior back into my Rex.... Stupid high price. £4-5k max.

What's going on at the front? They were never that high - looks like it's had a 2" lift!

Edited by With these feet on Tuesday 30th September 15:50

[vtecyo]

9 Grand.

U wot m8.

[Monty Python]

The word "optimistic" springs to mind......

[Agoogy]

I've had three...and been laughed at endlessly...
£9k? I don't think so

But one of the prettiest things to come out of Japan ever.
Other than rather awful understeer which could be dialled out with the odd upgrade it was roomy, light, practical, reliable, economical and now rare....it just lacked grunt...(made up for by revs..but sometimes you need grunt..)

[cib24]

I'd take it for £4k max but not at that price. If it were red, yellow or white I could be talked into £4.5k.

[Silverbullet767]

I had a del sol version with that engine. Brilliant if a little wobbly with the roof down.

It ended it's life on the front wing of a MK1 clio that decided a give way was optional when she pulled out looking in the wrong direction.

[Lincsblokey]

Had a tear drop VTI model few years back, sold it in 2004 for just shy of 4k, mint interior with momo wheel etc.

Only car i ever regret selling, jeez it was a pocket rocket in true terms

[irish boy]

With these feet said:

Maybe I need to put the interior back into my Rex.... Stupid high price. £4-5k max.

What's going on at the front? They were never that high - looks like it's had a 2" lift!

Edited by With these feet on Tuesday 30th September 15:50

I'd say they were that high from the factory but 99% of ones you see are lowered.....

[steve2864169]

I used to have a red Civic 3 door, pretty similar to this inside and out but with a hatch-back. Great little 1.4 with twin carburettors, far more interesting in my eyes that the cooking spec Saxos and Fiestas my mates were driving at the time. They briefly did a "Civic VTEC" version with the same 1.6 150bhp engine as the CRX on the 4th Gen 89-91 Civic which was sold in '91 only I believe. Not to be confused with the regular 1.6 SOHC. Those must be rare now, been keeping an eye out for one for a while, particularly in red!

The CRX does seem pricey at £9k, but who knows, if someone wants one that much i doubt they'd find another in better condition...

[Terzo123]

steve2864169 said:

I used to have a red Civic 3 door, pretty similar to this inside and out but with a hatch-back. Great little 1.4 with twin carburettors, far more interesting in my eyes that the cooking spec Saxos and Fiestas my mates were driving at the time. They briefly did a "Civic VTEC" version with the same 1.6 150bhp engine as the CRX on the 4th Gen 89-91 Civic which was sold in '91 only I believe. Not to be confused with the regular 1.6 SOHC. Those must be rare now, been keeping an eye out for one for a while, particularly in red!

The CRX does seem pricey at £9k, but who knows, if someone wants one that much i doubt they'd find another in better condition...

I had one of those Civics. A 1.6VT It was a 1991 J Plate .

I think it was known as the EE9

Fantastic little car

[TypeRTom]

Looks very nice, but can't help wondering why someone would buy this rather than a nice DC2 Integra Type R.

[harryowl]

With these feet said:

Maybe I need to put the interior back into my Rex.... Stupid high price. £4-5k max.

What's going on at the front? They were never that high - looks like it's had a 2" lift!

Edited by With these feet on Tuesday 30th September 15:50

Looks right to me. This is mine(16V) on standard springs.

[Ikobo]

If this was more sensibly priced I'd be calling the seller right now.

[Itsallicanafford]

Nice car, silly price...got a whiff of 4 star classics about the pricing of this.

For 9k you can get some serious machinery.

[BigTom85]

At £5k it would be sold already. I dare say it'll sell around the £6500 mark.

A nice thing for sure, not for me though thanks.

[Butter Face]

vtecyo said:

9 Grand.

U wot m8.

This. Jesus H Christ.

Lovely car, but 9k lovely? No.