Dare we say it, but with sunset getting later and later each day (funny how it does that), it's starting to feel like we're through the worst of the weather. And therefore, in the finest British tradition of challenging the elements and risking stage three pneumonia, it must be time to shed all those annoying outer layers and steam into some sports car action.
Sun appears to have taken its toll here
Now, there's no doubt that the first- and second-gen CRXs are the best ones to get, but the odds of finding one that isn't either rusted out or ridiculously expensive are about the same as those on finding a cat in a saucepan.
The third-generation was quite different to its predecessors. For a start it was a strict two-seater as opposed to the previous cars' notional 2+2 setup. The new car's styling was on the girlish side of delicate but you did get a nice targa roof. Our Shed has the manual lid: top spec VTis had (occasionally troublesome but fun) electric Transtop items. Roof seals perish but are relatively easily sorted.
Our Shed is from the first year of production. The lack of badges makes it hard to know whether it's a true UK car or a JDM Del Sol. The vendor is quoting miles rather than kms, but imported red Del Sols are known for turning 'Milano pink' with age, with non-matching panels, and the paint on this Shed has that look about it. It's not worth a full correction, and once they go really pink there's not much you can do about it, but this one might respond to with a one-day Swissvax machine polish for a couple of hundred notes. Not sure what the story is behind the less than perfect fit of the bonnet: some history and crash damage investigation is required there.
Irrespective of provenance, the good news is that the VTEC lump powering it confirms that this car is VTi spec. You wouldn't really want a non-VTEC third-gen CRX to be honest as they weigh over 1,100kg, which is a lot for a 123hp ESi to lug around. The screaming twin-cammer is a different matter. According to Honda, its 158hp will punt you through the 0-60 in 7.9 seconds and on to a shoelace-loosening 131mph. The nature of the beast means a compression test is worth doing to make sure most of the 158 nags are present and correct. Timing is by belt, with replacement recommended by the 60K mark. This car may be overdue its third belt. Again, something to check on the paperwork, if there is any.
CV joints and driveshaft gaiters are a well known Civic weakness and the CRX/Del Sol is included in that. The odd oil leak is normal on higher mileage cars and is generally fixable. Distributors, radiators, fans and exhausts go. So does the PGMFI main relay. VTEC CRXs can burn through brake components, and calipers stick.
Naturally, rust will be your biggest enemy. To Shed's eyes, the area around the sills looks a bit wobbly, but then again he is using an Amstrad monitor and he's not had his eyes tested since they started charging for it. Other danger areas: front and back of all four wheel arches, roof seals, door top edges, aerial hole, and mirror mounts. Water ingress is another potential trip-up. The sound of sloshing from behind the seats might remind you of great days by the seaside but it also means you've got a blocked drain. There's info on the net for resolving that.
On the plus side you can expect mpg figures in the high 30s, and a hell of a blast from the engine of course, making this an appealing and unusual alternative to the ubiquitous MX-5. As long as you don't mind looking even more like a girl.
Finished in Bright Red.
Rare UK 1.6 VTi Model, 160 BHP, MOT July 2015, Removable Manual Roof, Alloys Resprayed in Satin Black, Sports Seats, Alpine CD Player, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, PAS, ABS, Looks and Drives Superb,
HPi Clear / P/x To Clear