Honda CRX Coupe (1987-92)

TWO-MINUTE TEST

HISTORY:
Outstanding two-seat coupe version of new generation Civic was expensive and priced above Integra without the pretence of a back seat. Yet it offered a hotter version of the twin-cam, multi-valve Integra 1.6-litre engine with exceptional ride and handling and benchmark performance. Slick baby Euro styling assures future minor classic status if not already. Mid-life upgrade in May 1990 included revised tail lights, clear side repeater lights, rounded instrument surround, revised trim pattern and other detail changes. Patchy grey import quality and bizarre modifications on some hurt integrity of high quality local deliveries. Later CRX lost this one's charm.

PRICES:
Original owners paid over $30,000 so most still want up to $14,000 for an unmolested late model which are now quite rare. Tired early cars start at around $6000. Heavily-modified examples and grey imports are worth less unless a buyer shares the same taste.

CHECK IT OUT:
Look out for nasty parts imports or stolen examples wearing ID of written-off local cars. Check Honda Australia records if in doubt as CRX attracted cheaters.

Boom-tish owners can destroy interior parts and flatten finely-tuned suspension with their heavy sound systems. Correct ride height, quality springs and shocks are critical to CRX's roller skate handling over choppy roads.

Local colour range and options were limited so odd colours and features can hide dodgy or import history. Some local cars were dealer-fitted with love-it or hate-it Mugen body kit.

Short rear overhang leaves slick wishbone rear-end and rear hatch opening vulnerable to rear-end shunts so check panel to wheel relationship carefully; floor pan kinks or cut and shut. If handling varies from side to side, look for a rear wheel alignment problem. Replacement tyres must be high quality V-rated.

Gearbox synchros especially 1-2 change are a weakness. Lightweight radiator can fail or if repaired badly can take out the head gasket as engine overheats. Check that correct twin-cam EFI engine is fitted, not single-cam Civic engine. All alloy engine must have fresh coolant and oil at all times. Cam belt change is also critical.

Front CV joint boots split over time and if missed will cause expensive driveshaft failure. Listen for clicking on full lock. Steering racks can wear and become noisy with age.

Check quality of paint repairs and all shut lines. CRX build quality was outstanding and still should be close to perfect unless disturbed. Some non-genuine parts can be nasty. Check glass tail panel for scratches or damage.

All wheel disc brakes may need new rotors and neglected hydraulics may be ready for overhaul. Correct exhaust system is also costly.