30 replies to this topic

[mountaintoyparts]

I just drove an 85 CRX and need to know what to look for when I get it on the lift b4 I buy it. It seems like a nice car, 125,000 miles, runs well, clean no rust to speak of. Feels like it needs shocks/struts all 4 corners. The only problems revieled by seller are : needs a cat, hatch struts and an antenna. Clutch and tranny feels good. Not a speed demon at 9000' ASL. Goes well in the snow. Says it gets 40 MPG. Please advise.

[flashmatrix]

I just drove an 85 CRX and need to know what to look for when I get it on the lift b4 I buy it. It seems like a nice car, 125,000 miles, runs well, clean no rust to speak of. Feels like it needs shocks/struts all 4 corners. The only problems revieled by seller are : needs a cat, hatch struts and an antenna. Clutch and tranny feels good. Not a speed demon at 9000' ASL. Goes well in the snow. Says it gets 40 MPG. Please advise.

things to check while the vehicle is on a lift:


RUST.


Check near the panhard bar (angled bar near the rear suspension) ,floors and near the wheelwells for rust
Also check for any chassis damage and any leaks engine/transmission/brakes.
Obseve and see where the firewall meets the strut tower on both sides (under hood) that theres no serious rust.

[cbstdscott]

Welcome to the site.

Catalytic converter, hatch struts, and shocks are relatively cheap and easy to change. If it needs a catalytic converter, it probably needs a new O2 sensor (less than $30 from a good parts store).

Outside of rust (Honda Cancer) ask when the timing belt was last changed. It needs to be replaced every five years or so. If it breaks, it gets expensive (bent valves).

Scott

[mountaintoyparts]

Yes, he said the timing belt was done in the last 5 years or so. Taking it to emmisions tomorrow, if it passes(and even if it doesn't) I will be making an offer. He is asking $1600.00 obo. ???????

[cbstdscott]

He is asking $1600.00 obo. ???????

That seems a bit high, unless it is very, very cherry. Is it Fuel Injected, (a Si)? If it is carbed that is much too high.

What part of the country are you in? Old CRXs are common in California so prices are lower out here. If you are in Rust Country they are more rare and slightly more expensive.

Scott

[mountaintoyparts]

It is very nice, virtually no rust. I'm in the mtns outside of Denver. Carb, for sure.

[Sgt. Pepper]

It is very nice, virtually no rust. I'm in the mtns outside of Denver. Carb, for sure.

Still check for rust, it's there - trust me. It will be hiding under the carpet. Good luck with it.

[mountaintoyparts]

Thanks, will post after smog test tomorrow.

[Old School REX]

I may be alone on thinking this, but that just seems MUCH too high a price, especially for a carb model... That car would have to have decent paint, no cracked pannels, and a mint interior before I would pay that much. Not knocking your purchase... just don't want you to get screwed. b.t.w- welcome aboard!

[mountaintoyparts]

Thank you, I'll check it out real well and then we'll see what kind of deal can be made. My biggest concern is if he gets in a wreck, how will this little crackerbox hold up?

[crxls]

Thank you, I'll check it out real well and then we'll see what kind of deal can be made. My biggest concern is if he gets in a wreck, how will this little crackerbox hold up?

it will hold up a lot better than you think. in my opinion your not gonna get a whole lot better unless you go a little newer and get something with airbags

EDIT: hold up is the wrong term. the car will not hold up very well because it is going to crumple but it will do a pretty good job at keeping the driver fairly safe

[mountaintoyparts]

OK, it failed emissions, a tad (.3) high on Hydro Carbons. (unburnt fuel) I think the CAT is ok but some have told me a good tune up should fix it. It looked ok on the lift, found some rust, not sure how much is too much. Will try to post some pics. It goes down the highway pretty well. A little shake at about 75mph. I know it needs shocks on all 4 corners. I can hear some clunking in the back on bumps, not sure about that. Looking at the bushings back there, they could need replaced. Can't figure out the pics, sorry.

[mountaintoyparts]

Well I got it! Worked out a deal for $1000.00, I think thats a fair deal. Will be tuning it up to pass emissions so if any of the gurus have suggestions, I'm all ears. Gonna give it to the son on Christmas Eve.

[mountaintoyparts]

What plugs should I use, OEM or aftermarket? Cap, wires, rotor, plugs, oil change, air filter, fuel filter what else? I have 10 days from last Thursdays e test to get one free test and PASS (I hope)

[Christ]

What plugs should I use, OEM or aftermarket? Cap, wires, rotor, plugs, oil change, air filter, fuel filter what else? I have 10 days from last Thursdays e test to get one free test and PASS (I hope)

Stock NGK's will do you fine, as far as plugs go. The rest of the parts should be OEM replacements too. You could also try using some SeaFoam to clean out the engine, and this other product called "Guaranteed to pass" Do exactly what it says, and it's "guaranteed to pass". I've heard pretty good things about it, but never used it, since I don't have to pass emissions.