Pristine Commuter: 1988 Honda CRX HF
The Honda CRX has been a cult classic for some time, and in recent years, values have shot up dramatically for good cars. This is especially true for the Si model, which had more power from the factory and a few other choice upgrades. We don’t typically see as much interest in the lower tier models, but as this fuel-sipping HF goes to show us, survivor CRXs at any trim code will drive a strong price. Bidding sits at over $12,000 for this CRX, which is listed here on eBay with no reserve.
The HF was the model Honda marketed to anyone with a long drive or a desire to skip the pump on occasion. These cars got legendary MPGs, and quite honestly, its very existence makes me sometimes question why folks are so eager to take on an $80,000 car payment when fuel sippers like this still exist. All that aside, the CRX is also fun as hell to drive even in base model form, so this miserly HF represents tremendous value on a few different levels.
Now, while I had my initial doubts as to why someone would spend this much on a non-Si, some of that went away when I saw the cabin. The seats are in absolutely perfect condition and for a car with 85K on the clock, this tells me the humble CRX was loved by a previous owner. The seller does admit that the floor mats are new, which is also impressive given they appear to be the rare-as-hen’s-teeth OEM pieces that are very hard to find in any sort of condition.
The engine bay is also quite clean with no obvious flaws in terms of paint fading on the valve cover or trashed plastics. The OEM stickers and emblems are still bright and visible, and the headlight lenses even appear quite clean. The seller notes that the pictures don’t lie and that the original paint is in excellent condition. The steel wheels have been refinished but otherwise, this CRX appears to be as it was when it left the dealership – and, on that note, all of the delivery paperwork is still in the glovebox. No wonder there’s a line of bidders waiting for this one!
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Comments
Fun fact these years of Honda cars have the same style ignition system as the Hyundai and Kia and were stolen a lot but you didn’t hear anything about government trying to sue Honda or insurance refusing to insure them
Fun fact, vehicle immobilizers (anti-theft) were NOT required until the Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard was finalized in 2004. So your comment is pointless and pedantic.
Fun fact, cars were not requires to be equipped with vehicle immobilizers until the Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard was finalized in 2004. So your comment is pointless and pedantic.
He was just making a comment.
Why criticize him? Having a bad day? (Why did you have to post twice?).
Fun little cars. I think they came in the “si” pkg also.
Yes, Si was a model. I had a white 1991 CRX Si. I loved the car.
I bought it used in 1992 for $8500. I sold it in 1996 for $7000.
I parked it at the end of my driveway with a for sale sign. It was gone in one day.
I should have kept it.
IDK, this car probably cost six thousand new. Fun to drive yes but as others have said on this site, it’s just a used car. It has a certain niche quality but if you’re around six foot forget it. You’ll have to contort yourself to get in and out.
I had two CRX, both HF, and still have the window stickers.
The “88 stickered just under 9k.
Keep in mind, the HF had no back seat so it actually had more leg room. A 6 foot 2 could ride comfortably with no problem.
In 1988 when gas was 85 cents a gallon, I could go Tucson to Phoenix for $1.28, Phoenix to San Diego for $5.50 and Phoenix to Salt Lake for $5.50. Don’t forget there was still a lot of 55mph interstste driving. It was rated 50mpg city and 56 hwy.
I was averaging 64mpg and got as high as 70.1 mpg from Jerome Az to Phoenix. -lots of downhill.
Make that Phoenix to Salt Lake for $10.00….Corrected
I had a housemate whose now-wife had one of these when they were dating and the mileage was amazing. I had a Yamaha 400-twin that could get these kinds of numbers, now my R1200R gets in the low 40’s at best. It is amazing the economy a car can get when it does not have hundreds of horsepower in reserve.
These cars, like everything else from the 80’s, were stolen often. As long as the steering column is made of pot metal where the lock lives you will have that.
I am 6.2 and owned a 90 2 door Civic. I was a little less chubby back then, but even with that, I still fit inside perfectly. Honda has always knew what they were doing. My Civic by the way, cost under four grand brand new. Sure wish cars were still priced fairly like they once were.
I’m 6’7″, and as long as the CRX is not an SI (with the sunroof) I fit fine. I currently own and drive a CRZ, and it fits me just fine.
This car has led an easy 35 year life.
I had an 87 that I wish I could’ve kept. That thing was an auto with 130k on it but it ran like a champ and I only filled up once every 2 weeks (driving like a teenager).
It’s unfortunate their wasn’t more love for them. I’m sure many got crushed.
I wouldn’t pay more than 3500 for one. Even in pristine shape, it’s still an impractical car. But I miss how my two 15 inch kickers sounded.. got a lot of skull massages from those.
I had a white 91 I bought just after Christmas in 99, while living in Milwaukee. The next day we got 17″ of snow, and with the huge drifts I could barely see the poor little thing. Good thing I also owned a Wrangler! But I only paid $3,600, the only car I ever bought from a dealer. I drove it from Milwaukee to Ft Lauderdale several times, and Milwaukee to Columbus, OH, every week for two years. Excellent milage, and I loved that little car. It got totaled in Ft Lauderdale by a minivan full of Indian tourists whi had no clue where they were going. I sure wish I still had that car 😥