EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
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EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
Hi guys, since "HX" is too short of a search term I guess I need to start a new thread.
I have a new job starting up and it could cause some 2 car-3 driver drama so I've been thinking of getting a cheap commuter. I've found a few EJ7s in the local adds and was wondering if there is anything specific I should look out for or any characteristic troubles I might need to keep in mind if I look at one.
Of course, making sure it still has the D16Y5 and CVT tranny is a start since I'm sure there a few out there that have had swaps put in for better power but left the HX badging on to entice buyers looking for a gas sipper. Yes, I'd like it to have the CVT because my wife can't drive a MT. I was also thinking of using it as a parts up grade donor for the EJ6 like swapping the power features over and such.
I have a new job starting up and it could cause some 2 car-3 driver drama so I've been thinking of getting a cheap commuter. I've found a few EJ7s in the local adds and was wondering if there is anything specific I should look out for or any characteristic troubles I might need to keep in mind if I look at one.
Of course, making sure it still has the D16Y5 and CVT tranny is a start since I'm sure there a few out there that have had swaps put in for better power but left the HX badging on to entice buyers looking for a gas sipper. Yes, I'd like it to have the CVT because my wife can't drive a MT. I was also thinking of using it as a parts up grade donor for the EJ6 like swapping the power features over and such.
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Re: EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
Make sure the CEL works, and make sure the O2 sensor isn't busted. The HX sensor is a factory wideband, and is MUCH more expensive to replace than your standard 4 wire sensor found on other Civics. Other than that, it's the same as buying any other car.
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Re: EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
Thanks, if I get one I'll this is the first place I'll post it. They seem to going for less than DXs and the most expensive cars are EN1/GXs many times over.
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Re: EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
Idk, weird huh? Most of them are starting where EXs stop. About the only thing that is the same or more around here are EM1s in the same mileage/condition.
Last edited by BeatDX; 12-28-2013 at 06:11 AM.
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Re: EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
dont buy an hx with intent on swapping any motor into it and still passing obd inspection without an obnoxious amount of work
i had a 97 hx a while back it was a bitch to pass. the wires for the 02 sensor are all different 5 wire not 4 for the primary. the secondary o2 sensor on the hx has the wires in the engine bay harness but on all others its part of the cabin harness that comes down by the shifter. it was a mess.
if you go for the hx the only upgrade i would to do it besides bolt ons is an ex 5spd tranny.
honestly though you can get 35-40mpg out of an ex 5spd on the highway as long as you dont have a heavy foot.
i had a 97 hx a while back it was a bitch to pass. the wires for the 02 sensor are all different 5 wire not 4 for the primary. the secondary o2 sensor on the hx has the wires in the engine bay harness but on all others its part of the cabin harness that comes down by the shifter. it was a mess.
if you go for the hx the only upgrade i would to do it besides bolt ons is an ex 5spd tranny.
honestly though you can get 35-40mpg out of an ex 5spd on the highway as long as you dont have a heavy foot.
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Re: EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
They're absolutely junk, they fail often, they're hard to find a replacement for and when you do they're expensive. You can't swap in a normal AT and if you want to swap in a manual trans you have to fab up your own upper transmission mount since the HX CVT chassis is different. Avoid like the plague.
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Re: EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
The CVT HX uses a 4 wire 02 like the rest of the civics, only the 5 speed version uses the wideband.
1999 Civics at fueleconomy.gov
HX manual: 30/38 mpg
HX CVT: 29/35
DX/LX man: 25/32
DX/LX auto: 24/32
EX man and auto: 24/31
Si man: 22/29
Integra gsr: 22/28
1999 Civics at fueleconomy.gov
HX manual: 30/38 mpg
HX CVT: 29/35
DX/LX man: 25/32
DX/LX auto: 24/32
EX man and auto: 24/31
Si man: 22/29
Integra gsr: 22/28
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Re: EJ7/HX Good, Bad, Ugly?
dont buy an hx with intent on swapping any motor into it and still passing obd inspection without an obnoxious amount of work
i had a 97 hx a while back it was a bitch to pass. the wires for the 02 sensor are all different 5 wire not 4 for the primary. the secondary o2 sensor on the hx has the wires in the engine bay harness but on all others its part of the cabin harness that comes down by the shifter. it was a mess.
if you go for the hx the only upgrade i would to do it besides bolt ons is an ex 5spd tranny.
honestly though you can get 35-40mpg out of an ex 5spd on the highway as long as you dont have a heavy foot.
i had a 97 hx a while back it was a bitch to pass. the wires for the 02 sensor are all different 5 wire not 4 for the primary. the secondary o2 sensor on the hx has the wires in the engine bay harness but on all others its part of the cabin harness that comes down by the shifter. it was a mess.
if you go for the hx the only upgrade i would to do it besides bolt ons is an ex 5spd tranny.
honestly though you can get 35-40mpg out of an ex 5spd on the highway as long as you dont have a heavy foot.
Can't get a MT my wife can't/won't drive them.
They're absolutely junk, they fail often, they're hard to find a replacement for and when you do they're expensive. You can't swap in a normal AT and if you want to swap in a manual trans you have to fab up your own upper transmission mount since the HX CVT chassis is different. Avoid like the plague.
I was just wondering if the HX was a viable option or if I should move on. They do seem a bit more "affordable" then the comparable examples of other variants. Which is odd being that all the other gas sippers, like beat Metros and such, command a premium.
Maybe I'll get a LX or EX and just do the same thing with the accessories. Of course, if did that I'd spoil any resale. Maybe I should get a HX and expect it to **** eventually and then part it out when it does, hmmm....
I've had a 6 week work hiatus and I start tomorrow at this new job which may or may not be permanent. I guess I'll cross that bridge when i get to it.
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