Thanks in advance for your patience with a Newbie to Honda (although I monitor it regularly, this is my first post).

For fuel efficiency purposes, I am considering a '92-'96 Civic VX. I've read they get 48/56 MPG - is this accurate or yet another inflated MPG rating? Do these specific models have any common problems I should look out for?

I am looking at one on Friday with the following specs - should I avoid????

1994 Civic VX
5-speed (I think they all were, right?)
166K
Original Clutch
Owner says the car hesitates in 3rd gear if you let off the gas
3rd Timing Belt changed 40K ago
A/C
Owners says it has had a number of exhaust systems as they typically rust out on the VXs
It has the typical dents and scratches and one spot that is starting to bubble above the rear wheel
The car is a 1 owner car
Red

If this car is worth considering, how much might it be worth? How long can I expect it to last if treated with respect and regular oil changes, etc.

Thanks in advance for thoughts, advice, wisdom, etc.

James Packer
NASA-VA Timing & Scoring

 

Check the KBB for how much it is worth.

- Check the engine bay...is it dirty everywhere? Look under the oil cap too. Is the valvetrain a goldish color? Or is it black and grimy (this means that the owners haven't changed the oil enough)

-Test the steering, make sure the car doesn't shake at high speeds or pull to one way

-Test the brakes. Does the car stop firmly? Does the steering wheel shake under braking (If so the brake rotors are warped and need to be replaced)

-Is the interior clean? No rips/burns on the seats

-Paint. Is it still glossy or dull? Red does fade to pink after a while, so don't worry about that.

-Check operation of all controls. All climate control switches, stereo, wipers, lights, etc. Does the A/C blow cold?

-Do the tires have plenty of tread on them?

I can't think of anything else right now...

 

Ah, nostalgia! I used to have a red 5-speed 94 VX!
It was a good car. For looong freeway hauls it really did pull 50+ mpg. I drove it VERY hard, redlined all the time, lots of downshifting, etc and in general I got in the 37-38 mpg range.

I guess whether it's worth it depends on asking price...

 

Thanks for the advice. KBB.com says $2,980(Excellent) - $2,605 (Good) - $2,150 (Fair)

I sense the car is in Good condition and he is asking $2,750 for it.

Sounds like the VX wasn't a "lemon" model that should be avoided or anything. I just like that it is VTEC and sips gas. And I assume I can stiffen up the suspesion on it just like any other Civic HB.

Any additional thoughts on this model appreciated.

James Packer
NASA-VA Timing & Scoring

 

its the lightest model but the vtec u cant feel at all

 

Yeah, it's not VTEC it is VTEC-E. There is a large difference in the way it works. But, I think it's still the 2nd best model to have next to the Si. I really liked mine alot, and yes you can do anything to the chassis for handling just like any other Civic, and exhaust too.

 

Don't confuse the VX VTEC with SOHC VTEC or DOHC VTEC.

Read ---> http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/sohcvtece.html

The VX is light, has long gears, and has no torque. Meaning it's very fuel efficent but has very little passing power. It is a fine commuter, but in no way is it a performance car.

 

i got a 94 vx and it's a great fuel economy car. the vtec on the vx is actually a vtec-e, an economical version. you can hardly feel/hear it when it engages. i avg around 35-40mpg. also like someone had mentioned earlier, you'll be downshifting ALOT, just to keep up in traffic. the car has LONG *** gears. good luck and welcome to posting on ht.

 

so the vx is like the hx then, on how vtec-e works?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BauleyCivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Don't confuse the VX VTEC with SOHC VTEC or DOHC VTEC.

Read ---&gt; http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/sohcvtece.html

The VX is light, has long gears, and has no torque. Meaning it's very fuel efficent but has very little passing power. It is a fine commuter, but in no way is it a performance car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

cool article

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by egcoupe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">its the lightest model but the vtec u cant feel at all</TD></TR></TABLE>

NOT TRUE

 

I dont think I would pay more than 2100 by the way it sounds. But if the body is better than you thought, go for it