So I've been a lurking member for a while now, and I've finally decided to go ahead and properly introduce myself and my ride.

So here's my story. Back in 1987 when I was stationed in Germany in the Air Force, I bought a black '88 Si through Military Sales. Picked it up at the port in Germany and drove it back to base. I think I had the first USDM car in Germany as I took delivery of it on 12/17/87 (funny how you remember certain dates). Turned quite a few heads. So anyways, I loved that car so much, I decided I had to have another one.

Up until the end of August 2005, I was using a Suzuki XL7 SUV as my daily driver. I drive 60 miles round trip everyday, so with gas prices the way they were, that was an expensive affair. When it came to finding a new daily driver that was good on gas, reliable and fun to drive, of course a Rex came immediately to mind.

I found this one at a Honda dealership in Mesa, AZ. The guy who bought it 21 years ago (and in his 60's at the time) traded it in for a new Civic. He brought it back to the same salesman that had sold it to him 15 years prior! I saw this on their pre-owned website on a Saturday morning, and immediately went down to take a look. When I got there, the car had not even been to detail yet, but it looked very clean and well maintained. I almost couldn't believe the mileage, less than 99K! And everything seemed to be in perfect working order. This car looks so good, I have had several people think that the car is brand new. They freak when I tell them it's now 21 years old!

This car is all stock, and since it is my daily driver, I have been keeping it that way. Besides, at 44 with a family, I'm not into the racing scene at all. There were no accessories that came with the car, and here are some items I've been able to find for it:

Full nose mask and bra
Splash guards
Sunroof wind visor (this is the only item that is not OEM)
JDM Center storage/armrest
OEM CRX Car Cover

Last year I had delusions of selling it, so I pulled the bra off and sold it and the car cover. But I decided to keep the car in the end. Now I wish I haden't gotten rid of those.

This car doesn't seem to have any of the "usual" problems associated with Rexs (hard to open hoods, squeaky hatch, water leaks, etc.), but it has had the usual stuff done to it as far as normal maintenance. Head gasket, water pump, timing belt, lots of rubber and gaskets replaced. You get the idea. It is still a very well maintained and running car, and still gets 32-37 mpg.

So there you go, my new Rex. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

More pics. Most of these were taken about 5 years ago, but it still looks the same except for no bra.

Pat

 

Great looking car. You should post some tech, as this is the forum you are in, otherwise it belongs in the appearance forum.

Car looks very clean, only thing missing are all the oem emission stickers under the hood

 

My bad, thought this was just the generic ED/EF forum. Although I am offering advice on other threads in here, so I hope that helps make up for it some.

Whenever I have any issues I can't find the answers to, I'll be sure to post them up here.

Pat

 

now worries, just giving you a heads up

Please don't hesitate with any questions!

 

that is one clean *** crx its amazing.

 

indeed it is a clean car

worth some cash to the right person

what were you trying to sell it for?

 

Bought it for $5450 from the dealer, was asking for $5K. But I finally decided that since I had put about $3K worth of repairs into it over the 5 years (head gasket/water pump/t-belt alone ran me close to $1500), I should go ahead and keep it for a few more years.

Besides, I want to see it turn 200K (will do so in about 3 more months) and live to be at least 25 years old to achieve classic status. Not to mention the fact that I have no car payment, insurance is low, and registration fees are only $45 every 2 years.

Pat

 

That car was CLEAN when you bought it, dang! Very nice find, thanks for sharing!

 

beautiful!

 

nice find.....dont ever sell it

 

pretty car man!

 

yea man clean.

 

very clean and nicely kept!

 

Man that thing is mint, very rare to find one not abused and in pristine condition.

 

super sexy!! ibtl

 

I love the super stock minty look keep it that way.

 

i see you are from Arizona...you guys are so lucky how well that climate preserves cars. i'm in the "rust belt" (Pittsburgh) and its taking its toll on my 90 civic. the never ending rust battle continues on for me and many others!

 

Yeah, I was fortunate that this was originally owned by an older guy who obviously kept it in a garage for the 15 years he had it. And being here in AZ didn't hurt none either.

The only bad thing is that the summers are murder on batteries (I usually only get about 18 months life on them), and the rocks are really doing a number on the nose and hood. I may get those repainted soon and then do the clear mask/bra.

 

OK, so since this is really the Tech forum, let me throw a couple tech questions out there.

Idle - It runs at 2K at start up, and is pretty steady at 1K after it warms up, sometimes it drops to 800 for short periods. I just replaced the Heater Control Valve and the overflow hose as both were leaking coolant. The system is full of coolant and no air in it. I'm thinking it's time to clean the FITV and or IACV. Should I start there, or look at something else?

Squeak - It has finally developed a squeak in the front end when I hit bumps. I think maybe the rubber parts for the front struts are wearing out (trailing arm bushings have already been replaced). Should I worry about replacing all the rubber on the front struts?

Appreciate any advice.

 

Considering you live in a hot and dry climate, new bushings would probably be a good idea, especially if you're hearing squeaks.