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.

 

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.

 

Any unusual issues with the CVT?

 

Nothing more or less than the standard transmission, as far as I can tell. Keep the fluid fresh, and it should be fine.

 

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.

 

I don't know why a GX would be expensive...they're made to run off CNG, which is rare enough to even find a pump for.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Yeah, CVT = bad & ugly

 

According to Edumnds, the HX gets 30/39 mpg and the EX coupe gets 25/32 mpg. Not exactly leaps and bounds better in mpg and less hp then the EX.

 

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

 

I'm not planning to doing any swaps. I just need a commuter. Any swapping that would be done would to put the power windows, locks, etc into my EJ6 hatch.

Can't get a MT my wife can't/won't drive them.
That was my main concern, I know they used the EJ7 as a test bed for the tyranny which was intended for the hybrid. My mom-in-law has a '05 Freestyle with the CVT works ok in that application but I'm not all that excited about it. I just know the HX was the gas sipping model.

Well, with these gas prices it could be the difference of about a tank a month.....

I'll keep this in mind. Thanks for the input. I'm still thinking on it. I have some other things to catch up on before this becomes my primary concern.

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.