Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 05:02 PM
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Default Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Hey guys, long time admirer of the CRX - and considering jump into one. Interior and exterior are wonderful, it's the sellers daily driver. Carfax is clean... But it is nearing 200K miles. Is this something to be concerned with? Going to have a mechanic check it of course, but wanted to get a feel from some other owners.

Thanks!
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 06:10 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

At 200k and 30 years old just about everything mechanical will soon need replaced, and motor rebuilt, if they haven’t already. But, finding a clean body and interior aint easy. I’d jump on it if the price was right, put a built motor in and upgrade suspension and brakes until everything was like new
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 06:39 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by 2x0
At 200k and 30 years old just about everything mechanical will soon need replaced, and motor rebuilt, if they haven’t already. But, finding a clean body and interior aint easy. I’d jump on it if the price was right, put a built motor in and upgrade suspension and brakes until everything was like new
Thanks for the response.

Here's what's been done to it:

- Car had a full paint job a few years ago in top of the line Standox paint in it's original color.
- Windshield Replaced
- Factory AC still runs
- Recently replaced all front control arms, ball joins, sway bar links, strut rods, and tie roods with MOOG OEM replacements
- It's on Koni Yellow adjustable shocks and HR lowering springs
- New front pads and discs
- New muffler
- installed daytime running lights (to pass inspection)
- Tape deck replaced with JVC deck - but he still has the old one

I should add, this isn't for a daily driver. I have a Kia Optima that handles my day to day. This is just an opportunity type thing/fulfilling a high school dream.

Last edited by sigourneybeaver; Jun 25, 2018 at 06:58 PM.
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 03:50 AM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by sigourneybeaver
Thanks for the response.

Here's what's been done to it:

- Car had a full paint job a few years ago in top of the line Standox paint in it's original color.
- Windshield Replaced
- Factory AC still runs
- Recently replaced all front control arms, ball joins, sway bar links, strut rods, and tie roods with MOOG OEM replacements
- It's on Koni Yellow adjustable shocks and HR lowering springs
- New front pads and discs
- New muffler
- installed daytime running lights (to pass inspection)
- Tape deck replaced with JVC deck - but he still has the old one

I should add, this isn't for a daily driver. I have a Kia Optima that handles my day to day. This is just an opportunity type thing/fulfilling a high school dream.

Okay, so it's had some basic/necessary maintenance done. It will likely constantly be needing something, so just be prepared for that. I don't see belts, hoses, fluids, distributor, plugs, wires, fuel filter, clutch, and the list will go on. But again, if you're willing to take that stuff on as it pops up then I say go for it.
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 06:33 AM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

I agree with everything 2x0 said above. If the price is right and the body is straight and solid, no accidents or bad rust and the interior is in great shape I say jump on it. Lately the CRX and the parts are appreciating in value in this type of condition. If you don't mind putting in a little work, you could wind up with a nice little weekend warrior that doesn't depreciate all that much. And if you're really lucky and the stars align for you, she may even appreciate enough to cover what you put in it (no guarantees, I don't have a reliable crystal ball).
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 09:40 AM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

I'd like to add that I saw the front suspension arms were replaced, but did they get the rear suspension? If not they're probably turning to dust at 27 years old with some gnarly clunks. Rear trailing arm bushing especially, which can be a pain in the *** to replace. Mine were dead at 18 years.

Might also wanna hop right into checking the sunroof drains to prevent any possible further rust or water leaks.
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 10:12 AM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by 2x0
Okay, so it's had some basic/necessary maintenance done. It will likely constantly be needing something, so just be prepared for that. I don't see belts, hoses, fluids, distributor, plugs, wires, fuel filter, clutch, and the list will go on. But again, if you're willing to take that stuff on as it pops up then I say go for it.
he says the belts are all new as well, fluids too.

I forgot to ask about the rest - I will do it in chunks heh.
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 11:34 AM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Lets see some pictures of said car.
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 11:37 AM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by LankorDie
Lets see some pictures of said car.
I put them up on my Dropbox:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1srkv7u7d...ubzwn04Ta?dl=0
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 12:44 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Price? Sorry if I missed it
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 12:49 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by JDMdoode
Price? Sorry if I missed it
$5K USD
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 04:51 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

As long as that new paint is not hiding rust I think that looks like a solid price for a near stock si (Bonus SiR wing). The corrosion on the wheels makes me a bit suspicious that it might have rust if they are original to the car.

You can really see the millage/use in the door jams on any of the EF's with door mounted seat belts. They are always beat to **** in that area sadly..
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 04:58 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Looks minty fresh. But I’d pay $4k tops, just knowing that it will take some investment to restore and keep on the road.

We sure this is an Si? Did those have the black body trim? Does it have rear disk brakes?
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 06:02 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Can double check the VIN for it being a true Si. The badge, exhaust, steering wheel, seats, sunroof, and wheels all match up though. I'd definitely check if it had an A6 engine and rear disks like 2x0 mentioned.

I just thought a 91 included painted mirrors and door handles...?
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 08:00 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by sumdewd
Can double check the VIN for it being a true Si. The badge, exhaust, steering wheel, seats, sunroof, and wheels all match up though. I'd definitely check if it had an A6 engine and rear disks like 2x0 mentioned.

I just thought a 91 included painted mirrors and door handles...?
The painted mirrors/handles could be from his doing a paint job on it.

I'm not 100% sure. I have my father in law's mechanic checking it out tomorrow so I'll know more then!

The VIN confirms it's the SI. I have the carfax:

Vehicle Information:
1991 HONDA CIVIC CRX SI/SE

No collisions or anything like that. Failed an emissions test in '99 which is hilarious to read...just bizarre to see things go back to the early 90s.
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Old Jun 27, 2018 | 02:46 AM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by sigourneybeaver
The VIN confirms it's the SI. I have the carfax:

Vehicle Information:
1991 HONDA CIVIC CRX SI/SE
Awesome

Just figured it's worth the verification. I don't know too much about what options the different trim levels did or did not include.
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Old Jun 27, 2018 | 12:21 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by 2x0
Awesome

Just figured it's worth the verification. I don't know too much about what options the different trim levels did or did not include.
Yeah, I should know soon what to expect here.

I've wanted one of these for 15+ years, and it became less and less practical as I got married/had kids/etc...but it's an interesting opportunity, and some family things that have happened make this a nice distraction.
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Old Jun 27, 2018 | 12:51 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by sigourneybeaver
Yeah, I should know soon what to expect here.

I've wanted one of these for 15+ years, and it became less and less practical as I got married/had kids/etc...but it's an interesting opportunity, and some family things that have happened make this a nice distraction.
I was/am in the exact same boat. Sold my last two-seater several years ago due to family obligations. Always wanted a rex, and when an opportunity presented itself I jumped on it.

Just remember, as important as it is to care for the fam, you need some time and a hobby for yourself also!
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Old Jun 27, 2018 | 12:52 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by 2x0
I was/am in the exact same boat. Sold my last two-seater several years ago due to family obligations. Always wanted a rex, and when an opportunity presented itself I jumped on it.

Just remember, as important as it is to care for the fam, you need some time and a hobby for yourself also!
I just wanna be able to say "my Rex".

That's really what this is, let's be real.
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Old Jun 29, 2018 | 01:03 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

me being crazy ****, the muffler looks like its missing the chrome beauty tips.

I just didn't want you to say the guy was asking $2500, and have all crazies say......"ahh that's worth $1750 MAX. You can find clean ones like that everywhere here on the west coast for under $1000!" Show me where then guys. As that car looks in pics, if I was in the ballpark for another one, I would seriously consider that vehicle. I have always wanted a clean white SI. Pretty sure the white SI was only offered in 90/91 too.

Last edited by schueytenten; Jun 29, 2018 at 01:18 PM.
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Old Aug 2, 2018 | 12:27 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

yes you should be worried...worried that someone ELSE will scoop it up if YOU dont
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Old Aug 2, 2018 | 12:35 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Update

i bought it when I said I would and it’s been fantastic. People stop and compliment it all the time. Took some photos:



​​​​​​​
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Old Aug 2, 2018 | 12:37 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by linkdeezie
yes you should be worried...worried that someone ELSE will scoop it up if YOU dont
Considering this was posted over a month ago I think it's safe to say the car has been sold.

Edit: Nice job OP, good buy. That car does look very clean.
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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 12:25 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

Originally Posted by sigourneybeaver
Thanks for the response.

Here's what's been done to it:

- Car had a full paint job a few years ago in top of the line Standox paint in it's original color.
- Windshield Replaced
- Factory AC still runs
- Recently replaced all front control arms, ball joins, sway bar links, strut rods, and tie roods with MOOG OEM replacements
- It's on Koni Yellow adjustable shocks and HR lowering springs
- New front pads and discs
- New muffler
- installed daytime running lights (to pass inspection)
- Tape deck replaced with JVC deck - but he still has the old one

I should add, this isn't for a daily driver. I have a Kia Optima that handles my day to day. This is just an opportunity type thing/fulfilling a high school dream.
Nice. You have done pretty much everything that you could do to make it drive decent again. It is time to upgrade that old engine. Keep the old engine though.
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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 01:06 PM
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Default Re: Found a mint 1991 Si with 188K Miles - Should I be worried?

It's so great to see a thread updated like this! Great job OP, perfect looking crx

Time to start a build thread
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