Honda CRX De-Sol Opinions

[Moya]

Hi Guys

I'd just like to get some opinions on the Honda CRX, de-sol version. Which is roughly 1993 to 1997 I think.

I currently have a big old falcomadore, which I like for the room, but honestly it's a petrol guzzler ($60/week) and I'd like something alot smaller and cheaper to run.

Things specially I'd like to know about is;
1. Engine reliability in higher KM's. Most the ones on carsales now are approaching 150,000++...
2. What do I need to watch/look for?
3. Whats the handling like on the crx's? I'm not after a race car or full sports car, but definately something alot more fun than my falcon...BUT definately not slow as shit...that would just annoy me.
4. Anyone know of a Honda forums in Aus? Preferably crx (as thats what I'm looking at)
5. General thoughts from anyone who's changed from a big falcon/commodore to a smaller crx/integra/smaller honda etc.

I'm slightly nervous downgrading from a 2002 Ford to an older ~1995 Honda (I'm a honda fanboy) - even though my Ford is now touching 150KM's...

http://imagestore.ugbox.net/image/9c84ce9d65eb65c6440872f8fb934837.jpg

McThanks

[z3lda]

if u like your falcomadore for the rroom. i presumee your a big guy.
the crx del sol aint for you, its small and squshy.

fuel eco. its verly goot. 20bux gets u 250k's

[tRipitaka]

handling will be probably much better than the falcon..
will be much more fuel economical too, probably about 400-450kms per tank..
engine reliability should not be a problem, as hondas are very good at long life..
when you go check out the delsol, make sure you check the targa top seals, and make sure they're in good condition, as you don't want it raining on your head.. or do you ? ;)
I believe a good site is www.crxaustralia.com (http://www.crxaustralia.com) but I'm not sure if it's still up..

[Stabo]

1. Engine reliability in higher KM's. Most the ones on carsales now are approaching 150,000++...

B16A V-Tec 1.6L engine :) comepletely bulletproof as long as they've had fairly regular service.

2. What do I need to watch/look for?

Not much besides the usual i guess? Serivce records, general condition of the vehicle. Take a good look at the owner.. see if they're the responsible type ;)

Also keep in mind that these engines are designed to rev HARD, so during a test drive dont take it up to 4000-5000rpm and think that it is gutless. Rev the engine right out and then judge.

3. Whats the handling like on the crx's? I'm not after a race car or full
sports car, but definately something alot more fun than my falcon...BUT definately not slow as shit...that would just annoy me.

HAha i guarantee you'll be able to throw it around corners ALOT better than a Falcon, and love every mintue of it :D They're small and close to the ground, cant get much better than that.

4. Anyone know of a Honda forums in Aus? Preferably crx (as thats what I'm looking at)

http://www.crxaustralia.com/

I think the forums are down atm, but they'll be back.

5. General thoughts from anyone who's changed from a big falcon/commodore to a smaller crx/integra/smaller honda etc.

I went from an Integra to a Gen II CRX ... bit of a size difference there. I think you'll enjoy the ease of parking and fuel economy, i just love the go-kart feel of the CRX. Anything else i drive feels like a boat :)

Good luck!

[z3lda]

B16A V-Tec 1.6L engine :) comepletely bulletproof as long as they've had fairly regular service.



yea the b16a "v-tec" is gangster y0

[mikes94]

Coming from a falcomadore you're gonna notice a HUGE difference in torque. I notice it enough from a 1.8 Integra to the 1.6 CRX. But from a 3.5l+ Commo or 4.0l+ Falcon ... Yikes!!

Goodluck!
Mike
ps. stay away from the red ... they fade to buggery!!

[Moya]

if u like your falcomadore for the rroom. i presumee your a big guy.
the crx del sol aint for you, its small and squshy.

fuel eco. its verly goot. 20bux gets u 250k's


Naa I'm not a big guy :) I meant room as in driving down to the coast with the boys, big ass esky in the back full of corona's with system full blast :)

But thats like once every few months, other than that, it's just me in the car, which is why I wanna downgrade :D

Revs isn't a problem, I own a Honda CBR2500RR which constantly see's it's 20K redline :D

Can anyone comment on speed difference between a Falcon, a 2001 Integra Type R, and this CRX? I've only ever driven these two cars properly (does my mums daewoo count? :p) Seems handling will be alot different, and alot more fun? :D

[tRipitaka]

Hmm..
say goodbye to your mates (except one) and your esky if you're gonna get a crx delsol..
most likely you'll want the roof off when you go down to the coast, so there's pretty much your bootspace ;)

[tRipitaka]

Naa I'm not a big guy :) I meant room as in driving down to the coast with the boys, big ass esky in the back full of corona's with system full blast :)

But thats like once every few months, other than that, it's just me in the car, which is why I wanna downgrade :D

Revs isn't a problem, I own a Honda CBR2500RR which constantly see's it's 20K redline :D

Can anyone comment on speed difference between a Falcon, a 2001 Integra Type R, and this CRX? I've only ever driven these two cars properly (does my mums daewoo count? :p) Seems handling will be alot different, and alot more fun? :D

depends which falcon you're talking about.. V6 or V8 ?
but itr > crx delsol all around
but delsol > itr in parking

[panda[cRx]]

can you take the roof off your commonwhore? :p
fun cars to drive right up to 7500rpm

like stabo says the engines are fairly bullet proof if looked after

[Moya]

i6 160kw stock falcon...


Coming from a falcomadore you're gonna notice a HUGE difference in torque. I notice it enough from a 1.8 Integra to the 1.6 CRX. But from a 3.5l+ Commo or 4.0l+ Falcon ... Yikes!!

Goodluck!
Mike
ps. stay away from the red ... they fade to buggery!!
Good point, but the CRX doesn't weight 1700KG does it? (how much does it weight?) Which I'm guessing why stock it needs the torque.

I'm more than willing to ditch being the designated driver :)

[Moya]

Sorry, couple misc questions.

1. Sound system. Whats it like to drop a decent $5k+ system into the crx?
2. Theft? Are these bad for theft? And how easy are they to steal?

[tRipitaka]

it weighs more than any other b16a equivalent.. considering it's size..
1100kg+

sound system -
doubt you'll fit subbies in the boot, so you either make custom spaces for the subs behind the seats, or you chuck away your spare wheel and keep the roof on forever ;)

[sesshoumaru]

Things specially I'd like to know about is;
1. Engine reliability in higher KM's. Most the ones on carsales now are approaching 150,000++...
2. What do I need to watch/look for?
3. Whats the handling like on the crx's? I'm not after a race car or full sports car, but definately something alot more fun than my falcon...BUT definately not slow as shit...that would just annoy me.
4. Anyone know of a Honda forums in Aus? Preferably crx (as thats what I'm looking at)
5. General thoughts from anyone who's changed from a big falcon/commodore to a smaller crx/integra/smaller honda etc.


most of your points have been covered by the other guys, however i'll just reconfirm everything for you :D

1. The B16A is a very reliable engine, i personally know of 2 del sols that have done more than 300,000 and still run very strong. What's required is that the engine has been taken care of. Because the del sol was aust delivered there is a good chance that it will come with complete service history, something that you should definetly try and look out for.

2. Do the usual checks over the body, check for signs of accidents, etc. If it doesn't bother you then use it as a bargaining tool. When looking at a car with more than 100,000 make sure the 100,000km major service has been done (ask for evidence).

3. How well a car handles depends a lot on the driver. Different people prefer cars to respond differently. In stock form it handles quite well, but it is a bit floaty... It's not slow as dog shit either :thumbsup: (you do have the rev the engine all the way out tho).

4. www.ozhonda.com

5. There will be no room for more than one passenger, just shopping.

Overall it's a fun car to have. To me it seems like they are starting to gain popularity.

Good luck.:thumbsup:

[panda[cRx]]

yeah around 1140kg from memory but someonewill prolly correct me on that.

i've heard some nice show systems in del sols and they were hot.

i dont see the del sol being much difference theft wise to other cars. depends on your alarm i guess. however imo if a thief wants your car enough they are gonna take it

[MR-VTEC]

i reckon the del sols are a bit disappointing form the performance side of things, compared to an itr. they are small but dont let the size fool ya they weigh a ton for they're relative size and the way they look. if ya like your falcon for the room prepared to be squished as the crx cabin is a two seater with nice tight bucket seats high centre console and low seating arrangement, personally i love the del sol cabin. but yeah you really do have to rev them to get any power. overall they are a very nice looking car, rare out on the road and good on fuel economy. just my two cents.

[sesshoumaru]

btw... there is a rack in the boot for the roof... so you'll still be able to fit your esky in underneath it.

the kerb mass is 1050KG.:cool:

[Moya]

Anyone got more interior pics (dash from seated drivers POV), specially of the boot up and down?

All the pics im finding are show car pics of the outside :)

[jords]

I reckon the Gen II crx is still the best shape........sorry just an opinion.

[z3lda]

if ur gonna get a sol. better get a red one. it makes the sol faster
proven fact. tested mine and a friends red sol against a white sol :D

[z3lda]

I reckon the Gen II crx is still the best shape........sorry just an opinion.

gen 2's almost 20 years old...its becoming a classic car, vintage almost ahah:)

[sesshoumaru]

if ur gonna get a sol. better get a red one. it makes the sol faster
proven fact. tested mine and a friends red sol against a white sol :D

agreed get a red one :P :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

they make the white ones look much faster :)

[Stabo]

I reckon the Gen II crx is still the best shape........sorry just an opinion.

haha i agree, ive got a Gen II fettish (which is why i owned 2 of em for a while) :D

Having said that i think he'll be happy with a Gen III, he definately won't go back to a boat Falcon ;)

[jords]

Any gen II with a B16A conversion will kick any Del Sol. Its a simple power to weight ratio fact.

A friend of mine is doing a JDM B16A (EF8) conversion at the moment into a AUDM gen II crx. It should be finished in a couple of months.

[PhatSol]

Any gen II with a B16A conversion will kick any Del Sol. Its a simple power to weight ratio fact.

A friend of mine is doing a JDM B16A (EF8) conversion at the moment into a AUDM gen II crx. It should be finished in a couple of months.

That may be so, but if he's worried about going back to a '95 sol from an '02 falcon, the gen II is definitley not going to be suitable (too old). As for the boot space, there is plenty. More than most other cars of that size. And you can still fit a reasonable amount of luggage in there with the roof off. As for the stereo, you just need to be intelligent with the installation. There are other ways to fit the gear in without wasting the whole boot (subs in the boot is kinda pointess anyway due to the two layers of sheetmetal between the cabin and the boot.)

I also drive an AU2 falcon regularly, and since getting the sol I have to say that the power of the falcon is no longer that impressive. Sure it has loads of torque and you can drive all the way to work without going over 2krpm. But going all out, you get to 5k and it's over. Something you will miss about the falcon however is the cabin noise level. I find the sol is much louder, especially once you move to performance tyres and possibly aftermarket suspension. The falcon is nice to sit on the highway just cruising along (ohh and that reminds me the sol dosen't have cruise control either!)

Anyway there's probalby lots more to say but I can't think of anything right now :p

[ProECU]

A friend of mine is doing a JDM B16A (EF8) conversion at the moment into a AUDM gen II crx. It should be finished in a couple of months.

I'm sure we'll all sleep better knowing this fact. :D

also, any turbo B16 Gen3 will whip-ass any Gen2, and if you say turbo wasn't standard on the gen3's then I rebutt with b16a's were not standard in the au. delivered gen2 either... so whats your point?

Fact is, these are gaining more popularity as they're becoming more affordable to the young student/professional. I've had mine for 6+years, and i'm not about to trade it in either.... absolutely love it
Only reason these arent popular amongst the gen2 owners is coz they couldnt afford them new ($45K) and are only now within reach. Flame me, but its the truth.

[sesshoumaru]

I'm sure we'll all sleep better knowing this fact. :D

also, any turbo B16 Gen3 will whip-ass any Gen2, and if you say turbo wasn't standard on the gen3's then I rebutt with b16a's were not standard in the au. delivered gen2 either... so whats your point?

Fact is, these are gaining more popularity as they're becoming more affordable to the young student/professional. I've had mine for 6+years, and i'm not about to trade it in either.... absolutely love it
Only reason these arent popular amongst the gen2 owners is coz they couldnt afford them new ($45K) and are only now within reach. Flame me, but its the truth.

lol.:thumbsup::D

not to forget that any supercharged K20A in an Ariel Atom will pwn any honda.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Bownce]

5. General thoughts from anyone who's changed from a big falcon/commodore to a smaller crx/integra/smaller honda etc.

I went from a VR commodore to a ek civic with b16b. Exactly for the same reason as you as well. I was sick of the bulkiness and the $$$ on petrol each week.

When I first purchased my car I was kinda a little bit disappointed. I mean I really liked it but i thought i was expecting much more. That feeling didnt last though because during those early stages i didnt know how to drive the car properly. You have to learn not to be shy with the car if you want some performance and to have a little bit of fun. These cars are made to revv. Definately not the quickest car around but then real fun with these cars is around the corners. You will be blown away by how much they stick to the rd especially if you have had the falcodore for a while.

Buy the car...you wont regret :wave:

[Kandy]

5. General thoughts from anyone who's changed from a big falcon/commodore to a smaller crx/integra/smaller honda etc.

I went from a VR commodore to a ek civic with b16b. Exactly for the same reason as you as well. I was sick of the bulkiness and the $$$ on petrol each week.

When I first purchased my car I was kinda a little bit disappointed. I mean I really liked it but i thought i was expecting much more. That feeling didnt last though because during those early stages i didnt know how to drive the car properly. You have to learn not to be shy with the car if you want some performance and to have a little bit of fun. These cars are made to revv. Definately not the quickest car around but then real fun with these cars is around the corners. You will be blown away by how much they stick to the rd especially if you have had the falcodore for a while.

Buy the car...you wont regret :wave:

Yeah, I had a Mitsubishi Verada (Magna) which was kinda big.
Now I have a Civic Coupe.

It is much easier to keep the car clean. It was a bomb stuff was everywhere!! I guess I didn't really like the car so I didn't care...

Main thing I miss is cruise control, and yeah like Bownce I didn't know (and still don't) know how to drive the car properly. Felt slow to start off with going from 6-4 cylinder - but this was also my first manual car.

Anyhow, I looked pretty silly in such a big car...

[raff]

my del sol weighs 1060kg not 1150++ like afew of ya's have said!

there a good little car mate!

can be fuel economic if you dont pump it to 8k all the time!

they handle really good,even better when you lower it i found......

boot space isnt a problem what so ever either, i can fit 4 wheels in the boot with no probs so you can fit your esky or dead bodies whatever you want!

[z3lda]

have u weighed your car raff? how do u know your car weighs 1060 and not 1150 plus?

[weezer]

have u weighed your car raff? how do u know your car weighs 1060 and not 1150 plus?

Maybe it includes the Hairdresser who drives it? :D

[Moya]

I also drive an AU2 falcon regularly, and since getting the sol I have to say that the power of the falcon is no longer that impressive. Sure it has loads of torque and you can drive all the way to work without going over 2krpm. But going all out, you get to 5k and it's over. Something you will miss about the falcon however is the cabin noise level. I find the sol is much louder, especially once you move to performance tyres and possibly aftermarket suspension. The falcon is nice to sit on the highway just cruising along (ohh and that reminds me the sol dosen't have cruise control either!)

Anyway there's probalby lots more to say but I can't think of anything right now :p


Cheers mate, I'd love to hear more opinions from ya specially because you regularly drive both cars :)

Whats the interior difference like?
Your definately correct about driving to work never going over 2k rpm.
Whats the acceleration like compared to the falcon? I love my mates Type R, VTEC at 5k is pure sex :) Is the b16a simiar? (ie. such obvious vtec kick in, apparently i-vtec is pretty tame)
Can you fit 6.5" splits in the front doors?

[PhatSol]

Whats the interior difference like?
Your definately correct about driving to work never going over 2k rpm.
Whats the acceleration like compared to the falcon? I love my mates Type R, VTEC at 5k is pure sex :) Is the b16a simiar? (ie. such obvious vtec kick in, apparently i-vtec is pretty tame)
Can you fit 6.5" splits in the front doors?

Interior wise the falcon is more comfortable because you have the height adjustable seats, although the sol seats are already as low as they go which is fine for me. The falcon wins with headroom too because of the sol's flat roof. I also miss the reach adjustable steering wheel (i would pay $$$ to get that feature put on the sol!). The sol has plenty of legroom though because there is no rear seats, and the seats have much more cornering support.

Acceleraion is better than the falcon, but takes a while to master. It's a matter of shifting into the right gear. This isn't my first 4cyl car so i'm kinda used to it now, but if you only drive the falcon it might feel a bit slow at first even though it's actually faster. I don't find the VTEC kick that noticable, but it is very obvious that the engine likes to make it's power at 6000rpm plus. The sol is heavier than the DC2R and a slightly lesser engine, so it's not the same. But if you like how nice the falcon is as a daily driver I don't think you would like living with the DC2R hahaha....

6.5" splits in the doors is a piece of cake, usually just requires a thin MDF ring to go between the speaker and the door to avoid hitting the window glass. There is space for the tweeters in the top corner of the doors, or else on the A-pillars. Subs are best installed behind the seats, and amps wherever you like (except under the seats, there is zero clearance).

[Moya]

hehe, funny you say that, most the stuff you mention either is what annoys me about the falcon, OR I don't use. I've never touched the height of my seats, never changed my steering wheel and I hate that I CAN drive to work completely under 2k :)

b16a is a DOHC 1.6L VTEC yeh?

[sesshoumaru]

have u weighed your car raff? how do u know your car weighs 1060 and not 1150 plus?

coz i said it a few posts earlier.:rolleyes:

[raff]

it says on rego sticker!

hahaha no hairdressers here!

[PhatSol]

it says on rego sticker!

hahaha no hairdressers here!

The owner's manual says the AUDM sol weighs 1125kg - 1180kg.

Moya: Yep B16A2 is DOHC VTEC.