Need Input: 90/91 CRX HF or 90/91 318IS... or both
 

Need a daily driver for a 26 mile each way commute. It is on mostly divided highway, pretty straight forward.


1990 Honda Civic CRX HF
- Already Own It
- *EVERYTHING* on it is new or replaced [except the head gasket, not a known weak point]. 160k on it
- Two sets of rims tires (Summer and Winter)
- FWD open differential (eh... )
- 44mpg driving it with spirit
- No ABS, no Airbag, ~1930lbs + driver

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...ianGT/862a.jpg

1991 BMW 318IS
- About $3000 to get into a decent one (looking at one with 120k this weekend)
- RWD, LSD
- Classier
- Estimated 34mpg aiming for mpg
- Probably more cost for upkeep, and I will want a set of rims and tires for winter, + any missing maintenance (est $1000)
- SAFER (ABS, front airbag)

http://home.earthlink.net/~randylwal...aDelMarLF1.jpg

So, as a 25-30 year old male, recently married, I am fine driving the CRX back and forth to work (Wife is in a W203 C230 Sports Coupe Kompressor, also mine). However, both her (and my mother, ha) pine for me to be in something safer...

I somewhat agree, but the CRX is very nimble, and it's completely ready to go, and I won't get my $$ back out of it (about $3500 into it, so not bad). Could let it go and get ~$1500 is my estimate with everything.

BMW E30 is safer, classier (I do not like the 'kid' connection with the CRX), and RWD and LSD is nice. A set of snows and being careful, it's fine for winter. ABS is okay too, I can live with or without it. Airbag is a gen1, and I always wear my seatbelt and maintain 12-14'' from the steering wheel.

Thoughts? What would you do? I can afford to buy the E30 and keep the CRX... but why? Around town grocery getter? Track toy (motor swap/etc), except I have no TIME (apartment living too) to have a track toy... I'd probably moth-ball it (store it somewhere free).

Input welcome.

p3

Drive that CRX until it's DUST.

I was just posting the same thing. Take the $3k you would spend on the BMW and put it aside until the Honda dies.

I figure eventually someone in a Yukon or something will not check (or see) me and tap me or put me into a guard rail (hopefully controllable), which will total out the car, and then I can transition...

but the CRX... Timing Belt, Water pump, clutch w/ throwout and input shaft bearing, new fly wheel, rebuilt transmission, complete (down to the hard lines) brake system + booster + master, complete exhaust, o2, etc, etc, etc, etc...

It really just needs a new windshield (Scratches) and the AC system converted... maybe some new seats... but I'm starting to run out of things it 'needs'

Paul Heery,

Yes, I was thinking maybe take '$500' from the BMW fund and use it on making the CRX an even better DD...

Normally I'm all about the 3-series over a Honda - but was never impressed with the 318, and the CRX is pretty much the best Civic ever. No question on this one - CRX for the win.

I was also considering the 325IX, but with the commute, the cost of 44mpg vs 25mpg adds up to a lot of ammo/dining out/insert enjoyable expense here.


IX in the snow though... was going to look at one in the $3200 range... I am just wondering if I am inserting fuel economy over safety... so I am looking to see if anyone can speak to it... I have looked at threads on various boards about collisions with both, etc...

My CRX had 254k miles when I sold it. It was still going strong. It's an easy car to maintain and parts are relatively cheap. I had the steel 13" rims, so tires were ~ $100 when they needed replacing.

Dunno if running an E30 chassis is considered upscaling at this time. Most have seen better days now.

I'd stay w/ the CRX if I was in your shoes. Put some BAR stickers on it and call it a day. :-)

A clean E30 in the 90-91 vintage (I think 87+) looks good (to me), and I don't see a lot on the road (same with CRX). I like cars that I do not see too many of.

No doubts about what you said concerning the CRX... I guess my main question is

is the E30 safety improvement, and fuel economy cost, and classier look, a better choice than the CRX?. I can afford to run both, it's not a money problem. It's a frugal b@$7@rd problem...

p3

You want an '89 or new E30 for the plastic bumpers. The E30 can be fun but I'd just keep the CRX if it was me. The M42 engine in the 318 is pretty rock solid. A well kept 318 might be a step up, but not by far. You buy and E30 because you're an enthusiast, then for comfort and safety. That's not to say safety and comfort are not there. Just not going to be the big leap you think it will be from the CRX.

Thank you Soukus,

I've driven both (The E30s only briefly, 325IS in auto and standard), so I know what you mean it's not a cushy comfort boat. I still like the more raw driving experience, for now. and while no one can tell me one is certainly better, I am just looking for non-bias opinions on their interpretation of safety, economy, and fun factor.

E30 parts are cheap. Even parts for my E36 M3 are as cheap as for my Miata, if not cheaper.

Keep the CRX, though, but get a better motor in it :)

Heh, if I was going to swap the CRX, I would start with a better platform...

RWD (or AWD), to start. =)

CRX only wins so far due to 'it doesn't need anything for about 30k miles', and fuel economy.

Man...if I didn't already have too many cars (so says the wife) I would buy the CRX off ya and then the decision would be easy...a 318 ;)

Keep me in mind if you sell the CRX. Maybe one of my kids will want it.

CRX hands down. The 318 is not much of an improvement safety wise.

That CRX is clean and I would love it.

That being said keep driving the Honda. There is no way you will get that mileage out of something else in that price range. Safety is overrated IMHO.

I too have a long commute and would love 44 mpg!

But it is somewhat safer based on random internet show and tell...

The only two things that kill you in an accident...

1) Cabin intrusion (being poked/punctured/crushed)
2) Rapid Deceleration (60-0 flat, vs prolonging the impact)

Occupant Kinematics 101... of course there is forward/lateral movement/support things to think about to (think whiplash from non-safety seats (no or incorrectly adjusted headrests, etc)... but just looking at it from a high view, I think the E30 weighs more (it does, it has to) so less #2 in some instances, and better protection with #1 based on probably similar design criteria but heavier materials (may not translate but I've seen some pics of hits and it has held up...)

p3

I DD a e318is E36, although I've never driven a e30 318. In my heavier e36 the car is dog slow. Not a big deal until some one doesnt want to give you room or you need to merge now. Once up to speed it handles almost as well as my old e36 M3 and get's 32mpg every tank.

If it were me I'd keep the CRX.

VV,

The CRX would also qualify for your speed description. I think I'm used to dog slow. CRX HF is 62 or 68 hp, I forget.

I have an E36,318IS--electronic nightmare,I would stick with the Honda.
Put a roll cage in it to appease the missus!

phoenix_iii,

I am a widely recognized specialist in Honda CRX crashes. It is vital that you get rid of that car before something terrible happens to you or someone you love.

That said, I'd be willing to make the sacrifice and take that car off your hands...purely for YOUR safety, of course! ;) :p

PV