Peter Adler wrote:
> My 14th Volvo (a 765T) is resting and I need transport. I think the car I'm
> looking for is a Civic HX, preferably auto. I'm seeing some in apparently
> reasonable shape with 100K or thereabouts for around $4500. Looks don't
> matter much, but reliability is a must. Good gas mileage would be a plus.
>
> I know absolutely nothing about Hondas, so my questions to all you experts:
>
> Is the HX a good choice or are people going to roll around laughing and say,
> You bought a WHAT!!!?
>
> Is the price/age point reasonable? Should I spend more money? Could I spend
> less?
>
> Volvos before '88 had bad electrical issues. Is there a similar break point
> with the HX where long-standing problems were finally made to go away?
>
> Is there anything peculiar to this model that I should watch for?
>
> I've enjoyed browsing this group and look forward to your responses.
>
> Thank you --
>
> Pete (from Poughquag)


hx auto is cvt - continuously variable transmission. some people hate
it because it doesn't have a notchy shift like a traditional auto -
rpm's stay "stuck" but the car just goes faster. however it gets you up
to 50mpg, so there are benefits is you can handle the "weirdness". only
concern there would be transmission parts, but i've never seen anybody
on this group complain about lack of longevity. and honda still support
it. most hondas will get you 300k without too much problem.

other routine stuff would be making sure the plastic radiator gets
replaced in the not too distant. once cracked, you'll obviously lose
coolant and overheat the motor, and when you do that, the head gasket
starts to slowly leak. replacements are relatively cheap and will last
you another 10 years. other than that, a thoroughly boringly reliable
car.

one last thing: if you visit the city, be careful where you park. the
8-spoke alloys on the hx happen to be the lightest 14" wheels honda
used. they consequently tend to be somewhat sought after by some of the
fringe 2ner crowd and therefore stolen. [wheel "locks" are ineffective.]