Jim - thank you!

A device that transmits power via a metal belt rubbing on metal cones sounds
a little scratchy. Is wear a major issue with these gadgets? If you do a lot
of steady highway driving, do the cones tend to wear just in one place? If
so, does it produce a notchy effect?

Plastic radiators are also a Volvo curse. Replacement is a reflex.

"Boringly reliable" is exactly what I'm looking for, and if that includes
its behavior in rain or snow I'd be deleriously happy. My other main concern
is getting from A to B and back without lining the pockets of Bush's buddies
more than I absolutely have to. The HX is beginning to sound ideal.

Again, thank you --

Pete (fP)

"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:vOWdnfFdJJjhqA3bnZ2dnUVZ_gednZ2d@speakeasy.ne t...
> 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.]