Peter Adler wrote:

> "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.]
>
>
> Jim - thank you!
>
> A device that transmits power via a metal belt rubbing on metal cones
sounds
> a little scratchy.

well, it /is/ bathed in atf...

> Is wear a major issue with these gadgets?

not that i've heard of. you can be pretty sure all the honda forums
would be full of it if it were.

> 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?

see above.


>
> 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)
>