New Guy! Recommendations for a Pre-1996 fuel efficient car?

[kozaz]

I've been lurking for the last few days, and was wondering what cars you guys recommending?
I'm in the market for something under $3500.00. I kind of have a soft spot for older cars, also the car recommended should have engine rebuild kits easily available. (I notice on eBay there are tons of Metro 1.0 liter kits for under $300)

I currently drive a 86 Toyota MR2 that gets 35mpg, if I drive 55mph, and 32mpg if I drive like a nut.

Hope to hear from ya!

Thanks,
Ryan

[SVOboy]

1988-1991 CRX HF 1-2k, 1992-1995 Civic VX (or CX, less cool though) 2-3k.

They're def whooping some ***, right there. I vote for CRX HF if you wanna do tons of work and come out with a better result or Civic VX if you're not so into engine swaps and wiring.

[Matt Timion]

I say a non-CA Civic VX. Try to find a 95.

[SVOboy]

What's so good about a 95?

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

What's so good about a 95?

95 is newer and is driven 3 years less than a 92. Just saying that if they're all about the same price, get the newest.

[SVOboy]

Yes, well, I spose so, then. I wonder if the 95s are heavier though.

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Yes, well, I spose so, then. I wonder if the 95s are heavier though.

I think I remember researching that once, and the VX is the only model (maybe CX too, dunno) that didn't increase in weight as the years progressed. The CRX HF gained around 150ish pounds between 1988 and 1991, but the VX stayed at right around 2000lbs from beginning to end.

[krousdb]

Honda Del Sol S. Sweeeeeet!

[Silveredwings]

<em>[SVOboy]&quot;Yes, well, I spose so, then. I wonder if the 95s are heavier though.&quot;</em>

some data on CXs :
<table border="1">
<tr width="100">
<th>Year</th>
<th>Wt, lb.</th>
<th>Tank, gal.</th>
<th>city mpg</th>
<th>hwy mpg</th>
<th>city range, mi.</th>
<th>hwy range, mi.</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1992</td>
<td>2094</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>499.8</td>
<td>547.4</td>
<tr>
<tr>
<td>1993</td>
<td>2094</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>499.8</td>
<td>547.4</td>
<tr>
<tr>
<td>1994</td>
<td>2108</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>499.8</td>
<td>547.4</td>
<tr>
<tr>
<td>1995</td>
<td>2108</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>499.8</td>
<td>547.4</td>
<tr>
<tr>
<td>1996</td>
<td>2238</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>392.7</td>
<td>452.2</td>
<tr>
<tr>
<td>1997</td>
<td>2238</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>392.7</td>
<td>452.2</td>
<tr>
<tr>
<td>1998</td>
<td>2295</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>380.8</td>
<td>440.3</td>
<tr>
<tr>
<td>1999</td>
<td>2359</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>380.8</td>
<td>440.3</td>
<tr>
</table>

[GasSavers_Ryland]

I love my civic vx, and if you can find one without rust, then get it, all of them around here rust out around the rear fenders, even tho the rest of the underbody is perfectly clean, just did some suspention work, and it came appart so easly, but rear fender rust is not pretty.
I got the VX because I drive distances, and wanted something with a back seat, as it has enough head room for me, at 6' tall to sit in the back comfertably, I also have a 1985 crx hf, and love that car as well, but they are hard to find in good shape, and unless you are in to fixing stuff, their carburator gaskets, and 56 rubber vacuum hoses, and handfuls of diaphrams after 20+ years tend to need checking/replacing, the 2nd generation of crx 88-91 will be heavier, built like a tank, and with fuel injection, get simaler mileage as their older lighter sibing, also there are alot more aftermarket parts for the 2nd generation of crx, weight saving parts like carbon fiber hoods and fenders, but they also tend to be abbused by people who think they need the largest engine you can fit.