1988 CRX Si

also watch out for flood-damaged cars!

 

Before I bought the "new" Civic, I was searching the Houston Craigslist
several times a day for "civic si" and "crx". One day I ran across an
'88 CRX Si that sounded too good to be true, and you know what they say
about deals like that. It was represented to be in immaculate condition,
one owner, everything worked, and the pics that were posted indicated
that the underhood area was clean enough to eat off of. The asking price
was $2500.

Figuring I had nothing to lose, I emailed the poster. After a day or
two, I assumed someone had beaten me to it, then I got the following
reply:

"The car is located in Detroit MI and it is in perfect condition, with
no need for additional repairs, no scratches, dings, special marks
whatsoever. It has 130k original miles and 40k engine rebuilt miles and
the vin# is [deleted] .It has a clear title ready to be signed and
notarized on your name. [...]
The price is $2,500 including shipping costs anywhere in the
continental US. There are no other costs regarding this transaction.
We will make this deal only under World Escrow protection because is
more safe. If you already decided to buy my car please send me your full
name and your full address and I will start a transaction with them. The
car will be shipped insured to your location with DAS and you will have
5 days for inspection."

Uh, yeah. I'll get right on that, as soon as I get the wire transfer
this nice man in Nigeria is sending me for helping him out.

Dave

 

Thanks for the caveat.

JT, I sure did check my local Craigslist and there actually
are a fair number of possibilities (especially shell wise),
at least, if the phone numbers are any guide. Maybe I should
not be surprised, given the relative ease of use Craigs List
offers? Dunno; I am not really familiar with it yet.

 

Especially from New Orleans!

OTOH, I've seen (flash) fresh water flood cars revived after sitting for
ten years... As long as they weren't totally submerged.

JT

 

Yet, another varient of the textbook Nigerian scam...

<G>

JT

 

Here's a couple of CRX models that might be worth pusueing in the SF Bay
area.


http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/car/633084780.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/630991872.html


Of course, it pays if you can have someone look at it first!

JT

 

Craig's List is one of the major driving factors causing great pain to
main line newspapers. Why pay for a tiny classified ad when you can
post (with pictures) for free on Craig's...

Also, with the economy headed for the toilet, more bargains will be
popping up.

JT

 

and the whole western Gulf coast.Katrina effects were fairly widespread.

yeah,but if they get moldy....you'll not get the odor out,and it could be a
health risk.

 

i think that mold "health risk" stuff is over-blown. it's ubiquitous in
nature. and you should have seen some of the fungal cultures growing in
an ex gf's kitchen.

bottom line: /fear/ of mold is highly profitable. actual danger? how
many deciduous forests have you walked through and died? there, mold
exists by the ton, not microgram. spray some lysol and open a window if
you don't like the smell.

 

It's an open forest, not a closed-in car environment. Altogether
different.

Damn, you're a dumb ****.

 

analyze the spore density - it's not different at all.

so the guy that doesn't know what he's talking about is /not/ dumb?
that's novel.

 

A friend who likes older big cars found a late 1970's Lincoln at the
same place I bought my '83 Civic FE. It had gotten its whole front end
dunked during a flash flood about ten years earlier.

He had the car towed then replaced the starter, installed a new battery
and removed the plugs. Motor spun right over (spraying him with a lot
of water from the plug holes). He put on a rebuilt carb, changed the
oil/filter and rigged a temporary fuel tank/line directly to the carb.
Also put in new plugs. Damned thing started right up and within a
minute or two was purrin' like a cat.

JT

 

I wouldn't be so sure.

Mold has been around for zillions of years and perhaps the biggest issue
is that with all the "advances" in medicine, we've become a dumbed down
species less resistant to ambient bacteria etc.

But, I would mix some "new car smell" deoderizer along with the Lysol..

JT

 

The car is not modified at all. My wife is the original owner and she
bought it new.

The car only has 120,000 miles on it. It's a 5 speed. Engine hardly
ever takes oil. I've had it changed regularly. I also have a
comprehensive maintenance list. The drivers side seat and the fold up
part in back are bad but the rest is OK for a 20 year old car. I still
have the top for the back and I replaced the back floor area under the
carpet with a new cover about two years ago.

The stereo is not factory. It sucks now but I never cared about that
anyhow.

I now have pics of the body rust. Honestly to me, it didn't look that
bad but I'm not an expert. I do trust the bodyshop guy though and he
pointed out two places of concern:

1. driver's side lower door (I forgot what he called it) area where two
bolts hold the door onto the body.

2. rear underside left rocker panel where jack support is.

He says both are ready to fail.

I even have two doors to replace the original ones on now.

If it weren't for the low mileage and the notion that someone out there
has the skill, tools and place to do all the work, I'd trash it for the
50 bucks.

BUT, I think it's worth more than that to someone. I just want to be
sure someone gets it that CAN fix it. It's a great car.

I'm asking $150 or best offer.

If you want pics, let me know.

Dave

 

Buy a higher mileage similar model for either eBay or Craig's list that
does not come from the rust belt.

Your car will then become a parts car.

A CRX is worth keeping and this would be the best course of action in
your case.

JT

 

I sold it to a guy who is a master welder who bought cars far worse than
mine for a lot more. Got $500 for it and we're keeping in touch.
Perhaps when he fixes it, I can buy it back.

It is a great car and I'll miss it.