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Hey all, just looking for some input here. Looking at a blue 1991 CRX for my gf's cousin (first car). It is for sale for $1000. It runs strong and sounds good, no obvious leaks, only one spot of rear fender rust. Suspension looks a bit rusty, but solid and the frame looks fine.

The guy selling it says it has no brakes, which I tested and the pedal goes right to the floor. Seems to have leaked at the driver rear hardline to the drum. Seems like an easy fix but I've never done it before and haven't messed with a CRX at all. Is this as easy as it seems?

So, are there any known/common issues with these to look for? I realize it's 24 years old but it seems pretty decent if I just have to do some brakes on it.

I still have to go back to try and drive it since it was blocked way in today. Just want to make sure the steering and wheel bearings, etc. don't sound like there about to fall apart.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 
Rep Power: 210

nothing is as easy as it seems on a car that old,

investigating any little problem could open up a huge can of worms, lots of rusted bolts to get apart,etc etc

one "simple" brake leak could mean a complete overhaul on the brake system, including master cylinder, complete brake lines, calipers, etc etc,

it could need ALOT more then that to pass safety

its like buying an old house and seeing a few bugs around, thinking its nothing, then you find out the walls and attic are full of termites,

always plan ahead for worst case senerio,

for $1000 bucks it won't owe you much anyway

 
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That's kind of what I was thinking as far as the brakes go, don't want to have to do a total overhaul. The rubber parts of the lines looked good and no leaks other than the one hardline. There is still fluid in the master cylinder but I have no way of knowing if it drained out completely and then just got refilled.

I forgot to mention, it has 71k on it, only reason I gave it a look. Here in MA, you have 30 days to return a car if it will not pass safety.

 
Rep Power: 204

run away!!

honestly

I agree with what Mikey1 said.

If you live in an area where rust is an issue you're probably going to end up fighting every single bolt you try to turn on it simple because of it's age. So brakes need maintenance..I'd bet timing belt too...tires? .. probably all fluids... maybe even rubber hoses at almost 25 years old. Then there's the road noise and the safety factor. I would not let anyone I liked or was related own/drive that car.. it doesn't stand a chance in a crash scenario.

The positive side if it ... let's see, let's see, hmmmmm...I guess it probably gets great mileage and it's probably more reliable than a lot of more modern Civics.

I would do some checking into the cost and availability of brake parts specifically wheel cylinders and callipers because you'll probably have to bleed the system to make the repairs.. price out timing belt.. tires.. belts... hoses... fluids then add $1000 dollars and see if it's still worth it.

 
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Thanks for the input, we passed on it. Ended up finding a nice, running, pretty rust free 95 accord for her, $500! 149k

Now maybe the CRX can be a project for me instead...

Lol probably not

 
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It is a DX. I only buy DX's as a parts car. I would never put money into a DX. Buy an HF or Si. If the car is from the North and underneath is rusty, RUN AWAY! With the brake line leaking and the rust on that quarter panel, I would venture to say that it has seen some salt. I have an 88 HF and my original brake lines would still be on if I did not replace them with stainless steel ones a few months ago.