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This Honda CRX coupe has more mileage than most drivers would rack up in 74 average years of driving. The average American drives about 13,500 miles a year. After about 14 years of driving, most well-maintained cars could benefit from some costly repairs. This Honda CRX is a freak of nature. It has survived for more than three times the average car’s lifespan.

The million-mile Honda CRX

A red Honda Civic CRX.
The Honda Civic CRX | DONALD BLACK/Star Tribune via Getty Images

The Honda CRX first came to America in 1984. It was introduced after the Japanese Honda Ballade Sports CR-X debuted in 1983 in three different configurations. The small car generated buzz in Japan because of the powertrain of some of its trims, and the model came to American Honda without the hyphen. This was a unique time for small cars in the automotive industry.

The Honda CRX was built on a smaller Honda Civic chassis and made to breathe new life into Honda’s compact car models. It quickly became a favorite amongst racers because of its capable factory suspension. Many regard the Honda CR-X as one of the pioneers of affordable sports cars. According to Motor1, a 1991 Honda CRX Si withstood the test of time and accumulated 1,000,000+ miles.

The 1991 Honda CRX Si has its original engine and transmission. Any vehicle traveling 1,000,000 miles is miraculous, let alone keeping its original powertrain components for that many miles. This mileage is equivalent to traveling across the country hundreds of times in America.

The million-mile Honda CRX Si uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 105 horsepower. The CRX is known for being fun to drive because of its light weight and great suspension. It also has an amazing shifter and manual steering. The previous owner Randall Scott clearly took this hatch around the block a few times. Regular maintenance is a huge factor in vehicle upkeep. Let’s face it, when it comes to certain 80s and 90s car models, they just don’t make ’em like they used to anymore.

What is routine maintenance on a car?

A man arrives to pick up his repaired car.
A man arrives to pick up his repaired car | Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images

Routine vehicle maintenance can keep your car running for a very long time. It may not last for 1,000,000 miles. If you maintain your vehicle well, it can last for over 200,000 miles without major repairs. Today this is a huge accomplishment considering that many vehicles are deemed useless as their mileage creeps closer to 200,000.

Routine maintenance does involve quite a few different parts and processes. Drivers should regularly change their motor oil and other vehicle fluids as needed in a timely manner. Regular tune-ups and replacing spark plugs can keep a vehicle in great condition. Brake pads, belts, and hoses also can go bad over time and may need to be replaced.

Routine maintenance involves being cognizant of your vehicle’s true condition at all times, down to the parts and fluids. If something needs fixing. changing or attention, it’s best to get it taken care of sooner than later. Some maintenance can save you money over time. Taking a less is more approach to vehicle maintenance is possible today, but it could leave your vehicle in very bad shape.

How long do Honda models last today?

A blue 2017 Honda Civic Si sedan.
2017 Honda Civic Si Sedan | Honda

Honda may not be churning out vehicles that can last for 1,000,00 miles, but its vehicles are still extremely reliable. The Honda Civic has consistently proven itself to be one of the most reliable compact cars on the market. Honda Civic models can last for 200,000-3000,000 miles when properly maintained.

The technology that automobiles use today is very different from the tech used in the late 80s and early 90s. This 1991 Honda CRX Si is an anomaly in many ways. It presents a unique and fun challenge (especially for those who want to save money). How long can your car last?

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