A typical 1989 Honda CRX ranges from about $3,000 to $15,000 depending on trim, condition, mileage, and originality, with Si and HF variants usually commanding higher prices.
Prices are driven by market demand, provenance, and the car’s mechanical and cosmetic state. This article breaks down rough price bands by trim and condition, outlines the main value drivers, and shows how to verify current numbers using reputable sources.
Current market snapshot
In the United States and other markets with a strong vintage-Honda following, demand for 1989 CRXs remains steady among enthusiasts who prize lightweight, economical sport coupes. Auction results and dealer listings reflect a wide range, with clean, stock examples typically achieving higher prices than rough, modified, or high-mileage cars. Regional differences and timing can shift prices up or down in any given week.
Estimated value by trim and condition
The following bands are rough, representative ranges for US-market cars from recent years. Individual results will vary based on mileage, rust, maintenance, and provenance.
- DX/Base: roughly $3,000–$7,000 for a driver in fair-to-good condition; $5,000–$9,000 if it's a clean, stock example with reasonable miles.
- HF (High Fuel Efficiency): typically $4,000–$9,000; higher if original, well-documented, and low-mileage; $7,000–$12,000 for a very clean example.
- Si: commonly $6,000–$15,000; strong performers with original parts and low mileage can reach $12,000–$20,000, especially if well preserved or restored.
These ranges are approximate and reflect current market dynamics across popular listings and auctions. Regional variations and timing can shift values upward or downward.
What drives value
Several variables determine how much a 1989 CRX is worth. Enthusiasts and collectors weigh these factors when pricing, trading, or bidding.
- Trim and model: DX vs HF vs Si, with Si generally priced highest in stock condition.
- Overall condition: cosmetic and mechanical state, including engine health, transmission, suspension, and interior wear.
- Mileage: lower-mile examples tend to command premiums, especially for Si or original stock cars.
- Originality: factory parts, documentation, and matching numbers increase value; significant deviations can reduce it for some buyers.
- Maintenance history: documented service records build buyer confidence.
- Rust and structural integrity: rust-free bodies and solid frames are a major price driver in classic Hondas.
- Color and rarity: certain colors or factory options may be more desirable to collectors.
- Provenance: one-owner or well-documented ownership history can add value.
- Modifications: tasteful, period-correct upgrades can improve value for some buyers, while heavy or non-original mods may deter purists.
- Transmission: manual transmissions are generally preferred by enthusiasts and can fetch higher prices than automatics.
In practice, the final price is a function of how these factors align with buyer demand at any given moment.
How to verify current value
To get up-to-date, market-relevant numbers, consult a mix of evaluators, marketplaces, and recent sale results. The following sources are commonly used by buyers and sellers.
- Hagerty Price Guide for classic cars, with condition-adjusted values.
- Bring a Trailer result pages and archived auctions to gauge real buyer activity and selling prices.
- Recent eBay Motors sold listings and regional classifieds to capture true transactions.
- Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides' classic car valuations for baseline trade and private-sale pricing.
- Hemisings.com or ClassicCars.com listings for current asking prices and market sentiment.
- Local shop inventories and dealer listings to understand regional pricing trends.
Prices shown by these sources should be used as benchmarks rather than guarantees. Always inspect a car in person and obtain a pre-purchase inspection when possible.
Summary
The 1989 Honda CRX sits at a price crossroads, with DX, HF, and Si variants offering a broad spectrum of values. Clean, stock examples with low mileage and solid provenance tend to command the highest prices, while project cars and heavily modified builds sit lower in the market. By consulting reputable valuation guides and recent sale results, you can benchmark a fair price for your market and vehicle condition, and negotiate more confidently.
What makes the 1989 Honda CRX special?
In September 1989, Honda added the 1.6-litre 16-valve DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder B16A engine to the lineup outside of North America. The VTEC (variable valve timing and lift electronic control) engine provided increased power at high engine speeds while still allowing low fuel consumption and better idling at lower revs.
Is the 1989 CRX a future classic car?
Period road tests of the CRX ranked it as one of the best handling cars on the road, and most journalists spoke of what a hoot they are to drive. If you combine that with the reliability of Honda cars from this era, you end up with a future classic car that is hard to beat.
What are common CRX problems?
Common Issues with the CRX Engine:
The most common issue with the CRX engine, or any small gas-powered engine is the carburetor. Carburetors have small jets that can easily clog with old or low-quality fuel.
Is the Honda CRX a collectible car?
Last year, the CRX Si hit the collectible big-time. Watch Hemmings videos without ads here. This Tahitian Green Pearl 1991 Si—a final-year example driven just 326 miles from new—sold at Mecum's Kissimmee auction last year at no reserve for $65,000. With fees the total was $71,500.