On this day, January 10th 2012, my 1987 CRX has hit 300k miles!
That means I have roughly 200k on the motor. It’s still running like a champ.
The swap was done at around 260,000 miles. This is the fifth year after the swap. Repair cost so far is $0.
Tears, joy, and respect.

Sure has aged well.

Here it is, my 7th Honda and my first hybrid – the 2011 Insight EX.
I wasn’t a big fan of hybrids nor am I a greenie by any means but with the gas prices these days, why not. I said well.., I’d give it a try. So here it is, the 7th on the list of Hondas that I’ve owned that goes something like this:

1985 CRX
1991 Prelude Si
1994 Integra LS
1998 CR-V EX
2001 S2000
1987 CRX Si (current)
2011 Insight EX (current)

Surprisingly, this bargain basement hybrid comes with some features you normally wouldn’t expect in this price range such as; traction control (not sure why you’d need it), tire pressure monitor, paddle shifter (even though it’s simulated shifting), outside mirror heater, auto climate control, speed sensing wipers, tilt & telescope steering. Personally, I don’t really care about the features. I just like how the Insight looks – like a mini FCX Clarity.

I wanted to love my Subaru Outback. I really did. It was awesome in the winter – the 4-wheel drive system was like no other – it cuts through the snow like no other 4wd I’ve driven. However, this thing was testing my patience and my love…

I thought it was generally known that Subarus are relatively reliable vehicles. Well, mine must’ve been a lemon or something. My 2005 Outback went through:

- brand new set of tires all around (twice)
- right front wheel bearing (twice)
- front cv joint axle
- ignition coil
- 4 pairs of headlight bulbs (pairs!)
- check engine light whenever it rains or humid like clockwork
- 2 sets of brand new brake rotors and pads
- intermittent shuddering, loss of power regardless of weather
- malfunctioning driver-side heater vents
- exhaust gas leak into the cabin
- a self-developed tear in rear door window molding

All this in less than 5 years and under 67,000 miles.

It almost seems that this car was cursed. I know it’s not my lousy driving that ate through the tires and brakes. Tires and brakes on my CRX is more than 4 years old, and I drive that thing 10 times harder than the Subaru. I’ve owned Integra and Prelude for 5 ~ 6 years close to 100k miles without spending a dime on repairs.

They say ‘Love is what makes a Subaru a Subaru.’ Well…, yes, you really need to have lot of love to tolerate a piece of shit like that. But that’s something I could not do. I’m just glad the Outback is now gone! See Ya! I’m going back to all Honda.

Honda recalls 700,000 Fit worldwide for engine problem.
“Springs can bend, break, or wear prematurely… causing engine to stall…” You know, it’s been known that Honda engines produced after 1999 are not the same as ones we old schoolers are used to. Vintage D-Series and B-Series engines run up to 300,000+ miles day in and day out. No biggie. I seriously doubt that modern Honda engines are capable of such longevity.