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.

Ken Block is god. =)