Honda CR-Z: A Discussion (+ possible alternatives?)

"wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series" (wpudvah) 10/17/2016 at 12:38 • Filed to: None

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Lately I’ve been thinking about selling my Acura TSX in the spring for something similarly as reliable but a little more involved (read: a manual transmission).

I’ve been thinking about my options and came across the Honda Cr-Z, but I’ve noticed that it consistently gets panned on Jalopnik and I’m wondering why. I’m a fan of the styling, plus trademark Honda reliability combined with a hybrid drivetrain (that includes a six speed!) seems like a winning recipe to me. Is is because it got hyped up to be the spiritual successor to the famed Cr-X and fell short in it’s driving characteristics?

Also, any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Looking for something semi-modern, manual transmission, low maintenance costs. Preferably a coupe, if possible. Will be 24 in January, so no real need for a 4-door. Also should mention I’m in MN, so winter capability might come into consideration (or I could just get a winter beater).

CB > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 12:41

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I think it’s the fact that it’s not the CRX successor that everyone wanted it to be. Other than that, should be nothing wrong with it, as far as I know.

bob and john > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 12:41

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its VERY slow.

honestly, if you could find a DIRT cheap one with a blow motor, rip out ALL of the stock drive train and drop in a K20 or K24, it would be a worlds better car.


as it sits, it was underpowered, heavy, drove like ass and didnt really do much well other then be reliable.

HammerheadFistpunch > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 12:44

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Slow, heavy, impractical...but stylish and reliable.

E92M3 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 12:47

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A manual Fit would be more fun to drive, or you could just get a Civic SI.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 12:47

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Drove one when I was shopping for a car...then I drove a Si. Get a Si...UNLESS you plan to K20 swap that CRZ

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > HammerheadFistpunch 10/17/2016 at 12:48

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Also not very good gas economy for a hybrid. It’s like the worst of all worlds.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 12:53

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Try to find a HPD CRZ.

JGrabowMSt > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 12:55

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Why not a Cooper or Clubman?

Roadster Man > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:02

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I dunno why people poo-poo all over the CR-Z. It’s the best looking Honda out there right now. I challenge anyone to find a better looking Honda in the 2016 lineup.

I assumed it was auto-only being a hybrid. Manual makes it super cool and quirky. Which is what oppo’s love, right?

interstate366, now In The Industry > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:03

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Manual TSX, maybe?

Textured Soy Protein > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:04

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The CR-Z drives like a Fit but without the practicality, and even though it’s a hybrid it doesn’t get any better mileage.

Why not get an Accord EX-L V6 coupe with a stick?

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:06

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How about a manual TL or TSX?

AfromanGTO > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:16

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I wonder how it would drive with the hybrid stuff and stock engine removed, and replaced with a K24. I bet that would feel like the CRX-Si. I wonder how much weight would be lost from removing the hybrid drivetrane.

fourvalleys > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:18

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Lots of poo-poo’ing from people who’ve never driven them, or people who drove them once expecting a 1900lb CR-X.

I loved mine, and I’d probably still have it today if I hadn’t been t-boned. You can find better gas mileage, you can find better practicality, but it’s still a really good little car. It’s not a rocket, but it’s fun and very reliable.

I was a 20-something when I got it, and it was pretty perfect for me. Of course, I also bought a Miata so I was able to toss that around. Driven normally around town, and on the highway? I much preferred the CR-Z.

MUSASHI66 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:19

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Answer is a slightly used FIAT 500 Abarth -2013/14/15 model, under 20k miles for $12000-14000.

Wobbles the Mind > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:27

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The Honda Fit is phenomenal and kind of kills the reasons for grabbing a CR-Z.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:30

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Civic SI seems like a more logical step from a tsx. Ford STs are also good choices for your criteria I would think(except no coupe).

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > fourvalleys 10/17/2016 at 13:30

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sounds like a similar situation to mine - I also own a 1979 Beetle, only for use in the summer/fall as a “fun” car. This would certainly be my DD.

What would you suggestion as a similar alternative?

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Textured Soy Protein 10/17/2016 at 13:31

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totally have considered the accord coupe w/ stick. Another looker, better practicality. thanks for the suggestion!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > MUSASHI66 10/17/2016 at 13:32

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wow, right in my sweet spot for pricing. adding to the list! great suggestion.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Flyboy is FAA certified insane 10/17/2016 at 13:32

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eh, just kinda want to switch it up! I looked pretty hard for a manual when I first bought the TSX, Minneapolis market was a bit dry.

ETA: manual TSX wagon would be dope.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > JGrabowMSt 10/17/2016 at 13:33

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oooh, interesting. I guess I just kind of assumed maintenance would be a bit pricier with it being a BMW product. Am I wrong? You know what they say about assumptions...

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > interstate366, now In The Industry 10/17/2016 at 13:34

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market was tough when I first bought mine. Looking to switch it up a bit, would totally consider a manual TSX wagon though.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Wobbles the Mind 10/17/2016 at 13:35

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hmmm, never been a huge fan of the Fit, but maybe that’s because I drove a Matrix in college? Kinda put me off that segment, but I’m sure they’ve improved drastically.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 10/17/2016 at 13:37

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test drove a ‘15 Si when I was shopping for the TSX, only reason I didn’t buy it because was I needed something a little more “business” (read: smooth ride, auto trans). I should look at those again!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Roadster Man 10/17/2016 at 13:38

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sounds like it’s just hella slow. Not really an issue for me since 99.9% of my driving is in the city. I just want something more involved without sacrificing on reliability and cost of maintenance!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > CB 10/17/2016 at 13:40

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seems to be the general consensus. Almost 100% of my driving is done locally in Minneapolis within the city, so “speed” isn’t exactly a necessity. I’m wondering if it can still be enjoyable/spirited without having much kick; I drive a ‘79 Beetle with minuscule HP but is terribly fun to drive (see Doug DeMuro’s new VW Thing video)

RacinBob > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:41

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Try a CRZ and then a SI. Also a new 2 door coupe. The other rub on the CRZ is no visibility and low seating position if female.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > E92M3 10/17/2016 at 13:41

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Civic Si seems like an obvious answer to my question. Need to look at those again!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > bob and john 10/17/2016 at 13:43

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hmmm, love that idea but certainly don’t have the chops/knowledge to get that done. I really need to test drive one to see what all the fuss is about, it’s just hard for me to imagine a modern stick shift car being so terrible (I DD a 4 speed ‘79 Beetle in the summer, so I’m easily impressed).

Chasaboo > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:43

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Fit is awesome. It’s cheap, it revs nicely, snicky 6 speed manual, and comes with so many features.

And it’s purple.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > HammerheadFistpunch 10/17/2016 at 13:43

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hate the first, dig the second part. what would you suggest as an alternative?

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/17/2016 at 13:44

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just looked it up - very true. Not my absolute #1 concern though.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > RacinBob 10/17/2016 at 13:45

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another Si suggestion! I’m sensing a pattern here. Male here just under 6 feet, so low seating position shouldn’t be much of an issue.

HammerheadFistpunch > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:45

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depends on whats your most important criteria: For me I’d be looking at gen 1 fit sports with the manual...in fact I am.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Chasaboo 10/17/2016 at 13:46

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dat purp tho

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:47

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Yea, I’ve always liked the design. Too bad it’s only auto in the US

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Flyboy is FAA certified insane 10/17/2016 at 13:47

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auto only??? weak.

bhtooefr > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 13:50

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I really want to take one for a spin one time, but really, on paper, it’s awful.

31/33/37 for the manual, 35/36/38 for the CVT, for starters, for a 2016 CR-Z. Compare to 29/32/36 for the manual, 32/34/37 for the CVT with 7 discrete ratio mode, or 33/36/40 for the CVT without that mode, for the 2016 Fit, a much bigger car. So, the hybrid system is not helping much at all, especially when you consider that the CR-Z should have much better aerodynamics than the Fit.

A 2016 Fit is also between 2513 and 2642 lbs, depending on trim level and transmission. Contrast with the CR-Z, at 2648 to 2747 lbs, again depending on trim level and transmission.

Both vehicles have a total horsepower figure of 130, except the CR-Z stops being able to put out 130 hp when the battery depletes.

Or, let’s look at another hybrid that’s in a similar size class (although it is bigger), with the same displacement engine, and a similar suspension concept (MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear)... the Prius c. Note that the Prius c is... really, really not liked, so when it looks good in this comparison, that makes the CR-Z look bad. I’ll use 2016 again for the sake of fairness.

Fuel economy is 53/50/46 - this is actually decent. (Note that it’s worse than the Prius Liftback, but the engine isn’t as thermally efficient, and the shorter length while trying to have a usable back seat affects aerodynamics. A CR-Z-like coupe based on the Prius c (not that I’m saying that this is a good idea) wouldn’t have that problem, though, not having a back seat.)

Weight is 2496 lbs, lighter even than the Fit.

System horsepower is only 99, but I’ll point out that the engine’s heavily Atkinsonized. Run the Yaris motor, and I’d expect somewhere around 132 system hp, with no weight penalty (but you will take a significant fuel economy penalty). Now, you don’t get a manual this way, but hell, a manual sandwich hybrid (like the manual Insight, Civic, and CR-Z) could probably be even lighter if done right.

Oh, and the Prius c even has a NiMH battery, compared to the CR-Z’s Li-ion. Go Li-ion here, and it’d be even lighter.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > bhtooefr 10/17/2016 at 13:56

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dude, great response. with all that knowledge and all thing’s considered, what would you suggest?

fourvalleys > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 14:05

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Hmmm, you’re talking to someone who only owns fun, impractical cars, so take anything I say with a grain of salt.... I don’t really have any worthwhile suggestions.

It depends on your price range, but I’ve never been happier with a DD than I am with my Fiesta. I’ve seen a few rebuilt title examples go for under $10k, and I’ve seen clean ones just above that.

I feel like other cheaper options given here aren’t bad either (like the Si), but there’s a lot of fun to be had from getting a winter beater like an old Subaru or really anything you don’t feel bad beating on. I guess that’s the point.

Having said all of that, if I hadn’t just bought another Miata I’d definitely be looking for a Fit. They’re insanely cheap (seriously -it’s crazy), reliable, and a bundle of fun. Plus, the Gridlife folks are putting together Spec Fit which looks like it could be some of the best fun-per-dollar out there. But that’s only relevant if you want to track your DD (don’t!)

sn4cktimes > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 14:08

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Oh man, potential flame alert coming here. If you like the general styling of a CRZ, but not the lack of power and mileage isn’t your primary concern I suggest you test drive the CRZ with ONLY a manual, then go test drive a...... Hyundai Veloster Turbo. Ok, WAIT!  Hear me out people!

Disclaimer, I own one. Followup, I’m getting rid of it eventually (Reason I have an 88' AMC I’m aiming to DD). And I’m definitely no fan boy, my engine blew up at 18000km, which Hyundai fixed... but still. It’ll seat 4, the back is possible to get into, it’s a decent ride, puts down reasonable power 200hp 200ft·lbs of torque, and CAN be driven in eco-mode, not that I’d ever do. It’s got a “different” style like the CRZ, big back glass (hell, the whole top is glass) and a pretty reasonable infotainment centre, and a cheap sticker price.

That all being said. I’d say buy a used one with a shot powertrain, rip all that mediocre hybrid crap and sad engine out, grab a block from a wrecked si, slap a turbo on it and REALLY have an awesome car. If I had more money I would.

Justin Hughes > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 14:28

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If the CR-Z interests you, why not go for the original Insight?

http://www.rightfootdown.com/cars/reviews/2001-honda-insight-review/

I legitimately enjoyed driving this car. It’s obviously not fast, but it’s light and responsive, and the electric motor adds more torque than you’d expect. It was available with a stick. It was built in the same factory as the S2000 and NSX, and even shared a few parts (S2k seats and steering wheel bolt right in).

Shift24 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 14:49

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What about an Accord Coupe V6 Manual? Was going to say Civic Si but everyone else pretty much did. But even so a deceivingly quick car with V6 power (278hp 0-60 in 5.5sec), Honda’s amazing 6spd, and still get 32 mpg. Very much a sleeper coupe with Honda reliability. A decent one a few years old is in the mid teens depending on miles (but even so dont be deterred by miles, it is a Honda) and they can look really good.

2012 for $15K

2013 for $18K

Also dont get a CRZ. Painfully slow and no room for much of anything.

JGrabowMSt > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 14:50

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My mom has a Clubman with the slushbox, my oldest sister has a Cooper with a 6spd.

There are quirky little things that have needed addressing, and the 6spd had the timing chain tensioner fail, but it didnt lose timing and suffer a catstrophic failure, it merely needed new guides. It wasnt cheap, but it was covered under the extended warranty (3rd party shop did all the work upon approval from Zurich).

As with any car, an abused one will be more expensive than a well kept one, but a well kept Mini is nothing to attach the BMW stigma to.

HONDAD > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 14:56

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Honda Accord coupe manual with either the 4-cyl. or V6. Would be fun!

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 14:58

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Integra

I-ntegra

N-umeriously

T-he

E-xponicially

G-rowing

R-ight

A-nswer

Cuz eff Miatas!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > JGrabowMSt 10/17/2016 at 15:04

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good to know - thanks a lot! adding to the list.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 10/17/2016 at 15:05

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haha, love it! maybe I can convince my grandma to sell me her pristine ‘92 integra. last time I checked it had maybe 40k on the clock!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > HONDAD 10/17/2016 at 15:06

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I think an accord coupe + a stick would be legit. I looked at them briefly when first shopping around but didn’t want the V6 + stick for business purposes, but new job doesn’t affect it now!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Shift24 10/17/2016 at 15:11

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It’s looking more and more like Civic Si/Accord coupe are the better options. price is right as well!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > sn4cktimes 10/17/2016 at 15:13

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hmmm, Veloster Turbo had not come to mind. sounds interesting, minus the whole engine-blowing-up-thing ;) thanks for the suggestion!

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 15:22

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I know...

bhtooefr > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 16:11

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BRZ/FR-S/86? Miata PRHT/RF/one with a hardtop?

If you’re looking for something older and FWD, RSX-S or Celica GT-S?

Shift24 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 16:14

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Now the other thing to keep in mind about the Civic Si is they take Premium which now is $0.40-0.60 more a gallon. The Accord takes Regular and gets the same if not better MPG. (buddy and dad have 8th gen Si and get 30mpg highway mix). Im not sure how much you drive or what budget you have for gas but it might play a factor.

And would have suggested other Japanese makers but Toyota only has the Toyobaru and if RWD in an Fbody in Ohio is bad in winter, I would hate to see RWD in Minnesota. Nissan, meh on anything they make. Subaru, hard to find a WRX or STI not beat to crap and earlier 2.5L had head gasket issues. Mitsubishi, all you would want is an Evo and those are beat even worse than STis and cost more.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > bhtooefr 10/17/2016 at 16:30

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amazed it took this long for a BRZ/Fr-S suggestion, really wanna test drive one. buddy bought one out of college (Br-Z) and I remember him drifting around a clover leaf on-ramp at about 20 mph, gotta love those Prius tires!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Shift24 10/17/2016 at 17:38

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really solid used 2013/14/15 Civic Si coupe market in MN right now, so that’s probably ahead. does each generation require premium?

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 10/17/2016 at 17:40

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civic Si currently in the lead. so many good things have been said about the FiST/FoST, wouldn’t mind test driving one. I’m just not a huge Ford fan in general. Also wondering why no one has brought up the MazdaSpeed3... seems also like a logical fit.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > MUSASHI66 10/17/2016 at 17:42

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after some quick searches, some really nice used examples around here. might have to try a test drive!

MUSASHI66 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 17:45

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I’ll sell you mine :)

I need to buy a pick up, and it’s either a new pickup and I sell both my cars, or an old pickup and I keep the Abarth.

I want to keep it, we’ll see what happens. Good luck with your search!

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 17:53

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The CRZ would be great IF it actually got amazing MPGs, like the small Prius (Aqua) only sporty. But it is small, slow and can’t even make up for that with astounding mileage.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 18:10

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Yeah, the MS3 tends to check all of the boxes that the FOST checks. Just a couple of years older and people have short memories. I’m not sure, but I’m guessing the market for the FOST is better.

sn4cktimes > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/17/2016 at 23:50

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Yeah, I bought mine in 2012 as they were rolling into dealerships so I assume mine was used as a case study. Apparently headquarters in S. Korea were quite anxious to get their hands on the engine. It’s a direct injection engine and part of the oil pump broke off and held down the valves on #1 cylinder. This caused the piston head to jam at the top of the block and the arm smashed its way through both sides of the block. It caused me to stop... quickly.

Shift24 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/18/2016 at 11:39

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Yep every civic Si with a K series motor requires Premium Gas. In your case K24Z7, mainly because 11:1 compression.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > MUSASHI66 10/18/2016 at 12:50

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really interested in one of these now, might even test drive one this week. Gonna be looking for 2012+ used, 5 speed (obviously), and not sure whether hatch/convertible.

If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly do you have (year/style)? What have you most liked about it and most disliked about it so far?

MUSASHI66 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/18/2016 at 13:51

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Look for 2013+ as some 2012's were reported to have issues.

I have a 2014 GQ Convertible in Argento (silver). It was a special edition for 2014 only. It is a 500 Abarth Convertible with a few different parts:

Grill badge was FIAT, not Abarth

Headlights are blacked out, not chrome like all Abarth before it (became an option in 2014 for Abarths as well)

Calibers in black, not red

Unique 16" wheels

Seats from the Turbo model, but with Alcantara inserts and leather sides and GQ embossed in the headrests, plus adjustable headrest. I find them more comfortable then Abarth seats

Pedals are black rubber instead of metal and rubber combo

Steering wheel was thin, and cream colored in the back, to match the cream stripe on the leater portion of the seats. Also, it has a FIAT badge instead of Abarth on the airbag

Door badges were GQ instead of side Abarth badge

Exhaust is a “suitcase” exhaust, basically a large muffler which some 2012 Abarth had.

Read badge was FIAT instead of Abarth

I swapped the FIAT badges with European Abarth badges in dark gray, from the Competizione models as I hate the chrome on USA Abarth badges. I also removed the GQ badhes and put Abarth badges on the doors. I bought Magneti Marelli wheels in black - really damn expensive. I found an Abarth steering wheel and airbag and replaced my GQ ones. I bought custom metal pedals too. Lastly, I replaced the suitcase exhaust with Abarth OEM exhaust.

Now my baby is a proper Abarth in a very unique color - super rare. here might be a total of 100 or so in the country, if even.

What do I like? Sound. It is amazing. I know exactly what to do to make it backfire. I love to buzz in and out of traffic because the car is so short. I love the pick up and go in any gear - not a lot of HP but it is a small, light car. I love popping the roof down and enjoying my ride.

What do I dislike? Hard to DD - no room for sunglasses, cell phone, wallet - everything end up in the cupholder. Back seats are for emergency use only for adults. Shifter is horrible - super vague and rubbery. First thing to do if you buy one is to install a Neu-F or similar Short Shift Adapter for $120 or so. Ride is not super comfortable, but I am OK in the convertible with softer springs and shocks. I am not sure I’d like the hatchback ride, and I don’t know how people tolerate them when they are lowered. Parts are limited to a few suppliers, and are fairly pricey for good stuff. 2014 and earlier have pathetic bluetooth support - can’t stream music from your phone. Speakers are pretty weak on AUX input. Oil change is $70+.

That’s about it. I think that for new(er) cars, still under warranty, these are the best bang for the buck. You can still buy new-old stock 2014 GQ’s for 18k or under. I bought mine a year ago for $15k with 5901 miles, and I invested some $2000 into it. I am at 10380 miles right now - she is my fair weather ride only, and she never sees water unless she is getting a bath.

This is the day I bought her

This is as she sits now

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > MUSASHI66 10/18/2016 at 15:20

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appreciate all the advice! Yours looks amazing, great work. Glad to see you changed over to OEM Abarth exhaust... I’ll be honest with you that’s about 50% of the reason I want one so bad.

Checked inventory at a local Fiat dealer and they have 3 2016 Abarths (heavily discounted, I might add) on the lot, gonna go test drive one on Saturday hopefully!

MUSASHI66 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/18/2016 at 17:05

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Do it! Be careful about buying new - they depreciate insanely quickly. A low miles, used example is much better, and you said your budget is in low teens anyway iirc. Glad you like mine :)

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > MUSASHI66 10/18/2016 at 23:32

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Oh I’m certainly not looking to buy new! you’re so right - low miles (barely used!) examples much more attractive.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > MUSASHI66 10/22/2016 at 21:43

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looks like I may have lucked into a 2013 Abarth convertible with only 4k miles... stay tuned!

MUSASHI66 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/22/2016 at 21:48

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Nice! There was one in Denver recently with a few more miles, maybe 10k, for $10500, black with 17" forged wheels and leather interior. What are the specs on that one? 16s or 17s, leather or fabric, beats or no, sunroof, convenience package?

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > MUSASHI66 10/22/2016 at 22:34

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4k miles, black w/ 17" forged (w/ PZero Nero tires), red leather, no beats, no sunroof (convertible), convenience package (heated seats).

MUSASHI66 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/23/2016 at 21:23

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Nice!! How much?

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > MUSASHI66 10/24/2016 at 11:23

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$15k, gonna get it down a bit. right in my sweet spot!

Racin'Jason001 > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 01/20/2017 at 18:39

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I’m proud of you! I want one too, for the same exact reason! I think they were a bit overrated because people thought it was the successor to the CRX, but it’s great to me!