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HONDA CRX (1990)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,807

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1590cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £1807/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1590cc36 years old32 tests132k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1590cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137
Road Tax

Based on 1590cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,807
Per month£151/mo
Per week£35/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

88% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the HONDA brand average of 84%.

At 36 years old, 88% of HONDA CRXs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 132,383 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 cars32th of 190(top 17%)
Rank among HONDA models173th of 422(top 41%)
vs national average+6%(82% avg)
vs 1990 cars average+9%(79% avg)
vs HONDA average+4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

132,383

Average miles

vs

266,400

Expected for age

The average 1990 HONDA CRX has 132,383 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1990 sits between the two at 88%.

HONDA CRX by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200270%33107,746 mi
200055%47110,198 mi
199984%51143,916 mi
199886%13995,050 mi
199776%10497,755 mi
199585%3486,566 mi
199471%5994,174 mi
199371%8996,090 mi
199275%87105,424 mi
199185%46122,854 mi
199088%32132,383 mi

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About the 1990 HONDA CRX

The 1990 HONDA CRX is a small family car with a 1590cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 1990 cars for reliability.

With an average of 132,383 miles at 36 years old, HONDA CRX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 HONDA CRX Fuel Costs

The 1590cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 HONDA CRX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

HONDA CRX Reliability Trend

Newer HONDA CRXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 HONDA CRX

At 36 years old, the HONDA CRX is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 86%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1990 HONDA CRX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 132k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1990 HONDA CRX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
HONDA CRX(1990)88%£1137£265Grp 12-25£1807
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991)80%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867+£60
BMW 3 SERIES(1990)84%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867+£60
ROVER MINI(1991)80%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1572-£235
FORD ESCORT(1990)85%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1677-£130

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Honda Models

Explore other Honda cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Honda Crx.

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