How much is a 1986 Honda CRX worth?
The price for a 1986 Honda CRX today generally falls from roughly $3,500 to $25,000, depending on condition, trim, and provenance. Most cars in regular use tend to land in the mid-range, while pristine or highly original examples can command substantially more.
Value for a 1986 CRX varies with trim (DX, HF, Si), mileage, originality, maintenance history, and the car’s overall condition. In today’s market, collectors and enthusiasts gauge demand through listings, auction results, and regional availability, which can push prices up or down. This article lays out current ranges and practical steps to estimate your own car’s value.
Pricing by Condition and Trim
Below is a market-guided snapshot of typical asking prices and recent sale ranges for 1986 CRX models, aligned with common condition categories and trims.
- Fair to Good condition: roughly $3,500–$7,500
- Very Good condition: roughly $7,500–$12,000
- Excellent condition: roughly $12,000–$18,000
- Showroom/Original or Si trim, well-preserved: roughly $18,000–$28,000
- Concours-quality or exceptionally original rare variants: $28,000 or more
Prices vary by region and market appetite, but these ranges reflect contemporary listings and recent auction results for the first-generation CRX as of 2025.
Key Factors That Influence Value
Several elements drive how much a 1986 CRX is worth, beyond simply being an old Honda hatchback.
- Trim level and originality: DX, HF, and especially the Si are valued differently, with Si typically commanding higher prices when original.
- Condition of body and interior: free from rust, with intact panels and a clean cabin, boosts value.
- Mileage and service history: lower mileage and verifiable maintenance records add credibility and price.
- History of repaint or restoration: a documented, high-quality restoration can raise value, while a non-original repaint may lower it if not well done.
- Mechanical condition: functioning powertrain, suspension, brakes, and cooling systems influence desirability.
- Modifications vs. stock condition: stock cars tend to fetch higher prices among purists; tasteful, documented upgrades can help or hurt depending on buyer
- Rust and structural integrity: rust-free examples substantially outperform cars with corrosion.
- Documentation and provenance: complete records, original sales receipts, and known ownership history add credibility.
- Location and market demand: urban centers with strong car-enthusiast communities often see higher prices.
Understanding these factors helps explain why two ostensibly similar CRXs can have markedly different asking prices.
How to Determine the Current Value for Your Car
To estimate a specific 1986 CRX’s value, follow these practical steps and compare against credible benchmarks.
- Identify your car’s exact trim and year, plus any official factory options it includes.
- Check current listings and recent sale results from reputable sources such as Hagerty Price Guide, NADA Classics, Bring a Trailer, and eBay Motors.
- Assess your car’s condition against standard categories (Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent) and note mileage, rust, and maintenance history.
- Account for any notable upgrades or omissions (stock wheels, original interior, documented repairs).
- Consider regional demand; a car in a hot collector market may command a premium above national averages.
- If possible, obtain an independent appraisal or a diagnostic from a classic-car shop to confirm mechanical readiness.
- Set a realistic asking price based on comparable examples in similar condition and adjust for negotiation margins and selling timeline.
By systematically comparing with trusted benchmarks and honestly assessing your car’s condition, you can land on a credible, market-aligned value range.
Market Watch: Sources and How They Help
Reliable benchmarks come from a mix of price guides, auction results, and real-world listings. Here are key sources to consult when valuing a 1986 CRX.
- Hagerty Price Guide — widely used by collectors for condition-adjusted values across classic cars.
- NADA Classics — useful for consumer resale value expectations and loan/insurance considerations.
- Bring a Trailer — live auction results and current market activity provide real-world price signals.
- Ebay Motors and local classifieds — current inventory helps gauge regional pricing and demand.
- Club and forum data — forums and clubs can offer consensus on what enthusiasts are paying for specific configurations.
Cross-referencing these sources yields a well-supported, realistic value range tailored to your car’s particulars and your local market.
Summary
A 1986 Honda CRX’s value spans a broad spectrum, from several thousand dollars for rough or high-mileage cars to well into the mid-to-upper teens for excellent, low-mileage, or rare Si/concours examples. The exact price hinges on trim, originality, condition, mileage, and provenance, with market demand playing a key role in any given region. For the most accurate assessment, compare current listings and auction results from reputable guides and marketplaces, and consider a professional appraisal if you’re buying or selling a high-end example.
How much is a 1986 Honda Civic worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $6,600 for a 1986 Honda Civic Si in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1985 Honda CRX worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $20,800 for a 1985 Honda CRX Si in good condition with average spec.
What made the 86 CRX so special?
For 1986, Honda updated the CRX with new aerodynamic headlights. The Si received body color matched lower cladding, a revised rear spoiler, new bumper covers and 14-inch alloy wheels. The interior was upgraded and added a center console with cassette tape storage.
Is the CRX a collectible car?
The Honda CRX has long been a darling of a certain segment of the enthusiast crowd, but it wasn't until around 2018 that it started to come into its own with the collector-car crowd.
