Not so new member

[HEK]

I've wanted a CRX model since 1990 that my 1987 CRX SI became a car parts. I currently drive a FJ Cruiser fully loaded and I'm tired of paying so much for gas even thou I drive my wife's Prius most of the time and see the huge difference. The problem I'm having is locating a dealer in MA or CT that has the one I want a PWP CR-Z EX standard to test drive it because all the dealers I've called only have a CVT base model and I know it's going to be a waste of time asking them to test drive it because of what I have read on this forum.
I'm in no hurry and may wait until the 2013's are out but sure would love to see how a stick drives in sport mode..I may be willing to fly out and not trade in my FJ and get a 3rd car...any suggestions..BTW great reads
HEK

[CR-Z Canadian]

Hi, HEK, welcome to the forum.
I guess my comment would be to take any CRZ (even the CVT) for a spin. Obviously, the color won't matter for a test drive, and other than the audio and a fog light switch on the stalk, you won't note much difference between the base and EX models on a trial run. If you like it as much as you think you will (and I'm betting you will), then it might be time for a road trip to a dealer with the one you want on the lot. Or a talk with your favourite local Honda store, to see if they would be willing to bring one in.

Unless you find a good used one, or there is a huge price difference, don't settle for one that isn't your heart's desire. There is a good thread on that right now - Buying a cr-z tmrw.. Color/price debate

Anyway, good luck, and let us know how you make out. If you have any specific questions, just ask.

[HEK]

Thanks CR-Z Canadian, I've bought numerous new cars through out the years and never settled for the one on the lot just for the sake of saving a few dollars, well not until my 2010 FJ which is my 1st automatic since I left High School back in 1977 but I was w/ wifey and it was loaded, she said the numbers looked great for us ( as well as the gas mileage was better and she is my financial adviser) and the rest is history, unfortunately it's boring just aiming a car, as I do the Prius back and forth to work so now even if they're giving away automatics I will not take one but you're correct I need to drive a CR-Z and see if it even comes close to the car I miss the most my 1987 CRX-Si which I can add that it had close to 280,000 miles w/ the same clutch and all I did was routine maintenance...thanks for reading

[HEK]

tonite I plan on driving to the closest Honda dealer to test drive a CVT , not my choice but I need to see if I even fit in it, last week while at the Toyota dealer having some work done on my FJ I got inside a Scion FRS and was very uncomfortable even getting out was a PITA. On another note I just read that the 2013's are out in Canada and I see a few changes that I like such as the headlights having those LED's ...so wish me luck. Also can I ask anyone of you who chose to purchase the rear wing spoiler, side moldings, rear diffuser etc..would I better off ordering one from the factory w/ these options instead of having the dealer install them?....I've never had a dealer install anything as I customized my cars on my own but seeing that there are no models like the one I want in the area I may have not much of choice...any comments would be appreciated it...thanks

[bheinen74]

The options you asked about ordering from the factory, still are then installed by the dealer......
you can get the parts online and install them yourself for big savings.

[HEK]

Originally Posted by bheinen74

The options you asked about ordering from the factory, still are then installed by the dealer......
you can get the parts online and install them yourself for big savings.

I'm back after driving a 2011 leftover CVT and was impressed w/ the room and performance, I can only imagine the manual, I will get a negative value w/ my trade in and would only finance close to 8k since I owe 11K on the FJ I think it's pretty damn good. I will call back tomorrow and see what colors are available in my area but will negotiate free installation on the options (I think I can as they seem to be more interested in taking in the FJ ).
Hopefully a white as my 1st choice, red 2nd and blue 3rd since I will never own another black car as I spent so many hours keeping it clean.
I did most all my mods on my previous cars including installing a couple or rear spoilers and will never again attempt it again as it's time consuming and a mind game while you're drilling thru the sheet metal and know that if U screw up it will be hard to fix...
Thanks again guys and w/ luck I will re introducing myself as a proud owner...but I wonder if I should wait for the 2013's since Honda will increase the HP and torque...decisions decisions..

[CR-Z Canadian]

Glad you enjoyed your test flight!
See what they say about 2013's, and available 2012's. One thing that we haven't seen yet is the price premium on the 2013 improvements. That may help you make your decision.
Keep in mind that there are lots of aftermarket spoilers, lips, etc. If you like the Honda ones (and there is nothing wrong with liking these), then by all means, try to get the dealer to include them, or at least install them for free. But take a look around the site, to be sure that there isn't one you like better. My wing, for instance, is by Rando, quite inexpensive, inobtrusive, and tapes on. Others are more radical and require drilling.

Good luck with your search. Let us know how it goes.

[HEK]

I know why I like to come home sleep on it and then make a decision since you have time to think. One thing I noticed and didn't mention to the sales guy was that when the Z goes from gas to electric at a stop sign there is a jolt when it goes back on, nothing like then wife's Prius which you don't even notice it. I will ask him later to look into it as it just hit me as I'm going thru the "flight" in my head.
Is that a common thing or could it be that this is a left over 2011 and the 2012's have improved on this. I also looked at the farmer Almanac and they're predicting a bad winter and I wonder if I'm rushing into things. Either way I'm not pressured to sign anything and will continue to torture myself thinking about it...thanks guys for the reply's

[CR-Z Canadian]

Originally Posted by HEK

I know why I like to come home sleep on it and then make a decision since you have time to think. One thing I noticed and didn't mention to the sales guy was that when the Z goes from gas to electric at a stop sign there is a jolt when it goes back on, nothing like then wife's Prius which you don't even notice it. I will ask him later to look into it as it just hit me as I'm going thru the "flight" in my head.
Is that a common thing or could it be that this is a left over 2011 and the 2012's have improved on this. I also looked at the farmer Almanac and they're predicting a bad winter and I wonder if I'm rushing into things. Either way I'm not pressured to sign anything and will continue to torture myself thinking about it...thanks guys for the reply's

I think that the jolt you are referring to is when the car is travelling very slowly, usually with a foot lightly on the brake, or just coasting. There is a function on the multifunction display (lower right on the dash), that shows whether the car is charging or using the battery, and if the car is "using gas" (for a simplistic description). I think you are noting when the "fuel flow" stops on that display. There is a bit of a "jolt" as the generator holds the car back. The car rolls with the IMA charging for a brief while, and when that charging stops, the car rolls without any drag from the generator, so the car has a slight lurch forward (barely noticeable) .... BUT THEN, when you take your foot off the brake, or coast down a slight incline so that your speed increases, or up one so that the "fuel flow" restarts and the IMA kicks in to power the car, there is a very noticeable jolt. That's normal, and really only felt at slow speeds (such as rolling down the driveway or coasting to a light or in the parking lot. I suspect it is more of a CVT thing, as you would probably have the car in neutral, or the clutch depressed, if you were driving the 6MT transmission model.

Also, there seems to be a slight lag in the launch on the CVT (mine, anyway, but others have also mentioned this). That could also be what you are feeling.

I doubt that this explanation makes complete sense to you, as it barely does to me! But it definitely is normal on my 2011 CVT, and something you just kind of get used to once you realize what is happening and that there is nothing to worry about (except, perhaps, whiplash, LOL).

As for the winter, there are a lot of owners in the midwest, and even Alaska and Norway, who have not complained about the car's snow manners (except that the consensus is that the stock Dunlop tires are not particularly stellar on snow and ice). I cannot speak to that, as mine spent the only winter we've had together, hibernating. My other car is a 4x4 truck. But, the CR-Z isn't going to be better than your FJ, that's a given. There will still be CR-Z's available in the spring. Only your FJ will be a year older, and the 2013's CR-Z's will be out (so fewer end-of-year deals on 2012's). That's a double-edged sword. Ball is back in your court!!!

[HEK]

well my new found friends especially CR-Z Canadian which has been a gentleman in all respects, I have made a decision to wait until the 2013's arrive since the dealers I've contacted only can provide me w blacks and blues CR Z's and not the color I want. Like I stated in this forum I'm in no hurry in buying one even thou I received a great offer for my FJ. I would have had to settled for a black vehicle which I swore never again to own because of my obsession in detailing (hobby of mine that pays for my toys) and dealing w/ wife's comments about having 2 blue cars in the garage...lol
I will continue to visit the site and contribute if possible as well as keeping an eye on the 1st post that will lead me into going to the dealers to either place an order or see if they can allocate one from a near by state.
I will start doing some suspension mods to my wife's Prius to make the ride less boring and use my FJ only for short drives, therefore no accumulating mileage to see if I still get 28k for it or close to, because even thou it likes gas it's a customized version that everyone that sees it has to praise my time in making it unique without looking like a foolish old man while behind the wheel.
C you guys around and keep posting pictures of your wheels which will be my #1 mod when I get my own Z..hopefully the "clunk" is less noticeable on the manuals or the system is re engineered so that it doesn't happen on the 2013's...gracias, arigato, merci , thanks for reading