Reviving a 40-Year-Old Car With Only 69 Miles!

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[@44CT232]

As a saying goes: "Ships in harbor are safe, but that's not what ships were built to do", and I think the same applies to cars as well. Obviously, such a well-preserved example like this one shouldn't be abused, but I think it should still be enjoyed, and seeing it go on a road trip would be awesome.

[@VictorMaxol]

I could apply that to my life.

[@Compman007]

Yeah like dont let WhistlinDiesel anywhere near it..... But it should absolutley get to enjoy being a car for once! Thats what it is!!!!

[@44CT232]

@@Compman007 Agree 100%

[@Studio89Graphic]

A few things £ = that is rather surprise us/me -- that a Car in the Museum, like this Honda = should be on the Wood Blocks not sitting on Shocks/and Tires ─ in 1998; we/I went to have seen a Datsun 240 ZX ─ 1975; the Owner was a Missionary Priest/Reverent in Japan his car was parked on 4 Wood Blocks so no weights applied on Tires/Rims and Shocks/Coils... He had the Car running idle when he was back in Canada for Resting and Visiting Families. Even our/my Peugeot 1986 505 Turbo when not used were always on the Blocks/Jacks so the Suspension won't be put on weights... And a Museum of Cars should have known and start up the Engine/Cars every month? So much things done bizarre in the Honda Museum? They should be Smarten up... Regards, Ps: In 1983 we rented a Honda Civic Sedan 4-door Model Year 1981 and 4 of us ─ about 130 lbs each loaded ─ Taken off from Toronto to Niagara Falls on QEW ─ The Civic drove 120 km/hr. like a Tesla... And in 1993 ─ We/ our friend owned a used Honda Civic 1975 ─ with the Choke that we had to pull out and waited then started... That 1975 Civic Last until 2005... before it was all Rusted badly; but Engine was still running very quiet!!! 😍😍💘💘

[@barrydraper]

This 40-Year-Old Civic series is EPIC! I love it!

[@slh950]

an elderly neightbour once said to me years ago, the first time he saw a Japanese car it was a Honda, and he "couldn't believe it" because it didn't rattle when it went past. all the Austalian and Engish cars of the era, you could hear them coming like a trolley full of pots and pans

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Sorry, but your elderly neighbor was wrong. I have owned a few English cars of the same era and none of them rattled.

[@slh950]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 I said that about the pots and pans. Not him ... lol U serious? English cars , bits would fall off on rough roads

[@mr.butterworth4216]

While it’s true that Japan helped introduce a new level of finished quality to the industry, and some American and British offerings could be suspect in that regard, hearing them coming like pots and pans would be a huge exaggeration.

[@slh950]

@@mr.butterworth4216 ok ... maybe a cookie tin full of ball bearings and bolts. my parents had a Jaguar MK2 and the exhaust system fell out of it on a hill in Sydney ... the Chevrolet Malibu we had in the middle East literally it rattled even when it sat still , then we had an XJ6 in the 80's and one of the front brakes disintegrated going along the bay in Melbourne

[@gregkelly2145]

I'll back that up at least where American cars were at the time. There's a very good reason my dad bought my mom an Accord in the early eighties. That car ended up with nearly a half million miles on it and never spent a day in the shop except for oil changes and brake pads / discs.

[@palebeachbum]

I find older, smaller cars like this so refreshing. I'm glad you guys are getting to experience the joys of simple, analog cars.

[@jdhiv4]

I loved the mechanic's overt joy working on this!

[@volvo09]

No rust, no grime, factory condition with no hacks!

[@AndrewTSq]

For some reason, I love the looks of this car.

[@bk27117]

I'm very sorry for you

[@AndrewTSq]

@@bk27117 Dont be. But the best version of this car is the CRX of course. This car has a better looking interior than a new Tesla even.

[@lrich8181]

Clean and simple. I wish they still made these.

[@nickhernandez2899]

Great to see you guys listen to the comments from the last video. I'm just excited to see a brand new version of my daily driver. At 187k she's still going!

[@Boomer_in_the_Trees]

I think its great that Honda picked you two to drive the car across the country, I can't think of two young men who are more respectful of history and those who went before than you two and I think it makes a great public statement for Honda and how they feel about the cars they produce and keeping that history alive. After all at the end of the day that's what this is, at least for me when I watch. Its not as much about the cars as it is honoring our own history.

[@steveperyer4850]

One thing I have always believed in collecting and restoring vehicles since the 1980’s, is you need to drive them, as that’s exactly why the were built in the first place. I am talking about cars, motorcycles, and many snowmobiles. Honda knows this also, and why you have the privilege to drive it😊

[@garysarratt1]

Maybe they are divesting non-productive inventory.

[@rickreese5794]

Turn vehicles, I find there is a correlation between condition of paint and body and mechanical condition, found an 02 Escape, Amazing what proper maintenance does.😊

[@Cloud30000]

Middle of the summer road trip without A/C? Brave souls.

[@AbandonedExplorationUrbex1979]

My 99 accord has A/C but doesn’t work. Needs recharging so I just ride with the windows down and I sweat. 🥵

[@chrisatkinson9026]

Had an 87 crx si. Thin wallet Ferrari! Loved it. Have fun on the drive guys.

[@robervin9107]

A kase and tommy road trip yay. I’m hype.

[@325xitgrocgetter]

My 40 year high school reunion is coming up...this generation of Civic was introduced when I was a senior in high school. A Honda commercial played during this video advertising the Pilot, Passport and Ridgeline...which really shows how Honda has moved beyond smaller cars to SUVs and Pickups. As far as driving the car. that's what we did in 1984. I'd say make the trip and document the mpg and overall performance and reliability issues.

[@Dogsnark]

I used to have one of these Honda wagons. It had all-wheel drive (selectable). I loved it. It was a workhorse. It was never a popular model, so I rarely saw another. Seeing this video brings back many good memories.

[@XDSDDLord]

It's Honda's car, do what Honda asked. People need to remember that if Honda really wanted to, they could make a new version of this car that would pass for a museum piece, and the audience would never know the difference; manufacturers do it all the time for Holywood. Any damage that can be caused on the drive can be repaired well enough short of a catastrophic accident. I also cringed at it being driven on a dirt road, and I'm torn between getting it ceramic-coated or not, but ultimately, it is a showpiece, and there is nothing cooler than a museum piece that truly withstood the test of time.

[@SueBobChicVid]

I think my next stop would be at a tire shop.

[@michaelrockwell9691]

They mention the tires at 15:50

[@SueBobChicVid]

@@michaelrockwell9691 ...and yet they were neither coming from nor going to a tire shop. If I were taking care of the car, it would be the first or next place it went.

[@SeanBZA]

I did drive a 1960's Renault van that had under 1000km on the odometer, and rolled it to over the 1000km mar, after it was over 30 years old. it drove 12km a year, 6km towed, 6km driven. A mobile test bench, which spent all it's time in a hanger, and with a massive roof mounted walkway that made it very top heavy. The 12km a year was for service.

[@Serenmew]

Drive it guys. Enjoy it. It's a Honda, it'll be fine. Love seeing more of this car!

[@cyclesingsleep]

Fantastic! Perfection is more about intention than process. If a car is driven and used until it's wheels fall off and the body rusts out, that is perfect because of all it was used to accomplish. If a car is never driven and kept on museum blocks, that is perfect because it makes it possible to remember and learn. Gratitude, thankfulness and 'digging in' is what makes either scenario perfect!!!

[@justinborysenko3885]

This car deserves a road trip!

[@stevekniess3665]

This is exciting been waiting for another old new honda.thanks guys

[@gnws6]

Proof that letting a brand new car sit around to collect dust and never starting it, or driving it, does just as much (if not more) damage than it does if you drove it and serviced it regularly.

[@steverolfeca]

Love this. You've got to road trip it- we camped all over Northern Ontario with ours. I bought it brand-new in '84, to carry my wife and I and our three children. It was our only vehicle for much of its life. Fantastic little wagon, great visibility, every inch of the interior space was useable. Incredibly economical to own and surprisingly durable. Handling was surprisingly good for a cheap, base-model station wagon as well. Peak Honda.

[@markkeller1778]

My '89 Corolla is my daily, 222,000 miles and runs like new. They don't make em' like they used to. I get offers to buy it all the time, and it's a solid, "sorry not for sale".

[@10cpaul]

Had a 1985 version light blue with the plaid blue interior, 5 speed and did have a/c and factory honda radio. loved that little car refered to it as the roller skate! and it wasn't babied!!!! haaha... canoe trips, Canada trips, everyday driver. Great MPG always said "put a quarter in it and go!!!

[@h.j.m4013]

When this car is back, it will have a story: Used for promo material, not been driven for decades, then made a roadtrip. Use it, but dont abuse it

[@caddyman7725]

Looking forward to watching the trip to California. Take the mechanic along just for fun. I think he’d really enjoy the trip!

[@andrewsmith9575]

It would be complete therapy! I would love that! Thx

[@jaymecm]

Jay Leno would tell you to drive it into the ground, then restore it and drive it into the ground because that's what cars are made for. Look forward to seeing your road trip to California!

[@robb4866]

I had a 85 Accord Lx in 88 with 12k miles and drove the heck out of it (sold in in 91 with 185k miles) and it was just a fantastic car. My buddy had a 88 Civic Hatchback that was just a blast to ride/commute in. Honda made a great product in the 70's-80's for sure! Have fun driving it back to Cali guys!

[@xxtravdamanxx]

167k miles in 3 years??? Stop lying!!!!

[@robb4866]

@@xxtravdamanxx yea -when I was 19-21, I made some huge road trips all over the USA n Canada. The 95 S10 I got with 4 miles - I put 75k under the 1 yr lease.....they were pizzed!

[@joemattes8389]

What a privilege to be part of the car’s history.

[@Rahul-ce3no]

You guys rock, thank you for posting this! And yes, it's super cool to see it be used - can't wait for the "long drive" video!

[@M-.-Jones]

Good job guys, certainly my favourite TFL channel!

[@SubieSpecs]

KZbin comments are like an unbroken stream of consciousness, unckecked by any filters that you may employ when you, say for example, talk to someone in real life... 😂 I wouldn't sweat it too much, the vast majority would probably just want to see it treated with respect, which I'm sure you guys will, and not to do a whistlindiesel. Really nice sentiment to end on though, letting the little ignored beige mobile finally get to be the star of the show!

[@bricegraham8256]

This is so cool. Think a lot of the comments were people being jealous that they're not getting the opportunity themselves to drive such an old Honda with very low mileage. Honestly I love watching yall drive this. I only watch yalls videos when yall are discussing/driving a car I find intresring and this is one of the cars I find interesting. Id Honestly would watch a roadtrip video of yall driving the car. Id probably watch it in intervals but id definitely would watch it.

[@hlk5887]

Eagerly awaiting the next episode on this little gem! I had a '78 Civic, then a '91 and a '04 that I drove for 15years. Loved every single one of them. There's something really endearing about a basic but very well engineered car.

[@TheHairyNord]

It's sad this video isn't getting many views. I hope that doesn't dissuade TFL from continuing these excellent videos. Love that Honda, it's amazing.

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

This is The only time I get exited about a cream color, LOL

[@einfeldt777]

Just an amazing video, I am personally not a Honda fan, but the fact that Honda thought it would be a good idea to give TFL this gem, yeah that’s just so cool. You guys are so lucky getting this chance, what an awesome addition to TFL Classic, I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with. 🤗👍🤗🚙💨

[@scotturich]

Classic Hondas are now in their prime just like the 60’s muscle cars were for me in the 90’s. We need to drive them and enjoy them.

[@garretlewis4103]

Cars are made to be driven. I think it is cool you guys get to drive this new, old car.

[@RavenHawkes]

OMG. I was 8 years old when this car came out. Just had a flashback of riding in the back of my parents 84 Plymouth Voyager. About the same color too.

[@volvo09]

The voyager vans with the sealed beam headlights... Those used to be everywhere.

[@arlenenolte8475]

I'm in love with this little wagon!

[@kclefthanded427]

Driving a car without AC in Las Vegas and the desert is gonna be fun

[@youtoobe169]

That original timing belt is fine and would be for years.

[@Mr.TrainGames]

I've been waiting for this to drop!

[@jaimepadgett3323]

I think I like this channel the best of all you're channels. It seems to relate to those of us that can't afford the 100k vehicles on the other channels.

[@stevensizemore2125]

This car is absolutely awesome. It's awesome to see it out running after sitting so long. Im excited to see what u all do with it, and on the adventure back to California.

[@HansStrijker]

For all that's holy, drive it! It's a car. A car's purpose is to drive. If it sits still in a museum for eternity, it's no longer a car, it'd be a collection of parts, at best a car-like object.

[@teotwawki00]

I owned this car with a/c in white, 20% tint, and a nice stereo system. I loved that car. Why wouldn't you balance the tires??? I wouldn't put any miles on it with the shaking. That car is awesome. They need to build this car body again with a 1.5 liter V-Tec and 5 spd manual and some of the new goodies. That's all... Basic... It was so roomy and convenient for life. I wish I could get my hands on this car. I bought a 1987 CRX Si after that one brand new. Another awesome car. 🎉

[@pcthayer]

Cars of this era didn't come standard with a/c so good luck with your trip to CA during this hot summer if it doesn't have it.

[@volvo09]

Only downside of such an old car, AC was an option...

[@pcthayer]

@@volvo09 Yup, I bought a new 1982 Accord hatchback, and later a 1984 Accord hatchback both w/o a/c or any options at all. My 1992 Civic hatchback I sprung for a/c and a passenger side mirror. 🙂 (That Civic DX with the options cost $10,200 new.)

[@rupe53]

Back in that era I was doing "dealer installed factory AC" on new Nissans. When done correctly, it was almost impossible to see the difference between the factory and dealer installed units. The main reason for installing the AC here was the import tax on whole cars. Parts and accessories were not taxed at the same rate.

[@pcthayer]

@@rupe53 The a/c on my new 1992 Civic was dealer installed too. (When I bought my new 1980 Nissan 200sx hatchback, the a/c was already on the car at the lot, so not sure if the dealer installed or not....all I remember is when you turned it on, you really felt the drain on the engine and lack of power.)

[@volvo09]

​@@pcthayeryes! It really sucked the power from older cars. I could feel the difference when turning the AC on in my 80's Volvos. Full carload + AC really felt like you were dragging the brakes!

[@christianglaude6659]

Pretty cool 😎 Im also surprised that it has daytime running lights for the year and it's in USA!

[@andrewsmith9575]

Nope. Tommy just turned the headlights on.

[@volvo09]

He just has the lights on, no DRL's back then.

[@chmeeeschannel8355]

We had one exactly like this: 84, beige, 5spd. I LOVED it. I should have taken pics of all of the different rear seat configurations. New Hondas have "Magic Seats", this thing would flip, fold, turn over, remove so you could do almost anything with it and I just can't find picture/video evidence of all of the ways you could set up the cargo area.

[@johnanchovie2b]

Great to see that rarity on the road! Love to see it being used for what it was designed for; going to the supermarket, hauling kids and dogs. You name it! Can't wait to see the Colorado - California road trip.

[@dewdew34]

Had a 87 Corolla FX 5 speed hatch , awesome car. This would even be better now with 4 doors. The biggest issue i had was adjusting the carb every couple years. Now i daily a Vibe, the evolution...

[@sushi777300]

Love it The car is like a doggy waiting to run around in joy ❤

[@MSteiert-ch3jn]

Love these cars. I have several honda wagons. My first had air. It ran on a separate pulley. I also have the all wheel drive version. Keep up the good work.

[@mmski99]

I had an ‘85 Honda Civic Wagovan 🎉 it was super reliable and fun

[@johnrossi6212]

Love old odd cars like this. Can’t wait to see more.

[@cashkumar2506]

I love the duo of Kase and Tommy. Best TFL duo by far

[@jaygill3037]

I think you guys are doing a great job with the classics channel. Take good advice, ignore pedantic criticism, and carry on.

[@josephsimpson393]

Drive it to California ! Very cool video series, love seeing a new old Honda on the road. It says a lot about the quality of Honda's cars that they want a 40 yr old Civic road tripped. GM, Ford and especially Chrysler would have been nervous about having one of their 1984 models driven across country IN 1984 !

[@mitchstein288]

I say drive it. Cars are meant to be driven. While it is cool seeing a 40 year old car with such low miles, that's not it's purpose. I want to know the compare/contrast between new and old. This is a rare opportunity to see how a 40 year old car drove when it was new. Maybe even get a new Honda to follow you out to California and the drivers swap cars every few hundred miles. Looking forward to it. Glad you guys are getting this museum piece back on the road!

[@Plons0Nard]

I had one. In the Netherlands its name was Honda Civic Shuttle. Loved it.

[@TheBTG88]

I was graduating from high school when this car was new. These Civics were everywhere then.

[@bobcoats2708]

Same here - class of ‘84. Though after 40 years, the Honda is looking better than I am 😂

[@thomashyler6174]

I had a new 1980 Civic, back in 1980. 😂 Drove that little car hard.

[@Mladjasmilic]

What about brake oil? Most sucks water and goes bad, and pipes rusty.

[@Phantom_Foxx]

after seeing the great respect u have for that model T and explaining how its better to document what everyday driving is like with the vehicle, I say its better for historical documentation to drive it show it off than it being a museum piece that will get glanced at on occasion.

[@Bdfhvj]

That is a treasure of a find ❤ enjoy it! I love it’s vehicular face super cute 🥰 Edit: the visibility out of those windows is fantastic!!!!

[@cwl5005]

I think this is awesome that Honda lent it out and I hope to see the road trip!

[@linchase]

That is my car that I owned and nursed along forever. My husband sent me this link to tease me. Jokes on him. I will find me another one!

[@johngifford7725]

As someone that learned to drive in cars of this vintage? All I can say is..... Touch it, work it, drive it, merge it. Over take and undertake with it. Rev it, downshift, brake it, move it... Drive it right, and don't abuse it. (Daffy Punk?) 😅 I'm pretty sure we all know Honda made a great choice in having you do this. What a PR opportunity! What an amazing commercial for Honda longevity! I can't wait to see the rest of this.

[@theshowersinger6681]

I had the same car, but in hatchback version. After 1989, I never could get it to pass emissions and it started being a “good weather only” car because the distributor would get wet in even a light mist, even after replacing the cap a few times.

[@maaltagabriel]

looks better than a cybertruck, I'll give it that

[@bradwillard8822]

Very cool guys. Honda is a great company and build great products. To allow you the opportunity to road trip a museum piece....that's incredible. Safe travels.

[@jeffwaldorf2334]

Definitely drive the car on a road trip. I had a 1977 Honda Civic in High School. I love the old Honda cars from the 70's and 80's.

[@dalejones4322]

I'd love to see a few TFL tests on it. MPG and zero to 60. Maybe even take it up the Ike to see if it can maintain speed. Thanks guys

[@Solostylevids]

I found out about your guises channel with the Ford model T going to the Ford dealership and then I started to realize the videos that you guys had so I added you this video so I’m subscribed ❤ as far as feedback I just love what you guys are doing so just keep doing it❤

[@gregorymalchuk272]

What kind of oil was used? Because the OEM oil would have been API SF with high ZDDP levels of around 1400 PPM. Modern API SP oil has ZDDP at maybe 800 PPM. That could be an issue for the flat tappets on this car.

[@marine6680]

My mom owned a mid 70s era civic with over 300k miles. Had a neighbor a few years later that had the same model civic, that had over 500k miles. Those old Hondas will last basically forever, if you treat it right and keep up the maintenance.

[@asheralman7254]

The 1984 Civic S hatchback was my 1st new car. I drove it from Philadelphia to California in '85 costing me $88 ...Great car ..

[@billwebb2]

Tommy looks like Doc Brown with the hazmat suit and goggles driving that car lol

[@johannes7059]

Great Points, can't wait for the roadtrip. I think the car is already a star :D

[@dougrodriguez4977]

Enjoyed the video, thank you.

[@neil0502]

In the early 80's, I sold those cars. You should show people how the back end folds down into a nice little bed for camping :-)

[@Cosminox54]

This is what I love to see. At the end of the day, cars are meant to be driven. Not be a massive lawn decoration. They're meant to be enjoyed by the community, enjoyed by the people driving them. It almost makes me sad whenever I see a car just sit; because then nobody can actually enjoy it for what it's meant to do. Don't get me wrong, it's good to set an example aside for show later in the future; but at least let it out of it's cage from time to time.

I remember working on this car back in the mid 80's as an Account Executive at Rubin Postaer and Associates

[@mat13174]

Loved my 86 and would take one of these in a second if I had the opportunity

[@kevinblock2307]

Glad to see that car on the road

[@dskofich]

I would relpace the front brake hoses, they tend to collape internally when old and sitting for extended periods. Trust me on this.

[@kylechew15]

the time travelers back at it again

[@KingDDDDDDD]

I said id get a new car when my Accord dies....that was 15 years ago and it was already a second-hand Accord. 15 years down, eternity to go!

[@zachsummers3321]

Loved my civic wagon.

[@MarcBookPro]

I've spotted one of these near my house a few times. The owner even has a very faded original Reagan Bush '84 bumper sticker on it.

[@MichaelAStanhope]

Its a car. its made to be driven. If Honda wants it driven, then i'd say drive it and have a fun road trip!

[@Buy_YT_Views.293]

now this is what I call good

[@wadetyler5056]

Yep, simple mechanics, not too many geegaws and lightweight chassis makes a very dependable and economical daily driver! Miss them!

[@joshuaharper4439]

I used to have a 1981 1300 DX Honda Civic I love that car I wish so much I could find another one like it. It was burgundy with burgundy interior and it was a two door hatchback and just the best car I could’ve ever owned if I could find another one of these, I would greatly buy it, I think they had a 1500 DX model as well. I would also take that one if I could find one.

[@tahroo4262]

I imagine this feels like my 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet (convertible Golf).. you don't feel cramped inside, even though you're so close together. It isn't fast but it feels like it is because the low end torque... and in the corners, it's so responsive because it doesn't have any nanny's. Just lots of wind nose and an era before spending millions on aerodynamics so it's gonna shake at higher speeds.

[@BravoDelta-rq9rp]

That's a fantastic experience to ride as we ride 40 years ago in a new car from this era. To get the sensations we lost from these new cars from this era, wich were very modern, in their style and their comfort back in 1984. I don't remember to have seen the "Wagovan" in Europe, which was a specific model for US. But this car is not so different from the hatchback we saw everywhere in the world. As I remember well the "CRX"... Nice, dudes.

[@Doppelhorn]

Yes they were sold in Europe. My family had one of these when I was a kid; they were called „shuttle“. The design was quite futuristic in the early 80’s. I remember the look of disbelief on the face of the service station clerk in France as he exclaimed: „De l‘essence? Avec cette voiture?“😂

[@BravoDelta-rq9rp]

@@Doppelhorn What an era. Ghostbusters, Gremlins, The Right Stuff, ... Les Morfalous !

[@chaysefox]

It sounds like something that Honda should do for an ad campaign. Send a film crew to help document this road trip. aerial footage, pit stops, all about the 40 year old new car still doing the great American road trip.