Dilemma: 1.6 Si Or 1.6 Cdx?

[obsidian]

As the title says, I've got a dilemma. I'm on the hunt for one of these, and to be honest I'm more keen on the SI, whereas the missus is more keen on the CDX, purely for the 5 doors.

Now I'm curious as to the technical differences between the two. According to what I can find, here and on google, they both have the 1.6 4a-fe engine.

I've found both, and the cars are in good nick. I still need to take them for testdrives, but for the rest they're pretty similar. Electrics, sporty trim, the whole nine yards. The SI has a sunroof which the CDX doesn't. Prices are close together as well.

So, are there any differences in the engines? Does anyone have a link/information about it? The SI is more sporty, I would think, but is this true?

I drove a ae92 in the netherlands, and if it weren't for the import/export shlep and the steering wheel on the other side, I'd have brought it over to the UK. It was a 5-door, and I must admit it was more practical than a 3-door would be. But I prefer the styling of the 3-door in the 1996 model.

Help! Can you advise?

:bookworm:

[RedAE102]

Apart from the different number of doors, there are no mechanical differences. Yes, they both share the 4A-FE engine, and they share the same suspension tuning. The 3 and 5-door hatchback E10s are identically styled, it's the larger lifback that's different. In terms of trim differences, the Si had white-faced gauges in a 3-circle arrangement, and added a voltmeter to the mix, along with side skirts, and a few other details. The CDX had walnut veneer interior bits, and a few other features.

[obsidian]

Thanks for the info, RedAE102.

I'm going to take both for a testdrive this weekend and base my decision on that.

Put off slightly by the walnut trim idea, I'm not old enough for that yet (only 26).

Would make me feel like an old !Removed! driving a horsecart.

How extensive is the walnut trim? If the CDX is a better buy than the SI, would it be easy to replace? Assuming the trim is limited to panels, it should be easy to replace it with the standard plastic/composites. Correct?

You've said that they both use the 1.6 4a-fe, so the difference is styling and accessories only. Seems odd that a 'sporty' SI would be similar to a more 'mature' CDX.

Thanks again for the input.

[RedAE102]

The "walnut" trim is easily replaced by regular plastics (snaps in and out) from "lesser" models, or earlier models. Shouldn't be particularly hard to come by. I'm told the Si's stiffer 3-door body structure makes for a slightly more pleasant drive than the 5-door, but seeing as I've only driven E10 saloons and estates until now, I can't say for sure.

[obsidian]

Don't think I'll miss the 3-door handling, as I had the previous model in 5-door flavour as well.

Ta for the responses. I'm going for a testdrive this week, and will let you know how/what/when.

B)

[obsidian]

Just spoke to the dealer, and he informed that the mileage is 111K.

Is this something to worry about, or is it average? 1996 - 2004 is 8 years, therefore about 13K to 14K per year.

It would seem a bit on the high side, but my reasoning is that if it had all the services and checkups it should have had, this should not be a problem.

Am I correct in assuming this?

[RedAE102]

There is no fault in your logic. Regular maintenance is absolutely crucial. My L reg '93 1.8 (7A-FE, a very close relative of the 4A-FE) is at over 144,000 miles now. I purchased it from my aunt in April 2002, and no major problems from it. The original clutch is about to die (approx. £165 to replace, not something I'll do myself). I replaced the original starter (£52) about 4 months ago, the right side driveaxle (£35) about 5 months ago, and the original alternator sometime before that (also about £52). I've done all of the work myself, which hasn't been particularly difficult, and has saved me a bundle. Other than that, it's been regular oil changes (10,000 miles on Mobil 1 10W-30 full synthetic), tyre rotations, and other fluid changes. It does burn a good bit of oil (a US quart every 5,000 miles), but that's past the valve stem seals, and it does smoke a bit at cold tickover, but the rings are still in good shape (compression is still high), so it's either pay £300 for a valve job or just keep an eye on the oil level.