It's kind of sad that economy cars aren't much more efficent. But you get 6 airbags, 2 more are optional in the 4 door, new suspension, new warranty, lots more power, better handling, and the list goes on. It sounds like you want to hold onto the car for a long time....is the CRX a 1 owner car? Or you could always get an older Golf, they're pretty well figured out now.