Page 1 of 2

What to look put for, when buying a prelude?

Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 5:10 pm
by EG_H22
Right after checking out the cool honda section last night, ive been thinking bout getting a prelude as soon as ive finished my h22 eg, just that i came across i nice red one looked abit of a milano colour.

Anyway what do i need to look out for?
And what sort of mileage is good as i dont fancy one with high miles and needs rebuilding lol.

Cheers

Ash

Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 5:19 pm
by mercutio
nothing wrong with high mileage if its motorway miles cars that only do shops and back can be worse than a long distance one

Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 6:36 pm
by prelude_h22
fromt he top of my head

make sure 4ws is working - the light on dash should go out after you started engine
ensure the all dash warning lights comes on on pre-ignition

ensure vtec kicks in at 5500 rpm and its not smokey (seals couldnt be gone if it is)

rust on rear arches - common on all hondas

all gadgets work, heated seats if it has them 99-00 models only - electric windows and mirrors, sunroof central locking etc - they all very rarely go wrong

siezed rear calipers - very common

suspension knocking - worn arb drop links / bushes

- usual checks, serv history, V5 doc, stamps in book, previous mots, tyre condition, brake pad and disc condition will show signs if owner had ragged the car, oil and coolant condition and levels and other fluids, PAS and brake fluid etc. how many keys are with the car as a spare is costly

dont forgte to check the boot for signs of water ingress and always lift the floor to see any water damage and also for the presence of the spare wheel and tools /jack etc

nothing worng with high mileage but you need proof that it has been serviced regulary - honda's always need to be serviced with good oil regulary to stand a chance of lasting

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 4:37 pm
by dbice3
if you buy a 4ws model buy the 3rd generation - its a mechanical system that doesnt give trouble. iv had to replace 2 brake calipers recently but then my prelude is 21 years old this year :shock: and still going strong!.

replace body panels as they rust to keep on top of the rust situation. honda still make the body panels going back to the 3G as i had new ones made.

the dual mass flywheel may need to be replaced - mine did as the 2 parts detached from each other and screeched as they spun at different speeds lol.

good idea to replace all the ac hoses as they get old they leak out the gas so you have to regass more often.

change the oil regularly and thats about it!

mines at 168,000 miles and running sweet so high miles isnt an issue really.

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:24 pm
by 106pete
Just make sure it's cheap, that's all I went for lol

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:42 pm
by RattyMcClelland
Make sure its not a 4th gen. Stick to 3rd and 5th gens.

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:46 pm
by Dbo
RattyMcClelland wrote:Make sure its not a 4th gen. Stick to 3rd and 5th gens.
3rd i would agree! retro 8-)
but 4ths are pretty and 5ths are if you are a certain age and love hush puppies and cardigans ;)

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:20 pm
by mercutio
dbice3 wrote: the dual mass flywheel may need to be replaced - mine did as the 2 parts detached from each other and screeched as they spun at different speeds lol.
dual mass flywheels!!!!!!!

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:33 pm
by Donald
What is a hush puppy? :lol: Heard of a slush puppy :roll:

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 10:12 pm
by Dbo
Gorgon wrote:What is a hush puppy? :lol: Heard of a slush puppy :roll:
are you joking! :lol:
hush puppies the comfy dweeb shoes that only over 60's wear :shock: