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Hello ppl !!!! Need help plz :-/

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 8:48 pm
by Vti Steve
I'm brand new to this site.


I'm looking at a 1999 Prelude vti AUTO tomorrow.

Need advice on what I should be looking for?????

I've heard ALOT of bad things about the auto box on these........

74000miles

1 owner from new

Full service history

Black

Red leather.

Any advice would be fantastic :-)

Thanks

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 8:59 pm
by rob quilter
Auto boxes have a common issue of failing, normally due to most people don't bother maintaining them properly. Why do you want an auto? If you need one because of a health issue that stops you driving a manual then fair enough, make sure it has proof of gearbox oil changes.

If you can drive a manual....don't bother with an auto. They're:

Not as reliable
Have slower acceleration
Not as much fun
And it you go for a 1999+ manual, it has more power.

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 9:01 pm
by rob quilter
Got a website link for the one your looking at?

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 9:03 pm
by mercutio
the autoboxes are a weak point on the 5th gen. As long as its looked after there shouldnt be that much of a problem just make sure if you are going to buy it that even from cold it engages all gears without a clunk if it clunks the writing is on the wall.
That said the auto box will still soldier on for thousands of miles even after its started to go as long as you make sure the box is used gingerly from cold once warm you probably wont have a problem.

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 6:17 am
by Vti Steve
The only reason I'm going for this one is because it is fully loaded and very clean on the body plus low mileage.
I can drive a manual but just fancy a cruiser, if that makes sense.
But can I still drive it fairly hard without breaking it?

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 8:03 am
by mills
Yeah you'll still be able to have a bit of fun in it :twisted: I loved my old auto vti, the tip tronic was great 8-)

But as already said, check that the oil has been changed regularly, and let it warm it up properly before fun time :P

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 9:29 am
by Vti Steve
rob quilter wrote:Got a website link for the one your looking at?
Auto trader mate. Black one for £1600

London area

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 9:31 am
by Vti Steve
So is it a case of always servicing the box? That seems ok....

I'm a big Honda fan, had EP3s, B16s but now I fancy a prelude.

Any other things I should watch out for?

It's got 4ws. Any issues?

Any advice is great :D

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 10:18 am
by Gayno
4WS....you won't be able to park for a couple of weeks!!

Once you get used to it though it's a great system. Make sure the 4WS light comes on when you turn on the ignition, and it should stay on until you start the engine when it will go out a few seconds after. If it stays on then there is a problem.

If it doesn't come on at all, then seller has removed the bulb to hide a problem.

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 10:21 am
by rob quilter
Gayno wrote:Make sure the 4WS light comes on when you turn on the ignition, and it should stay on until you start the engine when it will go out a few seconds after. If it stays on then there is a problem.

If it doesn't come on at all, then seller has removed the bulb to hide a problem.
This!