Advice on buying my first Prelude

nickb · Post by **nickb** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:05 pm

Hi all

Im new to the site and to Preludes, so far im finding loads of good info on here but I just wanted to say hello and ask for hints/tips/do's/dont's/things to look out for on my quest for a Prelude.

I drive a 2.2 diesel Civic which I love and is fairly sporty for the 55mpg i get. I need the economy as I travel a lot for work but I also want a revvy fun car and the Prelude is looking like a good bet. I would like to keep the budget to under £1000 but can spend more on the car if its right.

Looking on Autotrader a couple have caught my eye, as a novice they look good to me so it would be great to hear your thoughts on these cars.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ogcode=emf

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ogcode=emf

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ogcode=emf

Look forward to hearing peoples opinions and thoughts. Im open to all generations but I do want manual and VTEC.

Cheers

macky_6 · Post by **macky_6** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:14 pm

Shameless plug

http://www.ludegeneration.co.uk/post32618.html#p32618

nickyboy · Post by **nickyboy** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:55 pm

I've been looking for a while, other sites I use are Gumtree, eBay and Pistonheads.

The imports have more bhp, and feel all the more faster. UK 5th gen "red tops" have more power than earlier 5th gens, and are the last bunch made in 1999-2000, and are identifiable by an engine code ending in A8, the earlier ones are A5. These came with a red cam cover, but I would double check engine codes as an engine cover can be easily painted. Heated seats are also in these A8 later models.

Out of the 3 ludes you posted, I prefer the first. Mileage is high but it has every MOT which usually means it's been looked after, and it will go on for a long time yet.

The second has been for sale for an absolute age.

Third is an A5 and been modded which puts me off on both counts.

Post by **rob quilter** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 10:41 pm

The prelude the 3rd link is a pile of poo, the other 2 are good tho.

As said 1999-2000 on the UK have a slightly higher power output at 197bhp, 1997-1998 have 185bhp.

Things to look out for are:
Rust on rear arches/ around boot lock/ around windscreen/around sunroof.
5th gear crunch
As said above, go for an import or 99+ model, don't buy an auto/triptronic unless for whatever reason you can't drive a manual.

Bio · Post by **Bio** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:34 am

What's wrong on the 3rd one Rob other than the mods not being to everyones taste?
Looks like a 2.2 manual to me?

Post by **Merlin** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:14 am

Yup echoing the others, the 99+ is the best of the UK 5G's. Its not just the extra power but the shorter ratio gear box as well, better acceleration and much esier to drive around town. The 99+ has a different PAS resulting a slightly heavier (slightly better) feel.

nickb · Post by **nickb** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:31 am

Thanks all.

Very nice car macky but I really want a manual otherwise I might have been paying you a visit.

Tips very useful as is the wiki on here. I might go take a look at the blue one this weekend. Do you think it's priced about right or should I be looking to pay less due to lower mileage cars being available.

Why do we think the silver one has been on for so long. Too high price and mileage?

Post by **Merlin** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:53 am

IMO the blue one is decently priced, reflecting its higher milage. A sub 100K 99+ is around the £2K mark.

nitin_s1 · Post by **nitin_s1** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 11:23 am

Make sure you check when the timing belt etc has been done. Crank pulley coming off is a common fault.