Looking to buy '91 or '90 Prelude w/ 4WS

[PhantomX]

Hi,

I am interested in buying a '90 or '91 Prelude with 4WS. My current daily driver is an '04 BMW 325Ci and I am looking to buy another car to lighten its load. My mother used to have a '91 Prelude which I used to drive occasionally after I got my license so I know how much fun these cars are to drive.

I am trying to research the 3rd generation Preludes but I don't really know what to look for. It's harder to find information about these older cars on sites like Edmunds, etc. From what I see on Autotrader.com and Cars.com, most 3G Preludes in excellent condition don't go for more than $5K. I'd like to get one for about $2.5 or $3K at most. Of course, if I could find a hidden gem for $2K or less that would be ideal.

Can you all tell me what kinds of things a buyer should be on the look out for in these cars. Are there certain mechanical problems that they are known for? I am not much of a do-it-yourselfer so any car I buy that has issues will have to go to a mechanic, which is why I'm looking for one that is in good shape cosmetically and mechanically. Any assistance that you all can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[spiffyguido]

I can give you a list of a few things that you should certainly watch out for. This isn't an exhaustive list, but it is a start. If you're not very mechanical, I would suggest getting a vehicle inspection done by a mechanic on any car you're serious about purchasing. In the meantime though, here are some things you can watch for:

-Rust - Most common places on this year are around the gas filler lid and door, base of the trunk lip, rear wheel arches, and the bottom of the doors.

-Engine - If you're getting a 2.1 litre (it will have the B21A1 engine), make sure the car isn't burning any oil. The owner should be able to tell you if it uses oil, and watch out for any blue smoke when driving, or right after the car is started. B21A1s are fantastic engines, but they do burn oil if the rings aren't changed out often enough or if the car isn't maintained. I can provide more info on this if you need. Apart from the oil burning, just make sure that the engine runs smooth and strong. When you put your foot down, the car should go, no hesitation of sputtering, and it should pull hard.

-Ball Joints - When a car gets older, these are often one of the first things to go. Listen for any creaking or clicking from the front end of the car, particularly when cornering. This is often easiest to hear if you do slow turns in a parking lot.

-Suspension - Make sure the car feels well planted on the road. It shouldn't bounce or hop around. Bad struts will cause the car to hop and bounce after a bump in the road and will negatively impact the handling.

-Interior - Watch for rips and cracks and anything that isn't working.

-Timing Belt - These must be changed every 60,000miles or less. Make sure it was done recently, or else you will need to have this done.

Generally speaking, a well cared for Honda Prelude will be a very solid car. They only go bad when they're neglected. I'd spend the money on a good one if you're not looking to do any work on it. There are still plenty of these cars around that are in great shape to be had. You should be able to find a pretty decent one for around $3000, depending on where you live. A pristine one will cost a bit more.

All in all, a superb car, and very well made. I always try to watch for low mileage ones in the auto traders and then go from there.

Good luck, and welcome to our forum.

[dilligafracing]

hey my name is kory ands i am selling a 91 prelude with 4 wheel steer and it is lowered and ractive exhaust and 5 speed i am looking to get 1500 yuo can email me with more questions at melissa-stewart@sympatico.ca