Honda Prelude - Opinions?
Discussion
Afternoon PHers, first post here.
I've been looking into buying a Honda Prelude in the next couple of months, have been doing the usual research of reading reviews and surfing owner's forums and reading as much as I can to get an idea what they are like in terms of performance, reliability and driveability... Everything I've read has been pretty biased as when you're on an owner's forum most people ain't so quick to point out the bad parts of owning that car.
I'm just looking to get a 2nd opinion of others around here to point anything out I should know. I've only ever seen 1 Prelude around so I don't know any friends of friends who would let me give their car a once over before going to buy my own.
I'm looking to get the 2.2 Vtec model, would be happy with either SiR, S Type or Motegi edition as they're all pretty similar by the looks of it. Preferable a UK spec though just for insurance / spares reasons.
I know the H22 engine is solid and the looks are either love / hate but what do you lot reckon to the Prelude?
I've been looking into buying a Honda Prelude in the next couple of months, have been doing the usual research of reading reviews and surfing owner's forums and reading as much as I can to get an idea what they are like in terms of performance, reliability and driveability... Everything I've read has been pretty biased as when you're on an owner's forum most people ain't so quick to point out the bad parts of owning that car.
I'm just looking to get a 2nd opinion of others around here to point anything out I should know. I've only ever seen 1 Prelude around so I don't know any friends of friends who would let me give their car a once over before going to buy my own.
I'm looking to get the 2.2 Vtec model, would be happy with either SiR, S Type or Motegi edition as they're all pretty similar by the looks of it. Preferable a UK spec though just for insurance / spares reasons.
I know the H22 engine is solid and the looks are either love / hate but what do you lot reckon to the Prelude?
I assume you are referring to the last generation Prelude that was made - the one with the almost vertical headlamps right?
I had one and loved it if I overlook the fact I bought a bit of a dog. It was a high miler though and I think I sold on about 185k. I made the mistake of being in a hurry and only viewing a couple, did a short test drive in the dark and didn't really check it over - I was way too excited after the test drive (I was driving a lowly 1,5 civic so the Prelude just felt great even though it was tired example).
Bad bits: Rear wheel bearing needed replacing and unless you can press the bearing out you have to replace the hub which is pricey. This is clever Honda engineering and it's the same even for the Jazz...)
5th gear synchro goes in these - easily detected by a crunchiness that gets worse over time when engaging gear. Can't remember if it expensive to fix or not -I just lived with mine as it wasn't too bad.
Suspension bushes get tired and old from age so a refresh of all of them is a good idea. Dampers are likely also a bit tired on these cars now too - makes it feel a bit boat like with lots of dive when braking.
Lower balljoints need replacing.
Brakes are bit rubbish really - seem to be too small and get hot easily - most change the lines to braided ones, upgrade fluid and use better pads with standard/upgragde discs.
Another typical Honda fault is the brake callipers on the rear seize. Not too expensive though.
Rust on rear arches and bootlid.
The gearbox synchro was the only thing that really broke - the other things I guess can be called maintenance items.
Apart from all that (which I think is not bad for a performance car of that age with 185k miles) it was a great car and the engine pulled strong and clean. If I bought better I could avoided allot of tehose bills.
I loved the fact that it had torque but also had the vtec kick higher up. The driving position was pot on (and much better than the 330i that replaced it). The gearshift and steering were meaty and did not have that typically light Japanese touch - felt quite Germanic (the shift quality was much better that the 330 too).
Gas mileage was ok - around 25-28. Note that I made a point of using vtec at every opportunity and would hit the rev limiter on most days just for fun.
For reference my 330i driven in much the same way achieved 25mpg.
The 4ws steer made for an impressive turning circle and I like the way it handled - the back end felt a little lively, unlike most other FWD Hondas.
The 4ws can go into safe mode if you park too close to a kerb - you can reset it yourself in a few minutes using a paperclip - I found a guide on a Honda Forum so you do not have to pay Honda to do it for you.
I would advise to go for the nicest spec model you can find (condition dependant there are many dogs out there) - I always regretted not getting the Montegi model as I like the way it looks. There is a Jap import version with 'red top engine' that had about 200bhp and a fancy airbox (I think it had the Accord Type R engine) - I would have liked to give that a try too.
They are very rare sight on the roads now.
One last thing - check the insurance quotes as it was in a very high group.
I had one and loved it if I overlook the fact I bought a bit of a dog. It was a high miler though and I think I sold on about 185k. I made the mistake of being in a hurry and only viewing a couple, did a short test drive in the dark and didn't really check it over - I was way too excited after the test drive (I was driving a lowly 1,5 civic so the Prelude just felt great even though it was tired example).
Bad bits: Rear wheel bearing needed replacing and unless you can press the bearing out you have to replace the hub which is pricey. This is clever Honda engineering and it's the same even for the Jazz...)
5th gear synchro goes in these - easily detected by a crunchiness that gets worse over time when engaging gear. Can't remember if it expensive to fix or not -I just lived with mine as it wasn't too bad.
Suspension bushes get tired and old from age so a refresh of all of them is a good idea. Dampers are likely also a bit tired on these cars now too - makes it feel a bit boat like with lots of dive when braking.
Lower balljoints need replacing.
Brakes are bit rubbish really - seem to be too small and get hot easily - most change the lines to braided ones, upgrade fluid and use better pads with standard/upgragde discs.
Another typical Honda fault is the brake callipers on the rear seize. Not too expensive though.
Rust on rear arches and bootlid.
The gearbox synchro was the only thing that really broke - the other things I guess can be called maintenance items.
Apart from all that (which I think is not bad for a performance car of that age with 185k miles) it was a great car and the engine pulled strong and clean. If I bought better I could avoided allot of tehose bills.
I loved the fact that it had torque but also had the vtec kick higher up. The driving position was pot on (and much better than the 330i that replaced it). The gearshift and steering were meaty and did not have that typically light Japanese touch - felt quite Germanic (the shift quality was much better that the 330 too).
Gas mileage was ok - around 25-28. Note that I made a point of using vtec at every opportunity and would hit the rev limiter on most days just for fun.
For reference my 330i driven in much the same way achieved 25mpg.
The 4ws steer made for an impressive turning circle and I like the way it handled - the back end felt a little lively, unlike most other FWD Hondas.
The 4ws can go into safe mode if you park too close to a kerb - you can reset it yourself in a few minutes using a paperclip - I found a guide on a Honda Forum so you do not have to pay Honda to do it for you.
I would advise to go for the nicest spec model you can find (condition dependant there are many dogs out there) - I always regretted not getting the Montegi model as I like the way it looks. There is a Jap import version with 'red top engine' that had about 200bhp and a fancy airbox (I think it had the Accord Type R engine) - I would have liked to give that a try too.
They are very rare sight on the roads now.
One last thing - check the insurance quotes as it was in a very high group.
Most of what is said in the above post is true.
They're a great GT car, with a still respectable ability to hustle along a B-road considering it's relative weight.
Expect typical Honda reliability if it's been taken care of. But good service history is quite important. A lot of them were owned by older people when they were young.
UK models started out with 185bhp, JDM models with 200bhp. Then in 1999 I believe it was, UK models also got 200bhp with the redtop. It isn't the same as the H22A7 in the Accord Type-R though, not as much power.
However, the Type-S import with the clever ATTS front diff, essentially does have the same 212bhp engine as the UK Accord Type-R.
Good ones are becoming hard to find, but worth it if you're after a cheap GT car that can be fun too.
They're a great GT car, with a still respectable ability to hustle along a B-road considering it's relative weight.
Expect typical Honda reliability if it's been taken care of. But good service history is quite important. A lot of them were owned by older people when they were young.
UK models started out with 185bhp, JDM models with 200bhp. Then in 1999 I believe it was, UK models also got 200bhp with the redtop. It isn't the same as the H22A7 in the Accord Type-R though, not as much power.
However, the Type-S import with the clever ATTS front diff, essentially does have the same 212bhp engine as the UK Accord Type-R.
Good ones are becoming hard to find, but worth it if you're after a cheap GT car that can be fun too.
Sam1990 said:
Afternoon PHers, first post here.
I've been looking into buying a Honda Prelude in the next couple of months, have been doing the usual research of reading reviews and surfing owner's forums and reading as much as I can to get an idea what they are like in terms of performance, reliability and driveability... Everything I've read has been pretty biased as when you're on an owner's forum most people ain't so quick to point out the bad parts of owning that car.
I'm just looking to get a 2nd opinion of others around here to point anything out I should know. I've only ever seen 1 Prelude around so I don't know any friends of friends who would let me give their car a once over before going to buy my own.
I'm looking to get the 2.2 Vtec model, would be happy with either SiR, S Type or Motegi edition as they're all pretty similar by the looks of it. Preferable a UK spec though just for insurance / spares reasons.
I know the H22 engine is solid and the looks are either love / hate but what do you lot reckon to the Prelude?
my advice is buy one, pay no more than £1500 for a half decent one with around 120k miles and some history, drill some holes in the airbox and go out and have some funI've been looking into buying a Honda Prelude in the next couple of months, have been doing the usual research of reading reviews and surfing owner's forums and reading as much as I can to get an idea what they are like in terms of performance, reliability and driveability... Everything I've read has been pretty biased as when you're on an owner's forum most people ain't so quick to point out the bad parts of owning that car.
I'm just looking to get a 2nd opinion of others around here to point anything out I should know. I've only ever seen 1 Prelude around so I don't know any friends of friends who would let me give their car a once over before going to buy my own.
I'm looking to get the 2.2 Vtec model, would be happy with either SiR, S Type or Motegi edition as they're all pretty similar by the looks of it. Preferable a UK spec though just for insurance / spares reasons.
I know the H22 engine is solid and the looks are either love / hate but what do you lot reckon to the Prelude?
I have had 3, All Manuals.
Bought my first one a 1992 2.2vtec manual 12 years ago, an imported 2.2vtec SI.
The suspension was a bit creaky after it rained as the bushes wore after about a year, and the other problem I had was the 4ws light and engine management light faults whic heven a Honda dealer could not fix. turned out to be just a loose connection on the speedo convertor when it came to the UK. Simple but took time and money to find.
The second was a 2000 model UK 2.2vtec, that was faultless, but then it was only 2 years old with 17k on when i bought it.
Then a couple of years ago I picked up a 1996 UK 2.2vtec, that was great too, apart from a little bit of rust on an arch, it had 112000 miles on everything worked as it should and it drove great. i paid £1800 and sold it for £1800 as it was a great looking car.
The Import was fastest top end without a doubt,Its not just about engine power as the red top 2000 model seemed to be lower geared (this was quicker through the gears)and would red line at below 140mph. the Jap Si would read 150mph and not be in the red.
I recomend them, but remember UK cars are cheaper to insure. If I was going for one now I would go to about £2500 for a 1999/ 2000 red top UK 2.2 MANUAL with around 80k on, you can tell if its been looked after,and check its been serviced correctly I think cambelts are every 60k miles.Oh and dont buy that horrid yellowy gold colour!
Bought my first one a 1992 2.2vtec manual 12 years ago, an imported 2.2vtec SI.
The suspension was a bit creaky after it rained as the bushes wore after about a year, and the other problem I had was the 4ws light and engine management light faults whic heven a Honda dealer could not fix. turned out to be just a loose connection on the speedo convertor when it came to the UK. Simple but took time and money to find.
The second was a 2000 model UK 2.2vtec, that was faultless, but then it was only 2 years old with 17k on when i bought it.
Then a couple of years ago I picked up a 1996 UK 2.2vtec, that was great too, apart from a little bit of rust on an arch, it had 112000 miles on everything worked as it should and it drove great. i paid £1800 and sold it for £1800 as it was a great looking car.
The Import was fastest top end without a doubt,Its not just about engine power as the red top 2000 model seemed to be lower geared (this was quicker through the gears)and would red line at below 140mph. the Jap Si would read 150mph and not be in the red.
I recomend them, but remember UK cars are cheaper to insure. If I was going for one now I would go to about £2500 for a 1999/ 2000 red top UK 2.2 MANUAL with around 80k on, you can tell if its been looked after,and check its been serviced correctly I think cambelts are every 60k miles.Oh and dont buy that horrid yellowy gold colour!
Cheers for the advice, more helpful than I've read on Prelude forums!
Only concern I've got would be buying one with more than 75,000 on the clock as that's when all the problems start to surface? Clutch, gearbox, head gasket, timing belts etc but if I found one with decent service history it could put my mind at rest.
As for insurance I'm expecting around £2,000 from the money grabbing b
ds at Sky insurance or Adrian Flux... Any other companies you could recommend for a 20 year old with 2 yrs NCB that might be cheaper?
Only concern I've got would be buying one with more than 75,000 on the clock as that's when all the problems start to surface? Clutch, gearbox, head gasket, timing belts etc but if I found one with decent service history it could put my mind at rest.
As for insurance I'm expecting around £2,000 from the money grabbing b
ds at Sky insurance or Adrian Flux... Any other companies you could recommend for a 20 year old with 2 yrs NCB that might be cheaper?Sam1990 said:
Only concern I've got would be buying one with more than 75,000 on the clock as that's when all the problems start to surface? Clutch, gearbox, head gasket, timing belts etc but if I found one with decent service history it could put my mind at rest.
Whats that about head gasket then?Clutch should be ok for more depending on use. Timing belt is more likely to be age related now than mileage so bear that in mind...
Mate, if your going to spend 2.5k on a lude, dont bother.
Save another grand and get a lower mileage JDM Integra type-r.
It will be quicker, much more fun in the twisties, more fruigal on fuel and cheaper to insure.
Try Admiral, direct line or elephant for insurance.
Oh, and the best trait about many fwd hondas is the fact they are "lively" at the rear.
Plenty of lift of oversteer to play with, but very progressive and predictable. Loads-a-fun!!
You wont regret it.
Save another grand and get a lower mileage JDM Integra type-r.
It will be quicker, much more fun in the twisties, more fruigal on fuel and cheaper to insure.
Try Admiral, direct line or elephant for insurance.
Oh, and the best trait about many fwd hondas is the fact they are "lively" at the rear.
Plenty of lift of oversteer to play with, but very progressive and predictable. Loads-a-fun!!
You wont regret it.
Tempting buy for both!
Struggling to find a teg-r for £3500 that's below 85,000 miles which leads me back to high mileage. I'd love a lude or teg-r but don't fancy spending a fortune on spares every month or 2. Don't mind service costs every 6k miles but I don't wanna be replacing gaskets, clutches, pumps etc because of the high mileage.
Anyone here got any experience of a 75k+ mileage lude or teg that they've owned for a while?
Struggling to find a teg-r for £3500 that's below 85,000 miles which leads me back to high mileage. I'd love a lude or teg-r but don't fancy spending a fortune on spares every month or 2. Don't mind service costs every 6k miles but I don't wanna be replacing gaskets, clutches, pumps etc because of the high mileage.
Anyone here got any experience of a 75k+ mileage lude or teg that they've owned for a while?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1804485.htm
I had one for 5 years.Great car very fast it upset a few Tegs.and Civic type R. lol.
I had one for 5 years.Great car very fast it upset a few Tegs.and Civic type R. lol.
Sam1990 said:
Tempting buy for both!
Struggling to find a teg-r for £3500 that's below 85,000 miles which leads me back to high mileage. I'd love a lude or teg-r but don't fancy spending a fortune on spares every month or 2. Don't mind service costs every 6k miles but I don't wanna be replacing gaskets, clutches, pumps etc because of the high mileage.
Anyone here got any experience of a 75k+ mileage lude or teg that they've owned for a while?
Why do you think you will be replacing gaskets and pumps on these? Clutch is a consumable item and can be worn out at any mileage depending on use so I wouldn't worry too much about that.Struggling to find a teg-r for £3500 that's below 85,000 miles which leads me back to high mileage. I'd love a lude or teg-r but don't fancy spending a fortune on spares every month or 2. Don't mind service costs every 6k miles but I don't wanna be replacing gaskets, clutches, pumps etc because of the high mileage.
Anyone here got any experience of a 75k+ mileage lude or teg that they've owned for a while?
On both high mileage Hondas I have had (100K and 185K) I had no gasket or pump issues. The prelude had a clutch by the previous owner at about 120-130k miles...
I think condition, maintenance history and abuse/lack of abuse is more important on cars of this age. Be wary of suspiciously low mileage models too as these could have been clocked?
Look on the owners club websites for cars for sale by enthusiasts who usually look after them better than the boy racer brigade who also get their hands on fast Hondas...
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