I think im out!

[slow 2K2GT]

I had an offer on my car today for $15,000 CDN with everything it has. I think im gonna jump on it and get an 04 Tuscani. I saw one today that was fully loaded but im not sure I need TCS and a digital HVAC. It was yellow and im not sure I like that color, but a tib is in my future I would like the V6 but I dont want all the options that come with it. I love my elantra but I think its time for a change of pace. As you can tell with the 4 "but's" im still on the fence about the tuscani, I hate to say it but im also looking at an 00 Prelude. I guess im *****ing out because of the lack of styling options for the elantra also the performnace isnt the greatest.

[OdessitPashka]

go for it man :)

Preludes are also very nice :)

[tharptroy]

on another forum I visit, someone was considering getting a 5th gen prelude.

here's the correspondence, so you know some things to look out for.

I'm considering to buy a 5th gen Prelude as a commuter car to replace my civic. My wife won't let me buy a Miata based on the way I drive and it's hard to find a untouched integra for a reasonable price in the bay area. I don't want another civic that is for sure. Price range is 5-8k, I found a 97 Prelude with 95k that looks to be in great condition aside from some comestic flaws.

I wanted some feeback from Prelude owners on opinions/issues they have with their cars. I've always liked Preludes, my 89 lude had 220k despite the bad R/S ratio.

thanks

alphajesse
Journeyman


USA
981 Posts
Posted - 01/21/2005 : 03:03:46 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay away from the Sport Shift models.

It is not a miata, but feels good for the size. Look out for excessive oil consumption and grinding on upshifts, particularly the 4-5.
The main thing is that the shift forks bend easy, and many owners don't follow the factory schedule for transmission oil. Using honda MTF, it should really be done every 15-20k for best transmission feel. The 5th gear fork is the first to start to go. The symptoms are mainly the 5th gear grind (over 4k RPM mostly) and difficulty going into reverse at a stop. Most short shifters speed up that process.

If you have any plans for the car that would require programmable engine managment, don't get a SH model. Stock for stock, it is apparently a blast to drive one with the ATTS system on track, though..

On a 97 model there was a recall for the upper or lower ball joints and one of the engine oil seals. Make sure those have been corrected.
The autotensioner on the timing belt will also die a premature death. Although it should have been replaced when the timing belt was done. If the owner doesn't have a record of having that done, at 95k it needs it immediately.

Compared to other Hondas, parts are expensive, be aware of that.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.preludeonline.com


swooshcmk
Gear Head


USA
106 Posts
Posted - 01/21/2005 : 10:06:08 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've had no regrets of my '01 prelude. Be mindfull of the things alphajesse mentions and you'll be just fine. Only major service my car had was some transmission work for the 5th/reverse rail. I noticed it didn't seem quite right about a week after I bought it, and it slowly got worse until I had to hold it in 5th manually and didn't have a reverse. It was under warranty and it's never been an issue since. The more time you spend in vtec range, the sooner you will have to add oil. I don't think the stock breather system is fully capable in vtec mode, so the more I'm in vtec, the sooner I seem to need to add oil. Mine is the sh, and the ATTS is definately fun to push the car to it's limits (I've never managed to get my frontend loose, and the rear just slides right along - in fact I've had to turn right in left hand turns because the car can turn so fast when it kicks on the atts) However, as fun as the ATTS can be, if you plan for engine management it will be hassle.

Oh, and watch out for "type S" cam swaps (JDM cams) or radical aftermarket cams. I guess they're a nightmare for the stock rockers.

My '01's been a great car and basically trouble free for it's 70k+ I've got on it now.

[ilanpro]

So, did you sell it??

[XTRAWLD]

My ex got a 2001 Prelude (I think that's the year) VTEC and he really likes it...mind you he's been working on it as a show car for the past year or two and barely sees it or drives it. Might I suggest getting Pearl White? That color is so amazing. It's the only Honda I think I've sat in. The seats could be better, and the interior looks cheap, but those are simple upgrades I think. And don't think about squishing people in the back...it's just not a 4 person car. There's a front view, couldn't find the rear view. (It was Pearl White and he painted it blue).

[slow 2K2GT]

No I didnt sell yet I have run into some **** luck with the engine that needs to be rid of before I can sell it. Hopefully soon though, as this cam is pissing me off.

[KeWLKaT]

nooooooooo were so few canadians in this scene... dont quit now :(

although, make sure you sell your stuff here first ! :)

[ilanpro]

just put the stock cam back on

[slow 2K2GT]

I am going to the shop in a hour or so to put it back in, I am sick and tired of this engine in the NA form. My A/F is all over the place when I step on the gas im not sure what it is or how to fix it, so that pisses me off. I can feel a HUGE power loss when the ratio dips down to 11 and the car seems to be bogged down once the lash in the valves is adjusted. If the car is cold and just turned on it runs fine but after about 3 minutes it runs like ****. Im gonna put the XD cam back in and recheck the timing to make sure its on and hope that things are fixed or the car may get wrapped around a tree.

[SWortham]

If you're still interested in modding cars, I'd suggest the Scion tC over the Tiburon. The suspension & chassis design is better and the aftermarket support is going to be better too. Not to mention the factory supercharger option will be available very soon.

[slow 2K2GT]

I was looking at the only because I love the interior, I dont much care for much else though it does have better aftermarket support than the I4 we have.

[Jlivan]

Sorry to hear about ur disapointment in the Elantra.
Personally I don't really know how the peformance is on a prelude. It is a nice looking car. I just worry that buying used means more repairs than mods. I guess that all depends on how well the owner kept it up.

[slow 2K2GT]

Dont get me wrong I love my Elantra for all its great creature comforts, but I think that was the big selling point for me. Preludes come with a 200hp **** storm of an engine, that does respond well to bolt up mods. I love my car really I do, but its not what im looking for anymore. This could be winter talking also, once the summer hits and I can put my rims back on it and not hear every crack/groan the interior makes because its cold out. Than I may be happy again.

[ilanpro]

buy a impreza RS and turbo that *****, Preludes are kind of ugly

[KeWLKaT]

impreza wrx sti babyyyyyyyyy

[ilanpro]

STI's are over 30K

[KeWLKaT]

That is (seriously speaking) my next car.

Well, that, when I get my diploma and head on for the starting salary of 92,000$ a year :D

[pancit]

get the lude and mugen that **** out

[Blackdiamond]

when I get my diploma and head on for the starting salary of 92,000$ a year :D

Wow I have 2 degrees... and I didnt start out like that.... 45 with maybe a chance at 80 ....


slow 2K2GT .... Tibby's are nice.. remeber the 'Lude has no warranty :)

[pancit]

^^of course wats the point of tuning with a warranty?:)

slow2k2gt, h22a in the lude?

[ilanpro]

92k With just a diploma. in what??

[sed]

I wanna know what magical bach. you are getting for 92k yearly?

damn, must be a rocket scientist bach. degree

[hyunelan2]

I actually knew a rocket scientist... was a triple major at University of Illinois (Calculous, Physics, Engineering). Went to work for "an aeronotical agency" in Florida... he's not even making 92K (at last I spoke with him - 2 yrs ago).

Unless you're majoring in corporate embezzlement and money laundering, I can't see how you expect to make that much... but I'd like to know.

[2GTS]

Unless you're majoring in corporate embezzlement and money laundering, I can't see how you expect to make that much... but I'd like to know.
I'm only 6 credit hours away from my degree. I'm attending the University of Enron/Worldcom/Tyco.