I'm about to get a 1989 Accord Lxi in good condition with 117k mi that hasn't been started in almost a year. Could anyone let me know what generally should be done to the car in preparation for the first harsh start, and how long until I can treat it like a normal '89 Accord? Thanks!

check out all of your belts and hoses, make sure they are in decent shape, if the timing belt snap's then your engine could be in really bad shape. since this car is old and it hasn't been started in a year, it will most likely have problems. check the car over REALLY well.

thanks, deadhead . . . ive heard of some engine additives and other fluids that can be used in various parts of the car especially for this purpose . . . are they a hoax or would they do some good?

I've never used them myself, but one of my friends used fuel injector cleaner, and it worked for him, so you might try that too, anything that will help the car start, it's worth a try.

i have just bought one of these, 89 Honda Accord LXI coupe. It hadnt been started in over 6 moths. It was a one owner, with every recipte to anything that had ever been done to it. I started it, and it ran like the car was brand new. it had like 167k mile onit i believe. it runs and drives like new. dont know though what condition yours is, so you know. do whatever you can to check it over. good luck!