Newbie needs advise on buying a 1991 Prelude SI

I am looking for advise on what problem areas to look at before I buy a 1991 or 92 Prelude, it has 232,000km + THey are automatic transmission

Please advise

BTW my dying daily driver is a Pontiac Dust buster

:smile:

well, the 91 and 92s are VERY different. IMO, they ugli-fied it in 92. Anyway, the biggies on the 91s are rust and oil burning. Unfortunaltey, neither one are very avoidable. If it's a 2.0Si, than the oil part won't be as bad, the Si model is pretty horrible. Mine burns about a quart every 1500 miles. Par for the course if you talk to a few owners. Check for rust in the quarter panels, etc. Also check and make sure the sunroof drains still work, or you'll be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Other than that, if you may not want it, don't test drive it. Once you do, you'll be hooked. They aren't the fastest cars on the road, but they're fun to drive, and handle like a dream.

-J

Thank you very much for the tips, that gives me some thoughts to consider befor buying. Rust is a big part of owning a car where I live, most cars here will show signs in the first 5 years of daily driving. My 78 has a new hatch and alread after 2 year I have noticed the rust is creeping out of the seams.

I kind of like the 91 the most but my son is pushing me to buy the 92. I know that hooked feeling. I actually have 91 Prelude seats in my 78 Civic.

Thanks :smile:

haha. The 92 is nice in that it's a more modern body style, but I'm a sucker for the 80s japanese sboxy sportscar styling. Also, if you're going for a '92, you might consider a '93 with VTEC. VTEC gives you much better performance at higher RPMs, though if it's for a son, it may not be a good thing....

-J

First, there is a huge difference in the 91-92, second 92 is a 4th gen 88-91 is a 3rd gen.

Rust is a big consideration in almost any car of that age, (there is an 1988 honda prelude with 780,000 mile in original condition).

90-91 ludes had a 2.1L (B21A5) and was called oldsmokie for a reason. The 88-89 had a 2.0 (B20A5) which depending on who you talk to is better than the 2.1L. But both engines can be replaced with the the B20A which is a Japanese engine without the EGR valve about $750 shipped.

The deal with the sunroof drain is they need to be cleaned, thats it, a rubber hose that has not been cleaned out since it was made 88-91 might just get clogged?

Anything else just leave a reply or PM me, they are great cars and fun to drive! I love my 88 4WS.

I can go on and on about the 88-91 Lude, they have there good and bad.

Hope this helps.

I really wish I was still in the position to go out to check out the preludes as I went looking today and on my way back the motor in my daily driver is now making a loud clanking sound. I am going to look at a 91 Accord EXR tomorrow near work but to go into the big city would be unwise as I dont think I should take it on the highway in the current condition. :dunno:

chucksnee hit it right on the head -- other than that the 2.1L is the B21A1(nitpicking, I know.) Accords are basically 4 door preludes with smaller engines(and vice versa) and are still good cars, just not as fun as ludes.

-J

chucksnee hit it right on the head -- other than that the 2.1L is the B21A1(nitpicking, I know.) Accords are basically 4 door preludes with smaller engines(and vice versa) and are still good cars, just not as fun as ludes.

-J

DAMN!!!!!!! A few beers and look what happens :banghead:

I would like to thank you guys for the feed back on the Preludes,

I actually bought a 94 Civic CX 5Speed in December of 2004, :nono: Hold on dont hang me yet, I have good news, I just bought a mint 92 Prelude, not even a spot of rust. Interior is like new. It must have been a summer driver only.