debating whether or not to buy this prelude...NEED INPUT!

[Jelly JoJo]

I am thinking about buying a 95 Prelude SE with 157k..the timing belt needs to be replaced...it has the 2.3 DOHC. was wondering what it takes for a timing belt to break on a car...checked car fax and it has a clean history. any input would be great.

[CocaColaEatsPie]

the timing belt is not on there, or is it just going to break soon. A timing belt breaks when it gets worn out. If the timing belt is already broking it's a gamble.

[ludeguy]

Originally Posted by CocaColaEatsPie

the timing belt is not on there, or is it just going to break soon. A timing belt breaks when it gets worn out. If the timing belt is already broking it's a gamble.

yah i agree... if the car is sitting there, and hasn't moved because it broke a timing belt - I wouldn't touch it. If it currently has a timing belt but the owner is cautioning you to get it replaced - you are in for a pretty big bill right off the get go (unless you are mechanically inclined), and the belts aren't too cheap either. Although I would always recommend anyone buying any second hand lude to put a timing belt change on their agenda of things to do.

[boytiti]

Originally Posted by Jelly JoJo

I am thinking about buying a 95 Prelude SE with 157k..the timing belt needs to be replaced...it has the 2.3 DOHC. was wondering what it takes for a timing belt to break on a car...checked car fax and it has a clean history. any input would be great.

my 93 prelude has 185K miles and I havent replaced the timing belt yet. I am getting ready to replace it soon.

[PoorLuder]

The timing belt replacement could also lead to your first upgrade if you replace everything with the AEM pulley set. I changed my timing belt a little while back and could kick myself for overlooking this upgrade. Anyway, back to your question about the belts. Normally you should replace them around 80-90k range. Several other related components such as the water pump may also be replaced. I think my bill for getting it done at Pepboys was in the $500 range. I would ask the seller to lower his price (if he hasn't already) and to take the belt work into consideration. By the way, how much was he asking for?

[SiGNAL748]

The guy's timing belt should have been replaced at around 90k, when his first major tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, filters, pumps, fluid flushes, etc..) should have been done. Ask him when's the last time the car has been serviced.

I wouldn't worry too much about it, since he's already telling you off the bat what the car needs, instead of trying to hustle you with a car that's seemingly perfectly fine.

I doubt the belt is on the verge of breaking or anything. But perhaps you can strike a deal with him; have him replace the belt, and give the car a minor tune up, and you pay a bit extra. Or maybe you can get him to lower the price a bit, and the first thing you do is take it to the shop for a quick tune up.

[SBallerk2]

"boytiti" damn dude that's one SICK!! PRELUDE!!

[Jelly JoJo]

Originally Posted by PoorLuder

The timing belt replacement could also lead to your first upgrade if you replace everything with the AEM pulley set. I changed my timing belt a little while back and could kick myself for overlooking this upgrade. Anyway, back to your question about the belts. Normally you should replace them around 80-90k range. Several other related components such as the water pump may also be replaced. I think my bill for getting it done at Pepboys was in the $500 range. I would ask the seller to lower his price (if he hasn't already) and to take the belt work into consideration. By the way, how much was he asking for?

only 1500, crazy right?!?

[ludeguy]

Originally Posted by Jelly JoJo

only 1500, crazy right?!?

hell even if it has a blown engine 1500 is good - if it's body is toight and it hasn't been in (m)any knockups (: you could part that thing out for way more than that even if it doesn't run.

[joellthomas]

Is the belt already broken or just needs replacing. If ist's already broken subtract $1500 from it's value.

[PoorLuder]

Price does seem really low but that should only mean that you look at it that much closer. Did you find the car on cars.com or autotrader? If so, could you post the link so we can get a better feel for the car. Also, please tell us if the belt broke or not.