Hey all. I'm looking at a '97 2.5TL w/ the Premium Package. It's got about 90,000 miles. Everything sounds good, but the seller says that the "check engine" light - the mechanic said that one of the electrical sensors is old and needs to be replaced (supposedly $200-$300).

Does anyone have any idea what the underlying problem might be? Could it indicate that there is a larger problem he's not telling me about?

Also, one last question: do you actually have to put premium gas in it? I understand the differences between regular and premium (higher temp before combustion), but I also know that luxury cars will often call for premium gas just to make the car seem more luxurious. The 2.5L engine only has a compression ratio of 9.6, which is exactly the same as that on my truck (which runs just fine on regular). So does anyone actually get engine ping when using regular?

Thanks for the help!

 

Tell the seller to fix the engine light problem and replace the sensor first before you would agree to buy it. You don't want any kind of electrical problems on any car. As for premium gas, it really depends on your driving condition and weather. If you drive a lot in hot days with A/C on and with 5 passengers and go uphill alot, then you definitely should get premium as you don't want your engine to have any kind of detonation.

 

Thanks for the help! I'll see if the seller is willing to fix the car before selling it. I suspect he won't be - he really just wants to get rid of it fast! Maybe we can just agree on a price, and then I tell him to fix the car and I will pay our agreed price plus the cost of the repair (up to a maximum of $300).

Are there any other common problems on this model/year that I should keep a close watch for?

Thanks again!

 

Frequent oil changes (religiously 3000 miles) with the five-banger, and rust might be an issue if you're in the snow belt by the quarter panels.

 

If The Vin Is Clean You Have An Emissions Extension To 150000miles This Means Sensors Are Warrentable

 

What? I never heard of that before.

 

I HAVE BEEN WITH ACURA SINCE 86 I KNOW ALL THE IN'S AND OUT'S