Anyone ever driven or own a 98+ Prelude with a 4 speed automatic with Sequential SportShift? I currently own a 97 Integra GS and 99 Accord EX but have been looking for a prelude for a while. Yesterday while driving home I saw one at the dealer (closed by the time I got there). It's a 98, 30,000, vtec, but it has the 4 speed automatic.

All of the ones I've driven have been standards and was looking to any advice on wether to persue this or just forget about it. I've had horible luck with Honda automatic transmissions (my 99 accord transmission has been replaced and it's still not right). I'm going to try to get a test drive in later today.

 

the SS is a p.o.s.

slow, unreliable, and consequently much easier to find than a 5 speed.

you're better off getting the manual. save yourself tons of headaches.

 

I have to disagree with some of what you wrote...Yes, the SS automatic might not be as fast as a 5speed prelude, but damn, it's not slow! It might be an auto, but it's still a prelude; it's gonna beat civic ex's >, ls,gs,rs integras / will hang with a GSR...you get the idea...

But the rest of what you said is true; I would defintely try to buy a prelude with a 5speed tranny...more reliable, faster, and especially, more fun.

 

Yah, I agree with these guys. I have an SS and I mean, it's nice not having a clutch, but u only get 4 gears, the trany is weak, and you can't launch decently without screwin up your trany. I'm droppin in a 5 spd as soon as I get the money, and I'm sure I can find sumone to unload this auto on...

 

Thanks for all the advice... my initial instinct was no since it was an automatic. It's just a beautiful car in mint condition with low miles so I've been entertaining the thopught of getting it anyway. But, I've been talking to alot of people on various forums and everyone is saying the same thing as you guys.

Thanks again.

 

Hm-so everyone else does not like their SS. Guess what-I do. Works just as advertised on the highway and for HPDE. Want to drag the car then I agree-get a 5 speed. I have nothing but good times at The Glen and Pocono with mine. If you are concerned that the tranny will fail that is not unreasonable. They all do in time so I've learned from both foreign and domestic cars. Again, if you plan to run it really hard ALL of the time-get a 5 speed. The later SS gearboxes are very good at what they are designed to do, just not as rapidly as a stick will. For those wondering, the tranny is indeed sequential and is based on the same design ideas as the european versions.

 

I'd hardly beat the car, the majority of my driving is in the city now except for the weekends and as for mods, I'm going to leave it stock.

I have an appointment to drive it later anyway and see the carfax report.

 

city driving + 5speed = pain in the ass
if ur talking bout city with downtown traffic...

 

yes if it's sstop and go traffic get the SS,
if you plan to run the car hard than get the manuel