looking at buying a prelude
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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looking at buying a prelude
I'm looking at a 97 prelude red with about 97,000 miles on it.
So, my question is, what things should I be looking for? what usually goes wrong, how long do these cars usually last, how good is the engine, and whats a decent price to pay for it? Any help would be appreciated, I'll be around this site alot is I buy it i'm sure.
So, my question is, what things should I be looking for? what usually goes wrong, how long do these cars usually last, how good is the engine, and whats a decent price to pay for it? Any help would be appreciated, I'll be around this site alot is I buy it i'm sure.
I'd hit it =P
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 343
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From: District of Columbia
I agree, be sure the timing belt has been done and that the car has been taken care of. Aftermarket modifications are hints that the car has been driven hard more than likely. Stock is the best way to buy from my experience. And if its a manual check to see if the clutch has been done as well.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 672
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From: Allentown PA, - Phila, PA
I got a 97 SH with 124k miles, black leather interior, new paint job, and besides replacing a bad right rear wheel bearing, I got it for 6 grand cash...
And I consider it a good deal, cause it is in mint condition... Plus it has all service records... Put it this way, everyone I know cannot believe I got it for 6 grand, so how can you say you wouldn't pay more than 5 grand? Actually, the car I bought was almost bought by some dude who only offered 5 grand, u know what the owner said? Nope. So I came along and gave him what he wanted for it, 6 grand
Where do you live? I've never seen a 97+ Prelude around Phila for 5 grand?
I even drove to Delaware to get mine, partly b/c of the deal but also cause it had RARE leather seats...
Rachel Bilson
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,230
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From: South Bend/Walkerton, Ind
What the hell are you smoking? Lol, gimme some...
I got a 97 SH with 124k miles, black leather interior, new paint job, and besides replacing a bad right rear wheel bearing, I got it for 6 grand cash...
And I consider it a good deal, cause it is in mint condition... Plus it has all service records... Put it this way, everyone I know cannot believe I got it for 6 grand, so how can you say you wouldn't pay more than 5 grand? Actually, the car I bought was almost bought by some dude who only offered 5 grand, u know what the owner said? Nope. So I came along and gave him what he wanted for it, 6 grand
Where do you live? I've never seen a 97+ Prelude around Phila for 5 grand?
I even drove to Delaware to get mine, partly b/c of the deal but also cause it had RARE leather seats...
I got a 97 SH with 124k miles, black leather interior, new paint job, and besides replacing a bad right rear wheel bearing, I got it for 6 grand cash...
And I consider it a good deal, cause it is in mint condition... Plus it has all service records... Put it this way, everyone I know cannot believe I got it for 6 grand, so how can you say you wouldn't pay more than 5 grand? Actually, the car I bought was almost bought by some dude who only offered 5 grand, u know what the owner said? Nope. So I came along and gave him what he wanted for it, 6 grand
Where do you live? I've never seen a 97+ Prelude around Phila for 5 grand?
I even drove to Delaware to get mine, partly b/c of the deal but also cause it had RARE leather seats...
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 672
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From: Allentown PA, - Phila, PA
I don't think you could find one for 5 grand in good shape and without a crazy amount of miles... I looked for a month...
I liked 4th gen too, but the VTEC models are WAY too rare, 2 within a 300 mile radius of me! And they were in horrible shape...
So, Ishan, I would expect you to pay at least 6 grand for a decent car...