Hey guys,
My girlfriend's car is on it's last legs (95 avenger) and she's been looking at getting a Honda, so we went to look at a 95 prelude SE and it looks pretty good, but I wanted to know if there is anything in particular I should be looking out for. We wanted to spend $3000, this one is is $3300 and has 153k miles.

I've got tons of experience with Honda's, so I know what to look out for in general, but since it is automatic, as it's gonna be my girl's car, I wanted to know of any gripes with the auto trannies of this generation (4th). We were looking for a manual, but this one has everything she wants, so I think were gonna go with this one. Besides, it's in the best shape I've ever seen, Dark blue with Tan leather seats, and completely stock. Guy in his 30's with 2 kids is selling it.

So, is there any concerns with the 4th gen you guys could point out for me? The miles are no big deal, as I can do all the engine work that's necessary, but my big worry is the tranny. Although it did shift perfectly fine when we drove it.

Thanks for the help!

 

Not directly related to 4th gen's, but honda auto transmissions tend to give out pretty quick. If it drives smooth, then go for it. Check the fluid before you buy it for and funny smells or dark color.

 

Cool, thanks for the help, like I said I am extremely comfortable with the Manuals, but I don't like auto trannies.

When we test drove it, it shifted fine, the way other honda's, like accords shift. Honda's in general with auto trannies have a harder shift than other cars, from what I've noticed riding in various automatic Honda's. So, I don't think there is gonna be a problem, and I'm gonna look over it thoroughly once we get it.

But thanks for the info... Anyone on here have an auto equipped 4th gen? If so, lemme know how it has treated you.
Thanks guys!

 

My '94 has over 165,000 on the tranny and still shifts great. Just keep the fluid changed at regualr intervals and it should last well past 200,000. Since the car you described is stock and in such good shape it's safe to say that it hasn't been 'ragged-out'. I'd go for it.

 

Cool, Thanks for the help.

We ended up getting it, and turns out it only has 129k miles. as for the tranny, we checked the fluid, and it's all good. Shifts great.

The only problem we did notice was that the center flourescent gauge display (ECT and fuel), has turned off, although it worked when we went and looked at the car. Did anyone ever have a problem with the gauges?
I've looked through the wiring diagrams, and it looks like there is an "off" switch built into the potentiometer (dim switch), that supplies power to the center gauges. As far as I can tell the switch may be faulty. Anyone ever had a similiar problem?

Other than that, she is thrilled, and I'm glad we picked it up, it was definitely a great deal.

 

I am planning to get a 95-96 lude to. Is there anything in general I should know about this car? Like when you compare it to maybe a 96-98 civic si

 

BTW, you didn't get an SE. you prolly got an SI.

SE's only came in champagne/cashmere (my color), or dark green.


but good luck wit da lude. i'm sure she'll love it

 

Huh?

Believe me, I know I got an SE... Not only does it say Special Edition on the back, it is dark green, and has an awesome leather interior... Plus it has the SE wheels, the 5-star that is slightly rotated... And the Vacuum-fluorescent guages...

Not to mention the VIN number shows it is the same grade as "VTEC"...

Thanks for the info though... When we first started looking for a Prelude, I suggested the SI cause I never knew they made the SE in 95 & 96...

But overall, were very happy with it. Other than the middle, sub-assembly gauges that don't work anymore she loves it...

 

your very first post you said it was dark blue, not green, which is why i said that.



WELCOME TO THE ELITE SE-CLUB!!!!!

 

Ahh you are right... That's cause before we went to look at it, we saw the pictures and it looked blue not green...

My bad... h:

But it's definitely the SE... Thanks for the invite to the SE club!

P.S. U ever have any probs with your sub-assembly showing fuel level and ECT? Her's just went out and now it don't work at all... And they cost upwards of $600 for a new unit...