Hey guys, I went to check out a 2000 Prelude yesterday because I can't stand driving a 4 door any longer. Some years ago I had a modded Talon.. which rarely ran.. so I'm hoping to get the best of both the fun factor and reliability. Anyways, on with my question: The car I checked out seemed great (has 100k on the clock - the guy has done all the maintenance on it and doesn't seem like the abusive type) but when I got in it and started it up I heard a faint chatter for a second or two at idle. It became far more pronounced as I backed out of the parking spot, and continued a bit during the test drive. Is this most likely the clutch? I didn't hear it in the higher gears and I am also pretty sure I heard it a little when the clutch was engaged in 1st.
The valves did tick a bit but I'm sure that wouldn't be it because I would have heard it up top more.

Any ideas on this one? I'd love to buy the car but have some concerns over whether it is about to crap out or not. Is it normal at all for the stock clutch to chatter when it is dying, or is this likely a bigger issue?

 

if a car is making any sort of noise, pass on it. who knows what the problem is and it's almost impossible to diagnose without being able to hear it. if you really, really want the car, bring it to a GOOD mechanic to check it out completely.

my advice, there's plenty of used cars out there. look for another prelude.

 

I agree with shivers. Keep looking, its not worth it.

 

lol in the boston area? my 93 is for sale.. I wanted a fifth gen too.. but then I saw this car and drove it and knew it was for me.. something to consider lol.