Im sort of new to this board. I am currently looking for a new car and have narrowed it down to a 97-01 honda prelude. Im having trouble finding a good deal on one, because they seem to be over priced. I am looking for a black or maybe dark green, manual, with maybe leather seats, i really dont care. I live in Seattle, WA. They seem to really want WAY too much for preludes up here. One I was looking at, was a EBP Prelude, it was a 2001, it was beautiful, but they were asking about 21k for it! it had 13k miles on it though... I can't really afford more than 14k or so... Also, are there any problems that I might not be aware of? I really want to make a good choice and not be stuck with all sorts of problems after. B.t.w. please dont suggest getting anything before 97, because I think they are ugly, and I really would prefer 97 or newer... just my opinion

anyways, any suggestions would help

 

well... unfortunatly if you want something over 01.. you're gonna be stuck with those prices for a lower mileage vehicle.. stay away from the 97's b/c they really only have 195hp... also get a manual... those SS trannys are so unreliable it's gross... (speaking from experiance) just my quick $.02..... try to by private.. they are indeed hard to find..

 

what are SS trannys? and whats wrong with a 97 honda prelude?

 

SS tranny is the sport shift aka automatic transmission.. they have often failed and unless you have a 00/01.. you'll have to pay for the cost of replacement....

i was just pointing out the 97 has less power... sure 5hp doesn't matter to most people but it's just one of those things that would bug me.....

 

Irene c'mon you know that the 5hp is just Honda marketing. I'd stay away from '97's as well, they had some issues that they cleared up in later models. As for the SS I couldnt agree more, it's bad news and worse yet is you don't know how it was treated or maintained when buying used.

 

I just purchased a 99 Prelude(70k miles) for $13k..they are priced high so if you think you will get low milage one that's newer, forgetaboutit. But having had a 86 Prelude Si that is still running at 230,000 mi I dont let it bother me too much.

 

Fifth generation Preludes averaged less than 15,000/yr. production figures. Especially for an '01 electron blue pearl which was the only year for that color. Crystal blue metallic was rare as well. So you can expect to pay more for an '01 with that color. I would suggest looking at a '97 or '98 model if you don't want to spend more than 14k. 1999 and up are going for around 15k and up with low mileage. Vampgrrl paid less, but as she said it has 70k on the odometer. I saw a 2001 red with SS at my dealer for 20k, and it has 15,000 miles. Rare car = $$

 

fastball is right rare car + demand = more $$

They are nice cars... $21k.... maybe a bit steep for it... I'd offer more along the lines of $16-18k.... but then again who really sets the "asking price" for what they are really looking to get for the car? h:

Or you could get a cheaper slightly older one and have it repainted.

Definatly get a 5spd. I got an auto and really wish I had a manual now.

heard some... small rumors that the Prelude might have just some "time off" for right now.... maybe in the end of 04 or 05 they might have some new stuff. Might not be completely retired.... yet. Here's hoping. That new Accord looks awesome... I'd love to see that in a Prelude design.

 

yea, as much as I love my lude, I couldnt see spending 21K on it, thats a little too steep....

 

Keep in mind new (prolly SH, I dunno) but MSRP on a 5th gen was near or at $28,000