Prelude vs WRX - potential buyer - Honda Prelude Forum

Stealthdriver · 06-05-2008, 08:57 PM

Hi, new to this board, wanted to get some of your opinions and why. I know they will tend to be biased based on the site i'm posting on. Anyway, im a 3S owner, have had 4 in my life, and they are not the most reliable of vehicles if any of you know. Im busy throwing 25k into my TT right now. She will be my garage queen, and i need a daily driver thats reliable.

So, I'm stuck between a
'03 wrx with 65k miles very clean, no mods, manual tranny for 13k or a
'01 prelude with 70k miles, looks unmodded, clean, manual tranny for 10k.

I was wondering how you would rate the prelude or what further questions or concerns i should have about the prelude before i consider buying, or if you think the wrx is the better route. Thank you so much for your time, advise, and opinions.

Stealthdriver · 06-06-2008, 08:37 AM

Anything i should be looking for?

stamen · 06-06-2008, 09:56 AM

dude honda is mroe reliable as DD then a subaru wrx

lude4lifeh22 · 06-06-2008, 10:46 AM

depends on what you are looking for. I dont believe the WRX is "that" much less unrelizble. Subaru's are usually pretty decent.

The WRX is a 4 door, turboed, fast little car, but looks wise, its meh. Its pretty practical though IMO.

The prelude is a 2 door, slower inline 4. Its not super slow, but compared to most performance cars out there it is. Its a very nice looking car though, and actually tends to catch a lot of eyes because its not very common. It might be a little better on gas too. It handles extremely well too. I would not trade mine for a WRX, but I bought the car for different reasons than you.

Artifex · 06-06-2008, 11:31 AM

If you need reliablility, then buy the Prelude, no question. Keep in mind I own an 02 WRX now.

The trannies on the 02-03 are really bad news. There's no telling when they will let go. It's a shame, because the rest of the car is put together just fine. In terms of overall reliability though, the Prelude is a clear winner.

T Lewd · 06-06-2008, 11:37 AM

yea there are a lot of Subies in my car club currently and its nice most events that I go to I am the only nice looking lude or infact the only lude there. I like rarer cars and so when I drive down the street and see 6 subies and 15 civics obviously those cars arent for me. But thats me, what are you looking for in the subie? The space, Power, ?????

Stealthdriver · 06-06-2008, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the input. The reason i like these two cars is cuz they're both sporty, they get very similar gas ratings (which are good), they are both in my price range, and ive heard great things from several owners on reliability. On the rarity issue, thats why i have my TT. I don't need a super rare car, i want one first and foremost a car that won't be in the shop every 3 mo like my TT. If i decide to go with the prelude, are there certain things i should be looking for that say, "don't buy this car"?

Ex. The WRX forum suggests don't get a modded car without engine management. Make sure the BOV is stock, etc.

ZMonkey11 · 06-06-2008, 12:16 PM

With a prelude, just take it to a mechanic to make sure it's in good shape. The only thing I would be worried about is splicing of wires near the ECU. (ICE, VAFCs, stuff like that)

Otherwise, Preludes are pretty straightforward. Not much in the car to mess up.

Two-Five Boy · 06-06-2008, 12:59 PM

I used to own a 01' lude and currently drive a sube, although a Legacy not WRX, so here's my "objective" view:

Both the WRX and Lude are pretty reliable, if properly maintained even if lightly modded. The 01' lude was the last year of its generation so pretty much all the factory defects have been worked out. I had 0 problems with mine in 5 yrs of ownership. The 03' WRX was a 2nd year model, I'd assume there were more defects/recalls than the lude. Also, the manual tranny is a weak link, some called it glass as it was prone to break due to high HP, abuse, 4w launches, etc.. Lastly, its true that EMS is crucial for a modded sube, for HP gains as well as reliability. Most popular forms of EM are UTEC and Cobb Accessport in the Subaru community.

As for which car is best, you need to figure out the following:

Do you NEED 4WD or is FWD sufficient? Any plans to mod or stay stock? Do you want a 4dr for addt'l utility or another 2dr just like your TT suffice? Is HP (WRX) or looks (Lude) more important to you? Also, based on your last reply, it sounds like other 4-cyl sports cars such as the Teg/RSX, Celica, Spec V, etc.. fit your criteria as well. GL on your search.

Stealthdriver · 06-06-2008, 01:32 PM

Thanks again for your POVs. Ive considered all the other cars you've suggested and narrowed it down to these two. I think im set on the prelude right now. Ive found two with around 90-100k on them for about $8000 that im having my mechanic look at in a few hours. Ones a '99, the other a '00.

I gotta admit though after driving multiple stealth TTs and 3kgt Vr4s, i love AWD. But ive also owned a '92 prelude which i had no problems with which had over 130k miles that i enjoyed as well. Im not planning on putting any aftermarket into either car. And i also own a '92 chevy truck that's used only for moving large objects, so 4-dr isn't a necessity. Thanks again for your help.

lude4lifeh22 · 06-06-2008, 03:45 PM

The main thing with Preludes is that the timing belt has been changed, and the oil level is checked all the time.

The 5th gens (the one you are looking at) had an auto tensioner issue. There was a fix for it that came with the Timing Belt kit for when people replaced it. A car with 90 to 100k should have that already done, but thats right when the owners manual recommends it, so be sure it has had it done. That will usually cost around 500 if it hadn't been done already. And, if it breaks because it wasnt done, you are looking at possible head rebuild (bent valves, etc).

The oil issue, its just that h22s eat oil. You should always check it every couple weeks, and make sure the mechanic checks the oil and its condition before you buy.

Overall, they are a solid car. I love mine, and beat to hell more than I should sometimes

ExOLudE · 06-08-2008, 02:07 PM

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Honda Prelude Forum - Prelude Online.com > Honda Prelude Discussion > General Prelude Discussion
Prelude vs WRX - potential buyer
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06-05-2008, 09:57 PM #1 (permalink)
Stealthdriver
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Prelude vs WRX - potential buyer
Hi, new to this board, wanted to get some of your opinions and why. I know they will tend to be biased based on the site i'm posting on. Anyway, im a 3S owner, have had 4 in my life, and they are not the most reliable of vehicles if any of you know. Im busy throwing 25k into my TT right now. She will be my garage queen, and i need a daily driver thats reliable.

So, I'm stuck between a
'03 wrx with 65k miles very clean, no mods, manual tranny for 13k or a
'01 prelude with 70k miles, looks unmodded, clean, manual tranny for 10k.

I was wondering how you would rate the prelude or what further questions or concerns i should have about the prelude before i consider buying, or if you think the wrx is the better route. Thank you so much for your time, advise, and opinions.

06-06-2008, 09:37 AM #2 (permalink)
Stealthdriver
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Anything i should be looking for?
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06-06-2008, 10:56 AM #3 (permalink)
stamen
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dude honda is mroe reliable as DD then a subaru wrx

06-06-2008, 11:46 AM #4 (permalink)
lude4lifeh22
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depends on what you are looking for. I dont believe the WRX is "that" much less unrelizble. Subaru's are usually pretty decent.

The WRX is a 4 door, turboed, fast little car, but looks wise, its meh. Its pretty practical though IMO.

The prelude is a 2 door, slower inline 4. Its not super slow, but compared to most performance cars out there it is. Its a very nice looking car though, and actually tends to catch a lot of eyes because its not very common. It might be a little better on gas too. It handles extremely well too. I would not trade mine for a WRX, but I bought the car for different reasons than you.
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06-06-2008, 12:31 PM #5 (permalink)
Artifex
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If you need reliablility, then buy the Prelude, no question. Keep in mind I own an 02 WRX now.

The trannies on the 02-03 are really bad news. There's no telling when they will let go. It's a shame, because the rest of the car is put together just fine. In terms of overall reliability though, the Prelude is a clear winner.
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06-06-2008, 12:37 PM #6 (permalink)
T Lewd
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yea there are a lot of Subies in my car club currently and its nice most events that I go to I am the only nice looking lude or infact the only lude there. I like rarer cars and so when I drive down the street and see 6 subies and 15 civics obviously those cars arent for me. But thats me, what are you looking for in the subie? The space, Power, ?????
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06-06-2008, 12:51 PM #7 (permalink)
Stealthdriver
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Thanks for the input. The reason i like these two cars is cuz they're both sporty, they get very similar gas ratings (which are good), they are both in my price range, and ive heard great things from several owners on reliability. On the rarity issue, thats why i have my TT. I don't need a super rare car, i want one first and foremost a car that won't be in the shop every 3 mo like my TT. If i decide to go with the prelude, are there certain things i should be looking for that say, "don't buy this car"?

Ex. The WRX forum suggests don't get a modded car without engine management. Make sure the BOV is stock, etc.
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06-06-2008, 01:16 PM #8 (permalink)
ZMonkey11
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With a prelude, just take it to a mechanic to make sure it's in good shape. The only thing I would be worried about is splicing of wires near the ECU. (ICE, VAFCs, stuff like that)

Otherwise, Preludes are pretty straightforward. Not much in the car to mess up.
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06-06-2008, 01:59 PM #9 (permalink)
Two-Five Boy
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I used to own a 01' lude and currently drive a sube, although a Legacy not WRX, so here's my "objective" view:

Both the WRX and Lude are pretty reliable, if properly maintained even if lightly modded. The 01' lude was the last year of its generation so pretty much all the factory defects have been worked out. I had 0 problems with mine in 5 yrs of ownership. The 03' WRX was a 2nd year model, I'd assume there were more defects/recalls than the lude. Also, the manual tranny is a weak link, some called it glass as it was prone to break due to high HP, abuse, 4w launches, etc.. Lastly, its true that EMS is crucial for a modded sube, for HP gains as well as reliability. Most popular forms of EM are UTEC and Cobb Accessport in the Subaru community.

As for which car is best, you need to figure out the following:

Do you NEED 4WD or is FWD sufficient? Any plans to mod or stay stock? Do you want a 4dr for addt'l utility or another 2dr just like your TT suffice? Is HP (WRX) or looks (Lude) more important to you? Also, based on your last reply, it sounds like other 4-cyl sports cars such as the Teg/RSX, Celica, Spec V, etc.. fit your criteria as well. GL on your search.
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06-06-2008, 02:32 PM #10 (permalink)
Stealthdriver
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Thanks again for your POVs. Ive considered all the other cars you've suggested and narrowed it down to these two. I think im set on the prelude right now. Ive found two with around 90-100k on them for about $8000 that im having my mechanic look at in a few hours. Ones a '99, the other a '00.

I gotta admit though after driving multiple stealth TTs and 3kgt Vr4s, i love AWD. But ive also owned a '92 prelude which i had no problems with which had over 130k miles that i enjoyed as well. Im not planning on putting any aftermarket into either car. And i also own a '92 chevy truck that's used only for moving large objects, so 4-dr isn't a necessity. Thanks again for your help.
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06-06-2008, 04:45 PM #11 (permalink)
lude4lifeh22
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The main thing with Preludes is that the timing belt has been changed, and the oil level is checked all the time.

The 5th gens (the one you are looking at) had an auto tensioner issue. There was a fix for it that came with the Timing Belt kit for when people replaced it. A car with 90 to 100k should have that already done, but thats right when the owners manual recommends it, so be sure it has had it done. That will usually cost around 500 if it hadn't been done already. And, if it breaks because it wasnt done, you are looking at possible head rebuild (bent valves, etc).

The oil issue, its just that h22s eat oil. You should always check it every couple weeks, and make sure the mechanic checks the oil and its condition before you buy.

Overall, they are a solid car. I love mine, and beat to hell more than I should sometimes
__________________
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4thgenSi · 06-10-2008, 02:51 PM

id burn my prelude to the ground and spit on its ashes for a wrx.

JoeRogue · 06-10-2008, 05:43 PM

As I am new to the Prelude world I feel my opinion is fair. If you want a head turning sexy ass car without spending 30k then the Prelude is your answer. For cheap horsepower and AWD, then I like a WRX. As a mechanic, I have nothing bad to say about a Prelude less it making oil disappear. With the WRX, the weak trans in the early years. I feel the WRX is for the guy who wants to fit in. You dont see a lot of Preludes around and they arent impossible to find parts for like other less common cars.

I guess being a Prelude owner does make it a little bias. The Prelude and WRX are both great cars, but MOST of us are here because we like the Prelude more.

Dfwbb6 · 06-10-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thgenSi

id burn my prelude to the ground and spit on its ashes for a wrx.

thats because u r a turd

twisterfx · 06-10-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dfwbb6

thats because u r a turd

Or cuz he has an older 4th gen Si :P

Dfwbb6 · 06-10-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twisterfx

Or cuz he has an older 4th gen Si :P

that too

Stealthdriver · 06-10-2008, 09:39 PM

Heh, well it looks like im getting the lude. Took it to the mechanic today. Compression on the 4 cylinders was 120 lbs, 120 lbs, 120 lbs, 115 lbs. Tires - good except one needs to be replaced soon. new plugs and wires needed. And a small oil leak at the back of the engine that needs a new seal. Altogether will take about 1k to fix everything, so im asking her to lower the price from 8400 to 7900 so we each pay for half.
This sound like a good car with 101k miles, 2 owners? also belts were replaced 3k miles ago, and clutch is in great shape.

Dfwbb6 · 06-10-2008, 09:47 PM

wait wait wait do u mean 120psi across all cylinders?

Stealthdriver · 06-10-2008, 09:54 PM

I was assured that its normal in preludes. is it not? i thought consistency was what is important and not the actual numbers.

Dfwbb6 · 06-11-2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealthdriver

I was assured that its normal in preludes. is it not? i thought consistency was what is important and not the actual numbers.

im used to psi readings i guess, but generally all 4 cylinders should be within +/- 5 psi of each other which looks ok by your numbers

Artifex · 06-11-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealthdriver

I was assured that its normal in preludes. is it not? i thought consistency was what is important and not the actual numbers.

Generally, that's true. However H22s are supposed to be around 190 psi. 120 means the test was done improperly, all the valves are bent (possible I suppose), or the timing belt is off. I would be a little uncomfortable with it if I were buying.