What's up everyone? I am new to this forum, but no new to forums.
I have been a "Ford Guy" for years and own a 98 Mustang GT, lightly modded. So, admittedly I am ignorant when it comes to imports. My Mustang has been a good car, but it's a Ford and has 112,000 miles. I am afraid it is going to end up costing me a lot of money in the near future... So, I have been in the market for a beater...
Friday, my dad came to me and said I talked to you aunt, she is selling her 1997 Honda Prelude SH for a new car which she is waiting on delivery for. I called her and made a deal $3,500... KBB on the car is about $6,000, but I have never been in the market for a Prelude before and I don't know what they really sell for...
A little history on the car, it is a 1997 Honda Prelude SH, dark green in color about 111,000 miles. My aunt is the original owner and I know she takes care of her stuff. The car has never been beat on, she says she has changed the oil every 3,000 miles, replaced the clutch twice at 50,000 and 100,000 miles just because. She had the 100,000 mile tune up done and timing belt changed. The body and interior are in good condition with no blemishes...
Does this sound like a good deal? What are some Do's and don't with these cars? As I said, I am completely new to imports and I am at that point in my life where a car is just a car, so I probably will not be doing to much modding.
I would most definitely jump on that deal for 2 reasons...
1. It's owned by a family member, so you know how it has been driven and the maintenance done.
2. she is the original owner. 'nuff said.
And it's an SH, which if you don't know already, they are equipped with Honda's Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS). Basically a differential packed with clutch packs and planetary gear sets mounted right behind the engine that's controlled by numerous sensors planted around the car. It can direct most of the engine's power to the outside wheel when taking hard corners. This eliminates the under steer that frequently occurs in FWD cars. This is not to be confused with LSD, as this just engages on hard spirited turns.
I think you'll enjoy the car.
Last edited by HondaGuy1212; 05-10-2010 at 09:06 PM.
I would most definitely jump on that deal for 2 reasons...
1. It's owned by a family member, so you know how it has been driven and the maintenance done.
2. she is the original owner. 'nuff said.
And it's an SH, which if you don't know already, they are equipped with Honda's Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS). Basically a differential packed with clutch packs and planetary gear sets mounted right behind the engine that's controlled by numerous sensors planted around the car. It can direct most of the engine's power to the outside wheel when taking hard corners. This eliminates the under steer that frequently occurs in FWD cars. This is not to be confused with LSD, as this just engages on hard spirited turns.
I think you'll enjoy the car.
I don't know anything about these cars; I haven't even driven it yet. I live in California and have to go pick it from Oregon next week...
What should I expect as far as performance in acceleration and 1/4 mile times? Several people have told me it might be faster than my stock 98' Mustang (1/4 best time was 15.0).. I tried to look it up on 0-60 and 1/4 mile times for Factory Stock Vehicles
But couldn't find a 97' SH
If I was to mod it all, what would I want to go with first CAI, exhaust, headers... I don't even know where to begin.
I don't know anything about these cars; I haven't even driven it yet. I live in California and have to go pick it from Oregon next week...
What should I expect as far as performance in acceleration and 1/4 mile times? Several people have told me it might be faster than my stock 98' Mustang (1/4 best time was 15.0).. I tried to look it up on 0-60 and 1/4 mile times for Factory Stock Vehicles
But couldn't find a 97' SH
If I was to mod it all, what would I want to go with first CAI, exhaust, headers... I don't even know where to begin.
Yeah, start off with the basic bolt ons; intake, a good name brand header, and an exhaust. I would look into the Apexi WS2. The system is a bit pricey, but it does not produce that annoying bumble bee raspy noise commonly associated with Honda aftermarket cat-backs. If the clutch is going out, replace it with an Exedy Stage 1.
Oh, and verify if the ATTS fluid has been changed. If it has not been changed, do it. It takes only Honda ATF.
ya the bolt got stuck and broke off he said it crossed thred and thays why they got a replacement engine so is there a why to fis it are do i need a new crank
DAMN. if you dont buy it let us know. I would fly down there today with cash haha.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Storm_Rider
...He lets go of the gas too when he sissy shifts lol. as if...but i see the situation now...VAFC can give you a "tune" and won't be that expensive or troubling...I don't know for sure. I didn't use the search.
anyways can we get some pictures of the car? i would buy it if my auntie owned a stick shift lude
Yeah, you're right. The 1995 was the last year of the 5.0 motor, well sort of; Ford is bringing back the 5.0 for the 2011 Mustang. My 1998 Mustang is a SOHC 4.6 and a convertible... It may be the slowest Mustang ever and the after market parts are ridiculously expensive. I think I could have touched the high 14's in the 1/4, but I couldn't get a good launch.
Anyway, the main reason I am buying this car is because I want something more dependable that gets better gas mileage than the 12-15mpg I am getting now, not to mention last me several years without having to worry about blowing a motor or tranny. The fact that my aunt is the original owner makes me rest assured that the car has been well taken care of. I would post pictures and I will next Wednesday after I pick it up, but I don't have any right now. She said there is a scrape, not dent on the front bumper and took it to the body shop for an estimate... body shop said they would fix it for $200.00, so it can't be much, other than that the car is pristine.
Don't flame me because admittedly I am ignorant, but she told me she has only ever used premium gas...can I get away with regular 87?
Just bought my airline ticket! I am pretty excited...
Don't flame me because admittedly I am ignorant, but she told me she has only ever used premium gas...can I get away with regular 87?
Technically, yes you can. However, I don't think you will find any competent members here that will recommend it. If you don't intend to put premium in it, please don't buy it. Too many dead/dying preludes out there already.....
Don't flame me because admittedly I am ignorant, but she told me she has only ever used premium gas...can I get away with regular 87?
No. You will quickly see your MPG suffer (not drastically but a loss of a couple MPG) and in the long run you'll get into maintenance issues. Japanese cars are finicky and built to perform best on premium. I hate to say it, but theyre not mules like American cars.
Octane rating of fuel is directly related to the compression ratio of the cars engine. Preludes have relatively high compression at 10:1 (compared to the mustang which I don't know what it is) and was designed for 91 octane or higher. The lower the octane, the less gasoline is needed per compression cycle and hence it can happen at a lower compression ratio.
Thats a great deal. You got lucky to have a aunt with a nice lude. I think your gonna like this way more than a mustang. Take it on some winding roads and youll see.
Yeah, you're right. The 1995 was the last year of the 5.0 motor, well sort of; Ford is bringing back the 5.0 for the 2011 Mustang. My 1998 Mustang is a SOHC 4.6 and a convertible... It may be the slowest Mustang ever and the after market parts are ridiculously expensive. I think I could have touched the high 14's in the 1/4, but I couldn't get a good launch.
Anyway, the main reason I am buying this car is because I want something more dependable that gets better gas mileage than the 12-15mpg I am getting now, not to mention last me several years without having to worry about blowing a motor or tranny. The fact that my aunt is the original owner makes me rest assured that the car has been well taken care of. I would post pictures and I will next Wednesday after I pick it up, but I don't have any right now. She said there is a scrape, not dent on the front bumper and took it to the body shop for an estimate... body shop said they would fix it for $200.00, so it can't be much, other than that the car is pristine.
Don't flame me because admittedly I am ignorant, but she told me she has only ever used premium gas...can I get away with regular 87?
Just bought my airline ticket! I am pretty excited...
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
