1997 Honda Prelude SH...Good deal? - Page 2 - Honda Prelude Forum

rgtrahn · 05-18-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vainot4u

So did you get it yet?? We want pics!!

I leave Sacramento on a plane for Portland at 0615 tomorrow... probably have pics up Thursday.

I sold my Mustang last Friday... I was sad to see it go, but excited at the same time. Here are some old pics I took of my Mustang for those interested,

Cars pictures by rgtrahn - Photobucket

TJ97SH · 05-18-2010, 10:35 PM

It looks like you took really good care of your Mustang. Thats good. If you take good care of this Prelude it will be a great car.

I'm sure it has already been taken care of by your Aunt, but be aware that the '97 SH had some problems with the ATTS. I know mine had some issues before I bought it. The previous (1st) owner of mine had to have a few things replaced early in its life due to the ATTS Indicator Light being on. I can't remember exactly what it was, but if you don't have an ATTS code being thrown, then it is probably not an issue. I think it is a good deal if the car is in as good of shape as expected.

99ludebehavior · 05-19-2010, 11:08 AM

I had a 95 mustang gt... Imo wayyyy better than my 99 type sh... Dash looked better in the mustang, power drivers seat, tons of torque and oil pressure gauge... I'm looking for another one

rgtrahn · 05-20-2010, 03:50 AM

Picked up the car today...drove for eight hours and finally made it home. Had a lot of fun driving through the mountains and I managed to only get pulled over once

97 in a 70... Fortunately, no ticket, just a slow down and keep it safe

I am going to wash, wax and detail the car; I will post pictures after that.

The Oreo · 05-20-2010, 06:14 AM

I bet it feels very different from a torquey V8.. But H22's can be fun.

I know mine is... I have two of them... One is alot of fun... And one is coming along.. Its just a daily, so I wont be modding it much if at all. Congrats on the car.

bouckarooo · 05-20-2010, 12:13 PM

wow man way to buy Honda!!!!! I think you got an awesome deal man, all the maintenance is done so helluva score.

vainot4u · 05-21-2010, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgtrahn

Picked up the car today...drove for eight hours and finally made it home. Had a lot of fun driving through the mountains and I managed to only get pulled over once

97 in a 70... Fortunately, no ticket, just a slow down and keep it safe

I am going to wash, wax and detail the car; I will post pictures after that.

Glad to hear you and the car made it home safely...look forward to seeing you post in the members ride area with some pics soon. The Mustang looked very nice, and well taken care of...

rgtrahn · 05-23-2010, 08:06 PM

Not the best, but here some quick shots I took today of the car...

Prelude pictures by rgtrahn - Photobucket

I am going to make a little exhaust video later tonight... I had a magnaflow and a tip put on...nothing too tacky, at least imo.

I am debating if I should have the windows tinted or leave them as is...

I had a headlight blow out on the way home from Oregon, so I put silver stars in. I want to get some fog lights, but not sure what to get...any ideas?

The only things I have found that I dislike about the car is the damage to the front end (I took pictures, you can see it on my photobucket account), the front left tire has a bubble in the side wall and need to replace it asap and the clutch makes a little noise when not engaged. I think it may be the throwout bearing... the clutch also has a little smell when I am hard on it. I am actually surprised by this because the car only has 112,000 miles and has the clutch has already been replaced twice.

TJ97SH · 05-23-2010, 09:22 PM

Nice. It looks pretty clean. If you are going to get some fog lights I (and most others probably) would suggest you get the JDM fog lights. Here is a link to a listing for a set:

FS: JDM Fogs

JS. · 05-23-2010, 09:55 PM

I would def go for it man. I just paid $4200 for mine, and mine is a base model with a few more miles. I just got mine yesterday and I love it!

donnyinlakai · 05-23-2010, 09:59 PM

1. You should tint your windows. (it must get hot as HELL in there)

2. Picture Review: Replica Fog Lights v2.0 (courtesy of Shimee)

3. Your aunt probably can't drive stick too well. :\

Kap TypeSH · 05-24-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donnyinlakai

3. Your aunt probably can't drive stick too well. :\

Well she may have just replaced it 'just in case', when it didn't actually need to be replaced.

Anyway, great buy! Welcome to the Prelude family

vainot4u · 05-24-2010, 11:26 PM

Your prelude looks very nice!! Hope you enjoy it!

SH DRIVER · 05-25-2010, 07:46 AM

Because todays cars are so complex , its not really a good idea to purchase a new or used a car the 1st year it comes out . The first year of the 5th gen Prelude was 1997.If you buy a 1999 or later Prelude you can be assured that the problems outlined below probably don't involve your car. Before you buy this car you need to be assured that the problems described below have been fixed.

Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Dashboard lights: The active torque transfer system (ATTS) light may come on and the system will shut down. A revised control unit is available to replace the original one. (1997)

Dashboard lights: The malfunction indicator light comes on because the transmission-control module is damaged by electrical spikes from the ignition switch. (1997)

Manual transmission: Because of a manufacturing defect in the shift fork, the transmission may grind going into fifth gear. (1997)

Oil leak: Sudden oil loss and resultant severe engine damage could be the result of front balance shaft oil plug popping out. (1997)

Seatbelts/safety: The button on the seatbelt that prevents the male half of the buckle breaks, and the buckle slides down to the floor. (1997-98)

Transmission problems: Failure of manual and automatic transmissions may be covered under extended warranty up to 7/100,000. (2000-03)

Vehicle noise: Rattles or buzzing from under the car may result from the heat shield being too close to the active torque transfer system (ATTS). (1997)

Vehicle noise: The rear corners of the headliner rub against the rear window causing a rattle, especially on rough roads. (1997)

Maintenance, Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

TJ97SH · 05-25-2010, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH DRIVER

Because todays cars are so complex , its not really a good idea to purchase a new or used a car the 1st year it comes out . The first year of the 5th gen Prelude was 1997.If you buy a 1999 or later Prelude you can be assured that the problems outlined below probably don't involve your car. Before you buy this car you need to be assured that the problems described below have been fixed.

I'm pretty sure he already bought it, but this is a good point. The '97 did have some unique problems as you described....as do many cars the first year they are produced.

HondaGuy1212 · 05-25-2010, 04:50 PM

That car is a cherry! Take care of it!

djstevo · 05-25-2010, 09:48 PM

Very nice, congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the world of Honda and Preludeonline.com

djstevo · 05-25-2010, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ97SH

I'm pretty sure he already bought it, but this is a good point. The '97 did have some unique problems as you described....as do many cars the first year they are produced.

1997-2001 Honda Prelude: Reliability - Consumer Guide Automotive

^------- That's a link to the Consumer Guide Automotive reliability guide for the 5th Gen Honda Prelude. I know someone copy and pasted up top but the link is good for other things about the 5th gens to.