Aerry408

So I have a 98 auto prelude with 118000 miles on it, and I've been reading that the autos have problems, so i was wondering if i should do a swap or if i should just sell it and find myself a 5 speed. How much would my car be worth i live in northern California.

DNick

Sell it now and run away!

Not sure how much your car is worth though.

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98 Prelude

Solid

Sell, wouldn't be worth much. A 98 high mileage base 5spd wouldn't be much either.

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Kronn 98SH

To quote someone very special to me (ME): "Sell the sissy-stick and buy the real version."

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1988 Prelude S - victim of an 80mph backflip
1991 Prelude Si - sold
1989 Accord DX - impounded
1998 Prelude SH - totaled on 3/29/12
2006 CRF150F - sold
2006 YZ250F - sold

PreludeNmphs

lol... I just got a laugh reading the above replies. There are problems with the auto tranny. Don't get me wrong, but if you have one and don't have the tools and time and place to do a swap... then are you ready to drop money now or when you have to?

Here's my experience with the auto trans. I bought the last new 2001 Prelude on the lot back in 2002 and it had an auto in it. I wanted a new one so i bought it. I never - repeat never had the first problem with it until..... 168k miles. I blew the second gear somehow. So I anguished over doing a swap. I knew I couldn't do the swap myself and everone I talked to quoted about 4-5k to do it for me. I decided to have it rebuilt at a transmission shop that had outstanding recommendations. I let them do it. Walked out just under 1800.00 and I now have 175k on it and so far so good.

Yeah there are times I'd really love to have the stick. Then there are those moments I'm perfectly happy to cruise around one hand on the wheel and the other ... well.. my date ah... nevermind.

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2001 Pearl White Prelude (base)
SS Auto (rebuilt @ 166k)
Currently 188k+ miles

CannMann21

it all depends how much you love your car and how long you plan on keeping it. im in the same predicament right now. I have basically the same amount of mileage and I was going to do the swap because I planned on keeping it while im in university (so at least 4 years). This is my first car so I thought I was set on a decision. I am though just fixing my trans and selling the car after summer and moving onto a different car entirely.

So ask yourself, how long do I want to keep a prelude for and how much do I like the car. Then go from there.

87prelude97

After being a member here for only a month, I've gotten mixed reviews on this topic. Honestly, the more I read, the more my heart sinks. I love my prelude and don't wanna turn around and sell mine after just getting it. Mainly cause I don't have the resources to get another car, secondly: finding a prelude in my area is like trying to find a diamond in a salt mine. I don't have the money for a swap so I was planning on rebuilding the ss auto. It my be a "sissy stick" but as you said, at times, it's nice to have one hand on the wheel and the other hand to use for something else. Also, I'm not overly skilled with a manual. Sad, I know. All my cars have been auto and I only know of two people with a stick vehicle and they aren't about to let me learn in on their tranny.

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>87 Lude 2.0 Si
-95 Silverado (irrelevant)
-kia (ick)
>97 Lude VTEC

DNick

I agree, finding a good 5th gen around here is hard. I found mine in Joplin. And once you got a five speed, you'd quickly get better at it.

I know what you mean about an auto being nice at times. But to me, some cars are made for an auto and some aren't. My 99 dodge intrepid is perfect for an auto. But our Ludes, are killed by them. First by being a lot slower, and then leaving you on the side of the road when it breaks down.

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98 Prelude

Kronn 98SH

Bah. I see Preludes for sale in Tulsa all the time.

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1988 Prelude S - victim of an 80mph backflip
1991 Prelude Si - sold
1989 Accord DX - impounded
1998 Prelude SH - totaled on 3/29/12
2006 CRF150F - sold
2006 YZ250F - sold