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The silver 03 4 door Accord I have has a manual tranny and was a steal in the low 20s. But more than enough is also good.
I am 6 foot 4" and long of leg so S2000 is out. G35 and Accord do fit.
325i intrigues me but it would have to be a lease as maintenance scares me off - why I prefer a Japanese make like Acura, Infiniti or Subaru.
Our other car is H6 Outback which is also a bit small for me.
when i was younger i always loved the Preludes and Accords with flip-up headlights, and they proved themselves over time. This car rocks for a 1986! It amused me, as a new Prelude owner, to make comparisons to the 1986 and 1999. even though they are more than a decade and 3 generations apart, there are similarities.
The guages are still the big round legible full circles. The center control stack, althought definitely looking like crica 1986, is still the same overal shape as the 99, with the push-button climate controls and one slider above a radio. the dash vents still are incorporated into the actual sloping dashboard. the seats are still sporty, comofortable, and grippy.
the car is in perfect shape and condition (thanks so cal weather!) and runs like new. smooth quiet and decent powerful for a non-vtec 2.0-liter engine. it gets over 33mpg on the highway. I had a new thermostat and coolant and cv joints put in for $500 altogether. the steering is direct and precise, altho slower than the new prelude. its light on its feet and handles with little body lean.
the best part is that this generation, along with the next one (1988-1991), looks just like the 97-01. long, sloping hood, wide front end, short straight rear deck, etc. (by the way, its really cool that the hood opens backwards, corvette style) this car mustve been hot in 1984 when it came out. although i do miss the vtec rush to redline (even the accord had it) its a great car. i do wonder where the 92-96 came from since it has none of the similarities that the other generations do.
If you love the Prelude you'll love the RX-8. It is, in fact, a 5th gen Prelude with about five to six years of evolution and refinement. It's what a 6th gen Prelude would have been like, and it has the handling, performance, build quality and style to match.
For Prelude owners looking for something new, I cannot say enough superlative things about the RX-8. I really loved the test drives. I'd be in one now if I weren't so incredibly drawn to convertibles.
Oh, best of all, since the RX-8 is selling about as well as the Prelude did, you can get good deals on it too!
Good to hear you're still around! Congrats on your new used Prelude! I hope life is treating you well on the Left Coast!
nowakj66:
how long do you plan on keeping your next car?
maintenance on a 325i scares you off? BMWs come with 4 years or 50K miles of full maintenance standard. In addtion to the 4 year/50K bumper to bumper warranty, BMW's full scheduled maintenance includes oil changes, wiper blades, brake pads, brake rotors...
The current E46 3 series was first introduced in 1999 and all of the gremlins typically associated with German cars have been engineered out.
When the day comes (a few years from now) that I can move up to a new car, it's probably going to be 325Ci (as long as the next gen E90 3 series isn't butchered).
If the German marquees scare you, check out the Lexus IS300 5 speed. The handling is razor sharp, you can get it with a LSD, it has a creamy smooth 3.0L Inline 6, and bulletproof Lexus reliability to back it up.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
nyc, by the time you let go of that Prelude BMW will be selling 345Ci coupes as their entry level coupe
nowak66: I also forgot to say that the IS is somewhat of a slow seller for Lexus, so basically you start at invoice and work your way down:) You can probably find a dealer at the end of a month that'll sell it to you for $28 & change.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I kept my Prelude 8 years and never thought about getting something else till the end. It made me very happy.
But the cars that have since replaced it to not give me, "I can look at no other" feeling. Outback LL Bean is now with wife. And my Accord EX stick (2003) is so darn practical from a maintenance and cost-to-own standpoint, I almost feel guilty for knocking it for lacking verve and style.
I am tall so i will have to see if I fit in an IS300. Maybe I would not be thinking twice if I had spent the extra $5k on that 6 speed Acura TSX last year . . . .
I feel the same way. Before owning my Prelude I leased my 2 previous cars, a 1998 Ford Explorer Sport (for 2 years) and a 2000 Saab 9-3 (for 3 years). They were both great cars for their terms. But I realized that part of what I liiked about them is that they were leased and that I was going to give them back. I found myself after 6 months just kind of counting down to the lease end to see what I'd get next.
Cars are the one thing that I'm truly into (not sure if you picked up on that yet). I love my Prelude. It is a car that I've lusted after since the 4th gens came out. It is one of the cars of my dreams (among many others, check my profile). It will be a difficult car to replace when the time comes. Certain events have occured in my life recently that have made me truly realize that we only get one go 'round here on earth. If I love cars, then I'm going to go for the car that I want and have wanted without compromising. There are a lot of cars out there that are nice cars or great cars for the money like the 6 speed TSX or a G35 Coupe that I would be content with, but I've always wanted a BMW. I have to have one. Am I going to go out and aquire one next week on an impulse? No. But when the time comes to replace my fiancee's beloved Protege, we're probably going to get her a BMW via European Delivery.
Sorry for the long post.
This reminds me that If I want to keep my said Prelude for a while, I've got to make an appointment for an oil change and go out and buy some Mobil 1.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I've read excellent things about Amsoil in terms of synthetic oil performance. Redline also gets good reviews in S2000 circles.
What I liked about my Prelude was adequate engine power (1992 - pre-VTEC), great handling and light on its feet. The Accord EX has similar power and weighs about the same. But the handling is not quite there.
Now that I see dozens of Accords daily, I must admit that part of the Prelude's appeal was that it was admired by many but not too many people actually purchased them. The Accord is a competant, practical, everycar. The Prelude's appeal was selective to the person who likes a good handling car and is willing to pay for it. An Accord Coupe may have been a wiser financial and practical choice. But the Prelude was more in line with my priorities - pay for performance.
Probably the most similar car today would be an Acura TSX - you get more engine in a V6 Accord but less exclusivity and handling. I also think of WRX's this way -- it takes a unique set of priorities to select that car over something more mainstream with better resale and more comfy appointments - ie Accord.
Best of all worlds is something sporty, admired, and well appointed. Like your BMW. I know it is apples and oranges but my wife and I were so burned on the build quiality of a Volvo S-40 that Euro manufacturers were on the "do not buy" list for a while. Too bad too because I love the BMWs, Audis, even Passat Wagons. Maybe on a lease where you can turn it back in before the warranty is out if it is a problem. Or keep it if you love it.
So I guess lesson learned. The Accord stick is a great car and I thought the stick would make it performance oriented enough. But the purchase has taught me that for me, it pays to pay the extra $$ to be different.
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For myself, I'm actually into the 3er coupes. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to get a 330Ci (if I could swing the dough), but as far as my driving abilities and habits go I'd be perfectly happy in a 325Ci. As long as it has the Sport Package 17" wheels (sport suspension is std on the coupes), a moonroof, heated seats, and a 6 speed stick It will do for me.
Part of what I do love about the Prelude is that it is somewhat of a rare car. People who talk to me about it usually are other enthusiast types. There's a guy in the garage with a '92 Civic Hatch with an Integra LS 1.8L engine who told me that he's been looking for a scrapped Prelude for sometime for the motor.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I was hoping someone might comment on all of this and answer a few questions?
* What kind of gas mileage does the Prelude get? Edmunds said 19mpg city/highway.
* Does it take premium fuel?
* Is it expensive to insure??
* Is it's interior similar to the 1990 CRX Si I once owned? (I would like something different)
I don't spend this much money often, and I will probably keep what I buy for a long time, if it lasts.
I don't know if it seems silly to buy something that was dicuntinued in 2001 and is basically a 1997 design when I could get something more up to date for the same price. I have found good deals on Mazda 6s' and Protege 5 (which are also discontinued, but have a much more modern interior at least) and on Legacy's.
If so many of you love your Preludes or you miss the ones you owned, Why don't you just get another? There are still quite a few low mileage 2001's to be found??????
Oh, and one other question. I found a 2001 Prelude with 19000 miles on it. It is a silver 5 speed going for $16900, is this a good price?
It is not an SH.
Input on your questions:
I believe EPA mileage is 22/27...I averaged around 25-26 overall, with 30-31 on long highway trips. Premium fuel is required, it does run fine on regular with a barely noticeable loss of power.
Insurance was actually $7 less per month (black 5-speed 99 coupe) than my Accord (black 5-speed 99 also) for the same coverage, same location. I think Honda's are on the high side, although nothing ridiculous like a premium brand.
The interior is a bit plain, but completely functional, with high quality assembly. Its roomy up front, decent for adults in the back for a short trip, cupholders, storage bins, door pockets, large glovebox, no signs of wear and tear after 4 years.
I can go on forever about the virtues of this car, and you could also look up any review (10 Best C&D, Best Handling Car for Under $30K, Comparo Winner, etc).
Mine was a 99, didnt exactly baby it, and sold it with 72,000 miles. Nothing went wrong, ever, and it was in perfect condition.
I sold mine for moving reasons, but am looking to buy another one this fall. 2001's are on the expensive side, but worth it, I feel. Personally Im going to try to find a black SH with under 20,000 miles and hopefully the certification.
Hope this helps you.
If anyone else has input, it is welcome as well.
I did not know that the Prelude takes premium fuel.
That is kind of downer. I don't want to pay the gas prices that are out there now.
Well, at least the mileage seems pretty good from what you have experienced?. I wonder why edmunds said that their Prelude got only 19mpg city/highway??
Well, I guess I really need to try driving one of these. I was about to purchase a 03 Mazda Prot.5 that was only 10500 with only 9000 miles on it.
THANKS FOR THE INFO!
Let me see if I can answer some of your questions:
As far as gas mileage goes, the harder you drive it, the lower the mileage will be. I drive one the moderate to somewhat aggressive side and manage to average about 21-23 mpg mixed city/highway. Edmunds probably got 19mpg because the editors drove it like they stole it.
Like chillenhonda said, it takes premium. To me it is a small price to pay for a performance oriented vehicle. Wherever you are, the gas can't be more expensive than it is here in New York. Even with High Test hovering around the $2.00/gallon mark, my last few fill ups have averaged about $25 each.
As far as insurance goes, that is totally up to your driving record as well as a few other things. What may seem expensive for you to insure may be just average to me.
The interior isn't anything special. It is very functional and well laid out with no distractions (actually that is special in this day of I-drive and such). You'll probably find the HVAC controls to be exactly the same as your CRX.
GO and drive one. The proof is in the pudding:) Don't be suprised to find yourself taking exit ramps at more than twice the speed advisory.
I'll definitely be driving my Prelude for another 3+ years.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Do you have to use premium and if you don't could it harm the car. I was going to buy a used 2001 model and there is no way I would know if the owner used premium or not.
Please tell me if a 2001 Prelude with 19000 miles on it is worth $16900? It is supposed to be in EXCELLENT condition. It is not an SH model.
As far as if the car is a good value or not, you should post that on the
"real world trade in values" board here on Town Hall.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Top down weather? Where?! We have snowstorms beginning in a few hours. And it's all headed your way, buddy
Yesterday was 60 degrees here and I drove home from work with the roof open and the windows down half way. I'm glad I haven't switched the snows off yet because we got ourselves one helluva slushy/icy/snowy mess. We're supposed to get more of the white stuff dumped on us before week's end.
My condo where we've moved is very hilly. In particular there is a large, steep driveway to the get to the condo's gatehouse, then you have to slow down almost to a stop so the scanner can read the sticker on your window, then make a tight turn and go over a speedbump uphill. There was a lady in a SP equipped E39 525i that wasn't fairing so well. The Prelude took it without a hesitation or hiccup.
The only thing that scares me about driving in the snow are the other drivers. Besides the over-confident SUV driver, I've also got to worry about these guys who drive around in Yukons, Tahoe's, Escalades... with Z rated rubber bands on their 24" rims.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
They gave me an LX Accord this time with power windows, locks, and mirrors. This loaner shimmies and shakes like Brittney Spears, and has one headlight out. The gold color blends in nicely with all the other gold colored Camrys, Saturns, and Accords in my condo complex:)
Sat in the Suzuka Blue S2K (yes the same one that's been in the showroom since I believe the '04's were introduced). Such a gorgeous car you've got SPhinx99. I even sat in it with the top up and I swear I have more headroom in that car with the top up than in my Prelude.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
In sad news, a metal button on my leather jacket somewhat gouged the leather seat in the S. I have no idea whether it's easily repairable. This is one area where cloth seats win out.
I saw a white Type SH yesterday, perhaps the same one I've seen once before in this area. Such a gorgeous car.
So after I picked my car up, I headed back into the city to cath the Rangers (hockey) game. On my way home I was on a 3 lane interstate highway that they are doing construction. So there is a large orange sign that clearly marks the 2 right lanes merging into the left lane. Right as the lanes merge, there is another sign that says the lanes are shifting to the right. By the time I saw that sign, there was a rather large tractor trailer next to me. No time (or room) to slam on the brakes, so I downshifted from 5th to 2nd and away I went.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The steering is noticible heavier with the 16" wheels as opposed to the 15" winter wheels. I alos notci there is less body roll (due to the smaller sidewall).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Their prices are very reasonable and if you have a question, their sales staff is extremely knowlegeable.
let us know what you come up with.
Those of us who post regularly here don't put all season tires on our Preludes (current or Former).
Personally I like to use dedicated snow tires for the winter (with a cheap set of steel wheels) and will get some nice Z rated perfromance tires for Summer/Spring/Fall duty when my stock Bridgestones wear out.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I had it stored for the winter as I drive my 92 Integra GSR in the winter.
Have you guys heard of 3M Paint protection film? I'm having it put on my car this weekend. I just HATE dings and paint chips on the front end. I've heard only good reviews about it. Actually I've had it put on another car I have and you really can't tell its there until you're up close. I have an installer that does it for me really good guy he knows what he's doing. I'll find that sight that has it. Also I saw this, have any of you thought about this http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=332&ad- dcar=1
Sorry for the long post I'll be keeping up more
Not to shabby considering that at this time last year I had less then 6K on the car!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I have a 1999 Prelude with 51 thousand miles and the timing belt tensioner has failed. The car sounds like the engine has a loose bolt rolling around in there at certain RPMs. Its disheartening! Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone else here has had that problem? Another guy who is in the same parking garage with a 2000 red SH with 45K stopped me yesterday to say how gorgeous my baby was and said, "you wouldn't believe it, my tensioner failed." After the shock that both of our cars have the same problem, he informed me that he knows of two other Preludes that had the problem and that the owners managed to convince Honda North America to repair their cars at no cost. Has anyone had this experience or got Honda to repair their cars?
They filed the claim for me yesterday and told me they'd call on Friday. I really hope they cover the repairs as that's totally expensive!
http://www.geocities.com/linhluu76/Prelude.jpg
And to comment on the rarity of Preludes, you'd never know how little they sold here in SoCal. I see at least 5 or 6 a day in varios colors and conditions.
Thanks...
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
linard: That was the first 5th gen Prelude I've seen since Saturday!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I received a surprising call from my local dealership, they offered a 200 dollar rebate which would bring the repair to around 400 with all the other "suggested" repairs, such as the outer belts, water pump, seals, cam belts, etc etc. So I called Honda of NA again, and they agreed that the entire timing repair belt repair should be done, which would then lower my out of pocket down to 230 or so. I will hopefully know if the dealer concedes later today.
My car just sitting at some car lot and no, she was just parked. Not for sale, yet...
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Also, the guy said the Prelude is SH but when I checked in carfax it just says honda prelude other than that I don't see anywhere mentioning SH. How would I know that I'm really buying SH not the base. Please can someone help me, I need to know as soon as possible.