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He just has to verify the color for me (I told him Red, White, or Silver). I want him to make sure the car is new with no demo miles (I know the VTEC engines are sensitive during break in). I asked him to see that there were no dealer installed accessories (especially the moonroof visor that covers 3/4 of the moonroof when it is open.
If all is kosher, then I've just got to scrape some cash together, put it in a paper bag, & head over to the dealership!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I have read the last 200 or so messages, and the amount of valuable information posted on this vehicle (and its competitors) is staggering. Great job!
I am looking for a 99-and-up Prelude base w/ SportShift with under 30k miles... Can anyone tell me how much I should expect to pay? Edmunds' ~$18500 quote for a 2001 model sounds almost too good to be true.
Also, I live in NYC; if any NYC Prelude carshoppers can lend me some advice, that would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!!
Tell him Bradd (The guy in the who's looking for an SH Prelude) sent you. I haven't bought the car from him yet, but I'm sure he'll appreciate it!
Good Luck!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Good Luck!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Again, thank you!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Good luck
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
We own a 4Runner, so I am not worried about space. We just need a fun commuting and reliable commuting car.
The Integra offers slightly better fuel economy, better utility (with the hatch), and lower insurance rates. Since you're looking for the autobox, you will have little difficulty locating one that hasn't been modded by the previous owner.
The Prelude gives you a better (if slightly odd) interior with really nice seats, a smoother, quieter highway ride, and more torque from the larger engine (which will match the auto tranny better). 4th generation ('92-'96) Preludes are fairly difficult to find, so you might have a tough time negotiating a favorable deal.
Good luck!
mikeg44: Whatever you do, buy a car that hasn't been modified. If you're thinking Automatic, I'd definitely advise the Prelude. My best friend had one in high school and the 2.3L 160hp DOHC engine (In the Prelude Si) is matched very well to the automatic. It got us into plenty of trouble:) I like the styling better as well.
The Integra will give you more utility, but may not be as fun to drive with the automatic (140hp).
Both will give you great handling, good fuel economy, solid reliability, & a smile on your face every time you drive the car.
Of course my opinion is biased because I just bought a 2001 Prelude Type SH;)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I've begun noticing a small puff of blue smoke and smelling burned oil when I start the car after it's been sitting for a while (like overnight). I also occasionally notice a large puff of blue smoke when I VTEC it, which is pretty rare for me. I have no mods on my car, use 10W-30 oil (like manual says), and don't drive it very hard.
I took it to the Honda dealer this morning since it's still under warranty, but the Honda service guys are telling me this is all normal. Is it? Are other 5th gen owners noticing the same thing?
I've looked at hondaprelude.com and preludeonline.com and quite a few have the same problem, but I know that a lot of those guys mod their engines and/or race them a lot, so I'd figure they'd get more wear and tear than a "regular" driver.
The car is still fairly new and I'd like to keep it for quite a while longer, so I don't want this to become a bigger problem down the road.
From the other websites, it seems like a pretty common problem, even with completely stock 'ludes.
If the dealer won't do it for free, I'd be tempted to pay for the test, just so that if any repairs are required, they will fall under warranty.
I just hit 39,000 miles today and have yet to see any oil consumption. The moonroof has become pretty loosey-goosey, however.
nyccarguy--Re: insurance
I can speak only from experience. When I replaced my '98 GS-R with the '01 Lude, the annual premium went up $120, and that's factoring-in the ignition immobilizer on the Lude. Maybe it was just the difference in model years.
BTW, how's the SH working for you?
My new SH, I love it! I have pictures and can't stop staring at them. The handling is nothing short of telepathic (and I haven't pushed it). It seems very easy to drive the car around town. The clutch is light. I haven't opened the car up yet. I'm going to do my best to adhere to a 1200 mile break in period (dealer says 600, but what does he know) I haven't driven it much though as I live in NYC and keep my cars (Prelude & Saab until 12/02) at my parents' house in the suburbs.
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
nyccarguy - if you don't mind, can you share with us what you got your SH for?
I'm looking at either a white sportshift (yes, I like shifting - but a shoulder injury makes it sometimes painful) or a red base 5 speed (I would have to deal w/ the reoccurring pain!). The sticker is about 24... what "should" it go for?
Thanks guys!
Wayde
I'd imagine that you should be able to get the base 5-speed or a SS for around $21k. The dealer where my friend got his had received a $500 or $1000 rebate coupon from Honda Motor Co (can't remember which) and they were selling the car at either $500 or $1000 below invoice. Not bad at all. This was about four or five weeks ago now.
I saw a white Prelude on the road the other day, a Type SH, and must say that it looked gorgeous. It was clean, and with the side skirts shining it was definitely drawing some stares. My recommendation is for the 5-speed, but drive both and decide which appeals to you more. The SS works nicely but the relatively high-strung Prelude is happier with the manual transmission. Either car is a bargain if you can still find one new.
Sphinx99's friend paid less than I did for his SH. I paid Invoice ($23,700) for my car at the end of April. I probably could have done better if I had found it sitting on a dealer's lot somewhere, but the local dealer near my house located it for me, swapped a Civic Si for it, and sent someone to get the car, so I'm happy. For the SH, I was quoted anywhere from $1000 under Invoice (dealer in North Carloina) to invoice (which I paid) to about $400 to over invoice and the highest was about $2000 over sticker from a dealer in the Maryland/DC area. The 5 speed is so easy to drive. It is my first stick and am having relatively little problems with it. Even with your shoulder injury, you should consider it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I was talking to a friend of mine over dinner (another Economics student from Metro Detroit, connections to Ford through family) who currently has a Contour. Says he'd really like an Accord coupe... ugh! I like the Accord coupe, but what's with these people? Oh, right, you can't find new Preludes around anymore anywhere.
I don't know any Honda dealers with Preludes left on the lot, nyccarguy, around here. Suburban Honda, Howard Cooper Honda, Fischer Honda, Brighton Honda, Anderson Honda, Friendly Honda, et al. here in SE Michigan are more than happy to sell you an Accord, though. If you guys are still finding new 'Ludes, more power to you!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Good luck in your decision. Please let us know what you end up doing.
If you can bear it, I would strongly recommend the 5-speed. But if not, the SS is probably the fastest auto 4-cyl sport coupe you can buy...
nyccarguy: everyone with a cellphone should use those units in their cars!
We put the OEM front lip on the car this past weekend. It was a royal pain to get it to sit flush, but after a few hours in the heat we finally got it. Beautiful looking car and I miss mine already... well, miss the stereo at any rate. A satin silver Type SH will be a very rare car. I doubt there were more than 200 or so of them made. He's looking to dress it up with some luxury - leather seats, upgraded sound and hang onto it as a long term daily driver. But if something else jumps out at him, I might buy it from him!
My uncle says I'm a great salesman whenever I mention the TL, but you're talking to someone who, along with his Ford-employee wife, had twin Accord fastbacks back in the day.
MSRP: 24639 (w/ spoiler)
Milano Red :-) (how does the milano red hold up over time?)
Am upside down on my current car, will be financing the difference.
Another question (which is personal opinion, I know - just gathering other's opinions) -- is an 01 Prelude "better" than an 02 RSX-S? I like the preludes cleaner styling. some interior stuff I like on the rsx-s more. acura service is probably better. acura warranty is better. Opinions gladly accepted here.
Thanks!
If you're price shopping, the Prelude is a slightly better deal right now because you won't get an RSX Type S for $21,600.
Acura gives you a 4year/48000 mile warranty while you only get 3 years/36,000 miles from Honda.
The Prelude looks great in Milano Red. As long as you keep up on it (polish it once or twice a year) you should be able to reatin the shine.
Since they discontinued the car, you won't see as many Preludes on the road (if exclusivity means anything to you).
Again, you've got to go sit in and drive both cars to find out which one you like better.
Personally I like the styling of the Prelude much better. The RSX is growing on me in certain colors (Desert Silver, Blue, Red), but you can only get a black interior (mandatory for me) with a Silver, Blue, or Black RSX.
Good Luck!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
While the kit levels on the RSX certainly fall into the "nice to have" column, I find none of them as essential (to my driving priorities, anyway) as the Prelude's far more sophisticated suspension (and accompanying ride/handling characteristics). Remember, you can only listen to one CD at a time, and it's not like the temperature adjustment on the Prelude's manual climate control requires much effort.
As far as the RSX's leather goes, who needs to sit on something slippery when you're bending the chassis into tight corners? Not me, that's for sure.
As far as the dealer service question is concerned, I would attribute the quality of any service to the individual dealership and not to the badge on the car. My experiences at the Honda garage have probably outshined those I had at the Acura shop, and that's without the presence of a leather sofa and big-screen TV in the customer lounge area.
i just got back from a long drive to see both the rsx-s and prelude. (the lude was sonic blue and could only see thru the fence.) i think i've figured out why i don't like the rsx - it doesn't look "sleek" enough for a sports car (very tall and bulky near the rear). My 98 GS-R was the perfect look (my biggest mistake was getting rid of that car!! ugh)
brings up the point of why i am even looking at an 01 prelude - i loved my 98 GSR so much. got rid of it. have had a vw gti (sucked - reliability crap) and currently a mazda Protege 5 (which is great - handles very well. high quality). So, why am i even looking? i miss the feel of a honda, not to mention the sound of the screaming vtec. it seems all the new designs coming out are bland. and, if the design is ok/good, the interior pieces just aren't what they used to be. thus, the prelude enters the scene. do i grab one while there is still a new one around? and live w/ the neg. equity (which i financed in to my mazda cuz vw resale sucked!)?
i know, all personal decisions. just airing it out on the prelude forum to see what ya'll say.
BTW - does the 01 Prelude come with keyless entry standard?
leather - i really don't like it. especially when it's not heated (i live in minneapolis).
6 disc - also agree - i've had a 6'er and ended up with the same discs in there for months. w/ 1 i keep changing 'em.
auto climate - 3 for 3 - i agree again. whenever i've been in a car with this, i always end up putting it to manual control.
the suspension and "old" vtec (and cleaner interior) are what I loved about my gs-r and the prelude.
can't find either used in this area (at least ones that haven't been heavily modified).
anxiously awaiting response on keyless entry :-)
I went with a Prelude over the RSX (and a WRX wagon) for many of the reasons you mention: quality interior feel, smooth controls, snarky styling, and for the want of something "different." Going from a GS-R to a RSX-S just wasn't enough of a change for me.
Yes, keyless entry is standard on the 'lude. Unfortunately, so is some pretty hefty depreciation. Per NADA, my car (2001, Base, 5spd in like-new condition) with 50K miles is currently worth ~$15,500 at trade-in. Not a cause for celebration, but since I plan on putting 250,000-300,000 miles on the car over the next 3-4 years, I can happily ignore standard depreciation tables.
If you plan on keeping the car for 5 or more years, you might as well buy a new (and un-abused) one. Even at the rate at which I put miles on a car, I prefer to buy new so that I can be sure it gets broken-in and serviced properly. Yep, it's probably more money in the long run, but my peace of mind is worth it.
i never did anything special w/ my other new cars (civic ex, gs-r, gti, protege5). i didn't rev the crap out of em.... but i did take a 600 mile roundtrip cruise home with all of them w/in the first week i had 'em.
curious as to what others' opinions on the oft discussed question is.
- the prelude i'm looking at buying is at a dealership which is 200 miles away - so i'd be driving it home (freeway) -
Himiler - yeah, i saw in your profile you had a 98 GSR. geesh - i didn't realize how much i loved that car til i got rid of it!!!! (was frost white/black. tinted windows. cool looking..... must stop... thinking.. about... it... )
The way the car is driven in the first 100-200 miles is critical to the proper wear-in of the piston rings. If you take the freeway, you'll be tempted to hum along with the cruise on, which is bad because the engine will be operating withing a fairly narrow RPM range with a fairly constant load on the engine. Doing this usually leads to oil consumption in the engine's later life.
The best option is to stick to secondary highways, preferably those that will take you through lots of towns with lots of speed zones. The key to proper break-in is to vary your RPMs as much as possible. Try to avoid rapid acceleration or, as is the case with a Prelude, engaging VTEC until you've got at least 500 miles on the ticker.
the car has 191 miles on it.
probably from test drives. can't do anything about that. do you think that's bad?
The RSX-S is an attractive car. Thinking of the two, I think of the RSX-S as the latest high power amplifier, the Prelude as the four year old professional-grade not-as-powerful-but-twice-as-well-built amplifier. Prelude is quieter and heftier, and IMO the suspension system is far more sophisticated. I also like the braking feel, visibility and seating better, as well as the stock stereo which is kind of weak at low volumes but phenomenal for a stock system at higher volume. RSX is faster but I think the Prelude handles curves much better.
The Prelude was the best deal in the market for so long, I am very sorry to see it go. The RSX, IMO, does not replace the Integra and Prelude well. It melds them together, which is still good, but then adds the 'corporate look' on.
I don't dislike the RSX, but if I was to replace the Integra today, it would be for a 'Lude.