Honda Prelude 1997-2002

chillenhonda · April 2003

Im very sad about selling the Prelude, ive never had a car that was so competent driving-wise, yet didnt give me a problem, not even minor, in 71,000 miles.
The Uhaul and shipping stuff method was just too expensive. Im going to fit most of it in the car and ship and few things UPS book rate. I bought a 2000 Accord EX-L 5-speed. Impressive car. Surprising power from the engine, even after going from a Prelude. That 32mpg on the highway will help from NYC to San Diego.
My Prelude is for sale for $13K neg with 71,000 miles dealer maintained/records, mint condition, spoiler, tints, black/black, and a Sony Xplode system. Its been for sale for almost a month and have gotten 3 calls, none of which showed up. Dissappointing. War broke out the day after I put it on sale, so maybe that isnt helping the situation.

sphinx99 · April 2003

Well, it was going to happen. We got hit hard by snow, sleet, rain and ice. HARD! So it's 8am and I'm sluggishly headed to work. Prelude, of course, has zero traction on the stock tires, so I'm giving the car in front of me two to three full car lengths at the mere 2-3mph (if that) which traffic was crawling at. Slight downhill incline. Near-blizzard conditions this morning.

So the car in front of me (a black, new Volvo) stops--its brake lights go on. So I immediately but lightly depress my own brake. I hear the ABS clicking going. And going. And going. And I'm coasting... and coasting. Who would have thought three or four seconds could last so long? Anyway, I gently but firmly drifted right into the rear end of the Volvo.

Of course, being a Volvo, not only did the car apparently not get a scratch, but I'm not sure if the owner even knew. He or she drove off when the light turned green. I turned into a parking lot to inspect the damage.

The front hood is pretty buckled. It's as though I literally went underneath the Volvo... or its rear bumper collided directly with my front hood just above the bumper. The bumper appears to be pressed down a centimeter or two, not bad. The hood itself is warped, bubbled up, and sort of smashed in an inch or so right around the Honda logo at the front center. Amazingly I can still pop the hood with the interior hood release. The internals appear to be fine. Car runs fine. I continued to work, then headed back to my parents' place after work, then just now back home.

Tomorrow I'll attempt to track down an approximate cost. My deductable is relatively high ($500) so I'll have to see what the total repair cost is. If it's not TOO much higher then I might end up paying for it myself. Otherwise it'll have to be insurance, and that'll be ugly on my rates for sure. Oh well. At least it wasn't serious. The car doesn't look too bad and hopefully it really is just the hood and not anything the hood is bolted onto.

Maybe this is a perfect opportunity to get one of those carbon fiber hoods. Then, I could get the 3" exhaust, 225/35/18 rims (or whatever the size is) and some really bright non-HID-but-even-more-blinding-than-HID headlamps and call it a day.

Any advice (guesses on cost) would be greatly appreciated, of course. Any venting on the suckiness of the stock tires also is welcome.

nyccarguy · April 2003

Ouch! I feel your pain brother. This might be one of those situations that isn't as bad as you think. Luckily nobody got hurt. As long as none of the internals (radiator, AC Condenser/compressor...) and you've got to replace and paint a hood and manybe strip and repaint your bumper you could walk out spending between $1200 - $1600. Hoods seem relatively cheap ($500) plus labor and painting. Good luck and let us know. On the bright side, the weather is supposed to clear up by next week (around here) so while your Prelude is in the shop, you can drive the S2K around.

himiler: Congrats! Go Orange!

himiler · April 2003

Bummer. At least you didn't get a ticket.

Silver is a PITA to paint-match, so go to a good shop. Your deductible is going to sting, but like NYC said, the entire claim shouldn't be more than ~$1600. Given the fact you didn't get a ticket, your rates probably won't go up much, if at all.

If you're going for that certain "look," or just want to save money on the reapir and shed a few pounds, go ahead and check out a CF hood. In your situation, I would be very tempted. Then again, I have no sense of style, and am the type who bitches about the fact I couldn't get my Prelude without the heavy moonroof.

Yes, the stock tires both suck and blow. Ditch 'em before they ditch you (again)! In the last week, I have been amazed at how well the S-03's are doing in this freezing rain and slushy snow crap. They get a little loose when launching, but they actually hold the raod better than I ever thought they could.

OTOH, my 2.5RS with its new SP5000's is like a tiger in any condition. The damn thing acts like it can climb trees. Wheee!

SYRACUSE RULES!!!

kenjabi · April 2003

I was reading the "Letters to the Editor" section of this site, and noticed that Edmunds plans to add the Honda Prelude to the Generations section of the site! If you haven't checked it out yet, it provides the model's complete history, and is pretty informative. If it works, here's a link to the current ones they've done:

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/generations/articles/?tid=edmunds.- e.landing.retrospective..1.*

blacktalon · April 2003

Too bad about the hood -- and yeah, the stock tires really do suck...

Personally, I've never cared for the look of the carbon fiber hoods. If it were me, I'd just replace it with a stock hood, color matched to the rest of the car.

As far as tires go, I have to second himiler's opinion on the S-03s. They're fantastic summer tires on both dry and wet roads. But for winter driving, I'd highly recommend a set of Arctic Alpins -- great snow and ice traction, much better than the stock tires on wet roads, and not too shabby on dry ones...

nyccarguy · April 2003

So I'm driving home from work today minding my own business when passing through an intersection (my light was green), a white 97ish Ford Explorer makes a right on red (illegal within the 5 bouroughs of NYC) w/o stopping and comes very close to hitting me. I lay on the horn for a sec, downshift, and get out of the way. I turn right at the next light. At the next block I see the guy pull up next to me (where there are cars parked on the other side of the intersection). Given that I thought the guy was psycho, I didn't look his way. I hear his siren for a sec and he tells me to open the window. He asks me if I'm in a rush. I tell him no. He asks if I think I'm driving a race car or something. I tell him no, he ran a red light and almost hit me. He tells me: Why don't you pull over on the other side of the intersection. I ask him if he's a police officer. He says yes! I ask him to see a badge and he shows me so I told him no problem. Him and his partner get out of the car. He tells me I shouldn't be beeping my horn like that because that's how fights on the road begin. He asks me what I'm doing in the neighborhood. I tell him that I work here and my family owns a well established plumbing supply house. He asks me for my liscense and proper paperwork for my car. He tells me to take it easy.

All this because HE RAN A RED LIGHT!

himiler · April 2003

As if you'd go around blowing your horn at people while trying to score.

What a couple of twits.

sirtiger · April 2003

I live in NYC also... I am a very safe driver who follow most of the driving laws... I have zero points and zero accidents in my life. Many NYC police officers think they are above the law.

I see many officers break the very rules they try to enforce. Its a real shame. Rules are there to protect everyone. My friend hit a police squad car b/c of their incompetant driving a while back.

Its very irritating when cops ask me stupid questions in a condensending manner. Living in NY, especially with the 9-11...I am getting stop more than usual. I know it can be a bit odd when a person like myself in my late 20s driving my new BMW 530 or Lexus LS 430. There should be IA following and scrutinzing them.

nyccarguy · April 2003

have you had any bites selling your Prelude yet? I had an interesting experience this evening. I had an appointment on Long Island and missed the turn, so I swung a Uey and noticed there was a late model white Crown Vic with Black tinted windows that parked itself right behind me. I'm thinking "oh Salt, what did I do now?" I was relieved (somewhat) when 2 guys in their late teens (eary 20's maybe) and told me how much they loved my car. They asked me a few questions and then asked if I was selling. They said they were looking to buy a Prelude and loved my Milano Red (can't say I blame them). I didn't even ask how much they were willing to pay. I just told them it wasn't for sale.

ChillenHonda: If you're still out there, the guy's name is Chris and his Phone number is (516) 448-1404. Your car seems like it would be perfect for him. If you call him, tell him the guy with the Red Prelude sent you. Good luck.

Even if they offered me a generous sum for my Prelude. I wouldn't sell it just because of the fact that there is nothing in the price range I'd replace it with.

chillenhonda · April 2003

dude...thats awesome information. Its been on sale for a month and plenty of reponses, and no one shows up. This has happened almost 10 times. Im about to cry and trade my beloved prelude into the dealer for wholesale just to get rid of it. Id feel a bit weird calling that number, but you didnt happen to get an email address did you?

nyccarguy · April 2003

I'm telling you...call the number. This guy and his friend pulled up behind me, got out of their car, and asked me if MY CAR was for sale. He didn't give me an email address. Call the guy. You've got nothing to lose. Let me know what happens.

chillenhonda · April 2003

Thanks for the info..I do appreciate it. I talked to him, he laughed about pulling you over, asked a lot of questions about the car, said he wanted to drive it/check it out, took my cell # and said he'd call back to schedule something...that was 2 days ago so hopefully I'll hear from him soon.

billy318ti · April 2003

It's been a while since my last post but im still on the prowl for my prelude. I found one up in north jersey, (2001 black sh, 25,000 miles asking only $14,000) Took a drive up there the second i saw it, just to find out it was sold 2 hours before i got there!!! So that put me in the worst mood for the rest of the weekend. But i saw another black sh, 98 with 48000 miles,asking 12900,,but its over 200 miles away. Just waiting for one to come around a little closer with less miles on it. We'll see what happens. Anyways hopefully my luck will change and i'll find my car. Talk to you all later..

nyccarguy · April 2003

I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but chillenhonda is selling his black base model (5speed).

Chillenhonda: I'm pulling for ya! You'll find a happy home for your Prelude.

saydiver · April 2003

I'm selling my 99 Prelude and I'm trying to figure out the best best web sites to list my car.

Does anyone know if the used cars on the Edmund's site are for dealers only? I know I can list it at the partner sites, but I'd like to list it on the Edmund's site, if possible.

BTW, I loved my Prelude, which is my 2nd one (had my first one 12 years), but my husband is too tall to ride in it comfortably and I'm not willing to trade for a new husband, :-) so my Prelude is up for sale.

TIA

vampgrrl · April 2003

I may *may* be buying a 97 Prelude SH tomorrow. I feel kinda stupid b/c I purcahsed a 98 Accord last yr (coupe, manual) which is a great looking car but handles like a Buick. I'll take a lil bit of a financial hit but I could live through it.
Anyhow, the car is black, looks like normal wear and tear nothing too bad except the paint on the driver side mirror is peeling (I can get that repainted for not too much prolly) black leather interior, 78,000 mi for $10,995 at a Infiniti dealer, sold as is (salesguy said a woman in her 50s traded it for a G35 Coupe). I had a Honda friend look at it with me and he couldn't spot anything wrong with the car, no appearant leaks. I need to check to see if she left the records on the car, CarFax checks out ok on the car. I'm just a bit nervous because I've read that some people find ATTS to be a pain in the butt if it messes up, more so than the base Prelude suspension.
I also see that ATTS fluid needs to be changed according to the Honda Ownerlink site every 30k mi, is that easy to do one's self?
I could use any insight anyone may have before I trade in a Accord works works flawlessly on this Prelude (I used to have a 86 Prelude Si, I miss that enjoyment of just driving).

blacktalon · April 2003

I have a 2001 base Prelude (5-speed), so I can't comment on the ATTS, but I can say that if you love to drive, you won't regret getting the Prelude. It makes the daily commute a blast to drive.

I'd have a mechanic check out any used car, just as a general rule. But if it checks out, I'd say go for it...

sphinx99 · April 2003

I have an '01 SH and absolutely love it.

$11k seems a bit high for a car with 80k miles on it.

chillenhonda · April 2003

if you are looking for a prelude, you can email me for pics and info at ws358@hotmail.com

vampgrrl · April 2003

Well the Prelude is at a dealer but even KBB and Edmunds list that car with that milage at $13k or so dealer retail. Like I said this one has some wear and tear but nothing extreme, mostly just slight cosmetic. When I got my Accord last year I looked and looked and looked for a Prelude around $12-14k and the few that I found were like 5th gen wise anyhow, 105,000 $15k OR they had belonged to some teenager who had just ripped the car to pieces due to driving the car VERY hard or modding it too much.
Just like I said, I need to make sure the car is absolutely sound because my Accord is a beauty but crappy suspension. (If I dont get the Prelude I plan on getting the Accord's suspension totally redone to a sportier type).
I'm not so much into driving fast and hard but taking a curve and the car and driver feel the curve vs. floating around a curve is the difference for me. <- That may have not made any sense at all....
How much different is the Prelude to maintain vs. say my Accord which I get the oil changed (5w30) every 3k and just have my non Honda mechanic look over everything every 6 months or so and it's fine.

himiler · April 2003

Why take a hit on the Accord if you're otherwise happy with it? For the money you're talking, you could add a LSD and plenty of suspension mods to your Accord.

Don't get me wrong -- the Prelude is a great car. But, if I were in your position, I'd have to vote with my wallet. Nobody ever got rich by trading pennies.

argent · April 2003

I'd be leary of the Prelude SH because the ATTS system is going to be a nightmare to repair if it goes south. It wasn't used on any other model, the Prelude itself has been discontinued, and it was a low-production item, so parts specific to that model are gonna be a [non-permissible content removed] to get.

I have a '91 Prelude with 4WS, and parts unique to that model are already a hassle. The ATTS, like the older 4WS system, seems like an interesting parlor trick -- not completely without value, but not worth the premium.

sphinx99 · April 2003

One thing to keep in mind: base Preludes are driven pretty hard, and Type SHs often are driven VERY hard. Remember, at the time the SH showed up, the Prelude SH was second only to the NSX in the Honda family as a car for those who want to drive like maniacs. That's not to say that there aren't babied Type SHs out there, but you've got to be very careful and feel comfortable that the car you're buying [used] is a keeper. The SH comes with its perks (I leased the base 5-speed and now own a SH, and I definitely prefer the latter for the feeling of exclusivity alone) but make sure that your estimation of the value of these perks outweighs the risks that come with buying a Type SH on the used market.

Really, people like nyccarguy and I, who got our Type SHs dirt cheap off new lots as Honda was trying to get rid of them, bought 'em at the best time....

vampgrrl · April 2003

Well I didn't get it. Salesguy called me at 4 said someone else was coming out to look at it and if I wanted it to get there now. I drove like a nut got there, they got there 4 minutes ahead of me. Father and dorky 16 yr old son..they took it. I'm kinda irritated too especially knowing that odds are this 16 yr old dork is going to tear this car up and most likely will have it flipped or wrapped around a tree soon enough.
Now I'm just debating...new springs/shocks for the Accord to make it tighter on turns/curves or give in and get one of the few nice ones left (aka 2001 models with 20k mi for almost $18-20k)

nyccarguy · April 2003

I just want to preface my story with a little NY road map lesson. The Long Island Expressway (LIE) runs east/west as does the Grand Central Parkway (which becomes the Northern State Parkway in Nassau County). The Clearview Expressway runs north/south.

So Sunday morning I was in the mood for a drive given that it was such a gorgeous day here in NYC I figured, why not? So I decided to head out to Long Island where my girlfriend lives (since I was going to her house later anyway). As I'm driving across town (from the west side where I live to the east side), I see police motorcycles blocking off streets a few cars behind me. What's going on I ask myself. Well, by the time I got to the Triboro Bridge, I found out. It was a motorcade(what a waste of my precious tax dollars) of some sort and they got to the bridge before me so traffic was stopped. After they were let go, I made my way through the tolls and by the time I crossed the bridge (onto the Grand Central Parkway), I was 2 cars behind the motorcade which was travelling at about 40mph. I followed the motorcade for a bit and figured they were headed to one of the airports. When they passed one airport, I figured that this was just my luck they're going to head out further on Long Island. So I decide to get off at the exit for the LIE. I'm flying off the exit (Thank you ATTS) and then flinged my car onto the LIE at blazing speeds (Love the VTEC roar). I'm moving along comfortably at speeds of around 70-75mph(following an E39 540i) when I see traffic at a dead stop in front of me just beyond the exit for the Clearview Expressway. I downshifted to 3rd, tapped the brakes a few times and got off the LIE and on to the Clearview. The Clearview was a nice ride, but ends where you pretty much have to get back on the Grand Central. I head for the off ramp (long and twisty) with some good momentum, take some curves at good speeds and then it was time to gte back on the Grand Central. I see a motorcycle cop pulling over to block off the traffic from entering the roadway out of the corner of my eye. I downshifted to 2nd and ran it all the way up to the redline. I was the last car the cop let on to the highway. Chalk one up for the wonderful VTEC engine and glued to the road handling of the Prelude.

nyccarguy · April 2003

What's the total damage to your car?

And Also, my good ride of car karma caught up with me as I hit tons of traffic everywhere else I went that day:)

himiler · April 2003

Preludes rule.

nyccarguy · April 2003

Well, I was at the Auto Show today and took in a lot. Just a couple of things I'll say to try and stay on topic since we're the Prelude board.

Sphinx99: I sat in a Spa Yello/Black S2000 and you my friend are one lucky man. Right after I buy an engagment ring, plan my wedding, get married, and buy a house, I'd love to have an S2000 as a 3rd car:) I swear I'd have truble picking between the spa yellow, new formula red, berlinetta black, & grand prix white (I saw a white one the other day and it is beautiful.

I saw a TSX and liked it. The interior was well laid out. The car I saw had these nice looking 5 spoke wheels. The rear end of that car is just awful. It looks like someone took a guilotine (sp?) and chopped off the back end. Bleach!

As far as cars to replace the Prelude (which no car really can), The Mazda RX8 looks great in person. The car truly has a cockpit like the old RX7. Those rear seats look like they are tighter than the Prelude's though. Oh well, I never put anybody back there for long durations anyway. The Dash plastics are a bit on the "budget" side, but that seems to be my only quibble.

The 350Z and G35 Coupe are really pretty cars, but their interiors aren't really up to snuff.

Of course there's always the M3 which I thought I almost messed myself when I sat in (I guess it should do that for $50K). I'd be happy with a 325i (stick & sport package) or a Mercedes-Benz C230K Sport Sedan.

sphinx99 · April 2003

Consider me one of the many envious posters who would love to be at the NY auto show...

Some updates,

Repair estimate on Prelude damage: UNKNOWN. I have not taken the car to a body shop! In all honesty, I've been swamped with work. I recently became a first-time manager of a relatively large team, and lately I don't have much time to myself. Hopefully the week after next week, I'll take care of this. The hood is bent but I can pop it, and mechanically everything is fine. I do have scheduled service coming up though.

I've thrown myself at reducing money spent lately. It's more for personal interest than financial need, but I am enjoying learning the art and science of penny pinching. Hand-in-hand with this new hobby has come some driving style changes. I've been driving sanely (!) and carefully, cutting down on the stereo and blower, driving conservatively. I'm getting about 26mpg, far more than ever before! The S2k got 25mpg on its last tank, too. Unfortunately, she (not that "she" is particularly feminine) may be leaving the family shortly. The weather's turning warm and someone I know is very interested in purchasing the S--when we started to talk about it, sort of casually, he offered $26k. I don't think I'm going to get much better than that, plus he's a good guy and his wife has always wanted a convertible. (They are family friends going way back.) That would fill up the currently empty checking and savings account, and after a year I'm not 100% sure if I liked the S2000 more than the Prelude. Maybe it's the exclusivity factor. I see a lot of S2000s around lately, but 5th gen Preludes remain twice-a-month sightings, and Type SHs are once-a-quarter sightings. Plus, Detroit is such an awful place for a daily-driver roadster.

The new plan:
1. Reduce expenses and start saving money
2. Concentrate on developing my career
3. Look at getting one of those auto show dream cars after I turn 30. (Still have two years to go...)

Unfortunately I've always wanted to spend a season or two in SCCA racing, just to know that I did it (seriously). I wonder, is 30 too old to get involved in something like that? Nothing in my body is creaking or aching yet, so I'm going to take my chance and do the Conservative Domesticated Living thing for a couple of years and see if I can put this good-income-no-savings thing firmly behind me.

But first, I need to get the hood of my 'lude fixed....

nyccarguy · April 2003

So I'm sitting in a 9-3 at the auto show and this kid sitting in the back seat is comments that it is pretty small. I tell him it is like a limo compared to the back seat of my Prelude. This kid proceeds to tell me that a Prelude Type SH is his dream car and he's so mad that they stopped making it.

Mr_Shiftright · April 2003

Nah, 30 is a youngster in SCCA. But you won't be saving money doing this. It's not a cheap hobby even for fun.

sphinx99 · April 2003

It's amazing how many people now consider the Prelude to be their dream car. Where were these people three or four years ago when Honda was deciding to axe the car?!

himiler · April 2003

It's like when a struggling artist dies...

Many people who are interested in tuning now see the real potential of the Prelude's H22A4 and trick suspension.

nyccarguy · April 2003

Ok, So I've heard about the tendencies of our H22A4 engine to burn some oil between changes. I can see my car is a little low (below the 2nd pinhole in the dipstick), but cannot determine how much oil I should add (sorry for sounding like an amateur). I appreciate your help on this one guys.

My maintenance light turned yellow yesterday. Does that just happen every couple thousand miles or so or does it turn yellow because the car needs maintenance. AT 5900 miles, my car isn't due for an oil change for another 1600 miles.

My car passed state inspection today. Sunday the 27th will be my car's 1st birthday! I can't believe it has been almost a year already.

argent · April 2003

Honda engines are sensitive to regular oil changes. The 7500-mile service intervals are for "normal" driving, and most people's driving is not "normal" -- city commuting and stop-and-go traffic is "severe" use, which calls for maintenance at half the "normal" intervals.

My very strong recommendation is to change the oil and filter every three months or 3,000-3,500 miles, whichever comes first. It's cheap insurance for a long and happy engine life.

Don't add oil unless the dipstick measurement is down to the "ADD" line, which means it's a full quart low. Otherwise you may overfill the crankcase, which can result in foaming and seal leakage, which is not good.

The maintenance indicators are just mileage-based; I think they're turned over the by odometer. They're just a reminder, not a hard-and-fast rule.

himiler · April 2003

What argent said -- get the oil changed every 3,000-3,500 miles for long-term happiness.

Because I get maintenance frequently, I've learned to ignore the green/yellow/red indicator.

shmang · April 2003

Yeah, go with 3500 mile oil/filter changes. I normally get the oil changed around 3500 miles and the next time when the maint. flag turns red, I change it again - which is aroun 7-7.5K for 2 oil changes.

When the oil is low, just park your car on a level ground and add oil until it reached the top line (You might need to check it several times before it reach there). Give it about 10-15 second after each oil addition to let the oil reach the dip stick.

argent · April 2003

If you do most of your driving in heavy city traffic with low actual mileage (as do I), change the oil -- and do other routine maintenace -- based on TIME, rather than mileage. Most of my driving is in L.A. traffic. Not a lot of miles, but a lot of stress. I try to do the oil and filter every 12-14 weeks.

(I also have the tires rotated with every other oil change, and if I have time, get the alignment reset, but I have a '91 4WS, and the previous owner warned me that regular tire rotation and alignment is mandatory or it'll go through tires like they were going out of style.)

nyccarguy · April 2003

I've gotten the oil changed once at 3500 miles (Mobil 1 Synthetic). I plan on doing it every 3500 miles (using synthetic). I do most of my driving in heavy traffic. I drive 10 miles each way from Manhattan to The Bronx. I usually drive at highway speeds for a third of the AM commute, then it is traffic. In the PM, I trek across the Cross Bronx Expressway and down the West Side highway in heavy (2nd & 3rd gear) traffic.

nyccarguy · April 2003

Well guys, my Prelude is exactly 1 year old today. I've got just over 6000 miles on it. I still love to drive it! Love it, love it, love it! I still love driving stick every day and as long as they're available, I'm going to keep buying one.

As a group, we're doing pretty well on the RX8 board:)

sphinx99 · April 2003

The Prelude goes to the shop tomorrow afternoon for assessment of hood damage!

As an aside, the S2000 was sold yesterday to a private party and now is being lovingly cared for by a new owner. I can't call it a money-maker, and it's not a very good daily driver in a place like Detroit. The best time to sell is during the spring, especially after a long and cold winter.

The 350Z convertible and rumors of the RX-8 convertible sure sound great but I think it will (hopefully) be a number of years before I buy again. I really want to save up for a M3, but that will require a home and neighborhood in which it would be okay to park a M3 - and that could take a little while

nyccarguy · April 2003

I'm sorry to hear you had to let go of beloved S2000. For what it is worth, you did sell at the optimal time (for a convertible) and you got to enjoy the car while you had it. On the bright side, you've still got your Prelude Type SH (no S2000, but no slouch) which should provide many more years of enjoyment and reliability until you can save up for an M3. I'm sure your wife supported your decision to sell the S2K. You seem like a level headed guy and will definitely put the money to good use.

I plan to keep my Prelude for a long time and eventually replace it down the road with something along the lines of an M3. But I too have financial hurdles such as saving up for an engagement ring that I plan to buy for my girlfriend (later this month or early June), then it will be time to start saving for a house...

himiler · May 2003

Happy birthday to your Prelude!

Now, aren't you glad you didn't buy that RSX-S?

When my wife and I decided to get married, we skipped the engagement ring and the wedding, choosing instead to elope. With the $$ saved, I bought her a Honda Civic as a wedding present.

panga · May 2003

Has anyone used Yokohama AVS ES 100 tires for their Prelude? I am getting them for my 97 Prelude. Tire Rack has good reviews, but I was wondering if anyone here has used them.

finally getting rid of the RE92s!!

himiler · May 2003

Anything's better than the '92s.

panga · May 2003

I've heard people say that about the 92s. I have had the Prelude for about 10 months, and the tires have definitely been underwhelming, particularly in wet conditions. I guess I'll find out soon enough how much difference the tires can make.

blacktalon · May 2003

I haven't tried the AVS ES 100s, but I highly recommend the SO-3s, if you're willing to spend the money...

nyccarguy · May 2003

Yeah, I feel blessed that my prelude was found. I never even drove anything else. That was my next step if a prelude couldn't have been located for me. But I'm glad I didn't go for the RSX Type S.

The Prelude has been an absoulte pleasure to own and drive. I really look forward to years of ownership. I don't constantly find myself thinking about what my next car will be. The Prelude is one of (many) my dream cars. I'm proud to own it and proud to say I drive a Honda.

About the wedding thing, unfortunately my girlfriend doesn't spend enough time speaking to your wife on the "significant others of Prelude owners" boars here on TH. She definitely wants a ring and a wedding. Believe me, I'm all for saving money, but I'd actually like all of our friends and family to join us at a joyous time.

nyccarguy · May 2003

It is a bit off topic here, but I think there is a certain market that Honda would be good in that they haven't tapped into, Commercial Vans.

Many of My customers drive these Econolines, Chevy Express, & Dodge Ram Vans which they beat on constantly and always seem to fall apart. Honda should definitely make a Cargo Van.

Also back to the Acura thing, Honda could possibly return Acura to greatness by producing a RWD platform for both the TL and the RL. The TL would in essecence be built on a shortened RL platform (much like the Volvo S60 & S80). They could share the development costs between the 2 models to save some cost. They could incorporate AWD into the RWD platform. As far as a V8 goes, I know they don't want to do it because they're Honda. They could develop a V8 for use in ther RL, a more powerful MDX, and share some of the V8 with the next NSX (along with the aforementioned Cargo Van).

Just thinking out loud!

Honda Prelude 1997-2002

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