Honda Prelude 1997-2002

jk111 · June 2001

All right, I been looming around this forum since the beginning. And now it is FINALLY the time for me to get a new car. And I am torn between multiple cars (the usual, wrx, prelude, celica or possible rsx.) I really want to get a Celica Gt-s, but guess what.. they stop making the 6spd manual for the 2001 model. So now, I am stuck between wrx( (dealer gouge, wait time.) Accord ex v6, no manual. RS-x, not until july something. I always wanted a prelude, but I was very discouraged when I found out that they are going to discontinue the car this year. The interior is also semi bland for my taste, other than that.. carsdirect is offering it for 21.5k or something. Which is a pretty good deal. Decisions...

mb710327 · June 2001

If you don't mind the looks, I would definatly get the WRX for its porsche like performance. If your a performance nut, then your going to have to exclude the Accord EX V-6 with NO manual. I like the RSX styling and I like the styling of the Prelude even more. Both are fast enough, but the Prelude does have more torqe and max power at lower RPMs and has a double wishbone suspension than the RSX. Yeah, the BMW and Porsche uses the same front strut set-up as the RSX and nobody complains about their handling according to Motor Trend or whatever, BUT the BMW and Porsche are REAR WHEEL DRIVE cars!!! The RSX is appealing becuase it just got redesigned, has a 6 disc CD changer, pleasing interior and exterior design, and potent engine.

Good Luck!

got_vtec · June 2001

>Also, I heard that it would be more beneficial
>to put something like a K&N Air Filter in
>instead of a Cold Air Intake because the Honda
>doesn't run hot. Is this true?

The engine does get hot, like all engines. Aside from that, I'm not sure what you mean. Cold air is always better than hot or even warm air, as the denser the air, the more that can be crammed into the intake.

They do make a K&N "drop-in" filter that retains the factory airbox, so this approach would also be a "cold air" intake. I assume when you say K&N you mean one that draws hot/warm air from the engine bay; some owners have not seen any performance gains from doing that.

I guess you could always try it and see. It's one of the least expensive performance mods. It is almost as if everything else is expensive.

>And what are some good mods for the Prelude?

Intake & Exhaust. Headers maybe, but the stock headers are pretty good. Then you start getting into more tricky items, such as VTEC controllers, cams, port & polish....

How fast do you want to go? ;-)

racerzrx7 · June 2001

I have added the EM cold air intake, Greedy header and Greedy Power Evolution exhaust system. The EM cold air intake does its job perfectly and is highly recommended. The header might not play a big role since I compared the stock and Greedy one, they are about the same size (diameter) and have the same angle/setup. The Greedy Power Evolution exhaust system is absolutely the "must have" item, not too loud for normal driving but when you storm the [non-permissible content removed], it's right there for you.
Got all these items installed for $937.
With this basic setup, you'll have much more fun for your prelude.
Spending money for VTEC controllers, cams, port&polish, coil ... are not worthed. If you add up all the cost for those with installation and compare for how many HI you get out from it, you'll see.
If you are after performance, go for the Jacksonracing supercharger It's reliable, safe for your engine, worthed. for the money. Your prelude will get 280Hp at the wheel and it pleases you every trip.
Happy 2001 dude owner.

racerzrx7 · June 2001

Sorry for the spelling mistakes. The auto spell check has messed up my message.

cgr45 · June 2001

I just installed an AEM Short Ram Intake. I like it, nice sound but, no performance gains. The CAI is better but, my car is a lease and I really don't want to mess with it that much. I'm thinking of installing a Greddy Evo Exhaust. Does anyone own this exhaust. Can you tell more about. Thanks.

kmaxim · June 2001

Help! Some idiot must have left spilled paint in
the road. Anyway, I evidently ran over it with
my new Prelude. Looks like I hit it with the
front driver-side tire, and it landed in the
wheel hub and along the entire drivers side of
the car. I was able to get it off the side of
the car, but it will not come off the bumper.
I realize this is a "flexible" paint, different
from the paint on the body of the vehicle. Any
hints or suggestions? I tried bug and tar remover
but to no avail. I have scraped some off the
wheel hub, but this is very time consuming.
Am thinking of calling a body shop and asking
them but thought I'd ask here first. Thanks.

kmaxim · June 2001

P.S. The car is white and the paint is gray,
so it really shows.

SPYDER98 · June 2001

I had a similar experience a couple of years ago.
I took it to a detailing shop and they used a clay product to remove the splashed on paint.
Supposedly it works really well.
If that does'nt do the trick..I think the next step is compound..

jkidd2 · June 2001

Well guys, looks like its official.

http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories0625/.honda626.htm

Here is the full article:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2001-06-26-honda.htm

little_buddy · June 2001

Hey guys... checking back in with everyone.

I absolutely LOVE my Prelude. I have had no problems whatsoever with it as far as the rattles on the inside or the cluck in the suspension. It handles like a dream and has balls to blow away just about anything I want. :-D

However, all is not perfect. Traveling home from work this past Sunday night I was attacked by a flying deer. It came diving from the left side of the road and struck my silver beauty on the front-right side, doing about $3000 in cosmetic damage. Figures I only had the damn thing about a month too. Oh well. She'll be all better soon enough.

By the way... can anyone point me to a place where I could pick up silver/aluminum gauges to replace those in my car currently? I can't seem to find them anywhere and I've looked into alot of sites. Thanks for your help!

sfone · July 2001

Now that the Prelude's imminent demise is official, I'm seeing newspaper ads for new ones at invoice or even less. The rap on the car in the past has been its cost/value ratio -- not that it wasn't a great performer, but you paid a lot for what you got. At MSRP that argument was valid, but with the lower price the equation seems more favorable. I realize that the money I save now will be lost when the time comes to part with the car, but I intend to keep it a while (I bought my current Civic new in 1992 and it now has 134K mi). So, with all that in mind, plus the other iron that's recently/about to come on the market (WRX, RSX, SE-R, etc...), is the Prelude a good buy?

sphinx99 · July 2001

I bought my '01 at about $150 over invoice with options at wholesale cost and free installation. For about $23k and change I got an outstanding car. I have pretty much zero complaints.

Having driven the WRX and as of the weekend a RSX-S I'd also point out that the Prelude still feels like a very different kind of car. It has a lower center of gravity, better visibility and still has the best steering and shifting of any car under $50k. (In my opinion.) It's worth the money if the feel and aura it provides is what you're looking for. It's a BMW 5-series in high revving V4 2+2 coupe form.

sfone · July 2001

That's high praise. Did you cross-shop the WRX and RS-X before you bought? What was the driving experience in those like compared to the Prelude? I'd be curious to hear more detail. It sounds like you got a great deal.

upevil · July 2001

In case anyone wants some more info on the 'Lude here are some very informative and helpful sites:

http://www.preludeonline.com

http://www.hondaprelude.com

http://www.honda-tech.com

http://www.superhonda.org

I sold my 2001 Toyota Celica GT and bought a '97 Prelude Type SH and really have no regrets.. I love the Prelude and the fact that not very many people have them is nice..

Regarding the intake question earlier.. the Prelude comes with a stock intake that is practically a Cold Air Intake already so getting a short ram type intake is actually detrimental .. unless you go with an AEM CAI or something similar, just gettin' a K&N Filter should help you out fine..

You will, however, lose some low-end torque with an AEM CAI setup.

Hope this helps.

scsolara · July 2001

I just bought a 1991 Prelude and need help finding sites related to the Gen3. I want to turn it into an auto cross car, so I am looking for performance modification. Engine, suspension, etc. Thanks in advance.

jkidd2 · July 2001

I believe if you go to hondaprelude.com, they have a section for each generation.

I believe www.vtec.net/ does too.

jk111 · July 2001

I don't know if you guys remember about my debate awhile back.. choosing between lude, rsx-s, wrx and celica GTS. After lots of searching, I decided on the celica GTS.. but guess what, they don't have any 6spd manual! so I went back to the basics. At one point I really wanted the prelude (always wanted a prelude.) But I just can't stand the thought of me driving something brand new that will be discontinued this year. Finally I decided to plop down the extra cash for a wrx. So far is has been great. I guess I am not brand loyal but performance loyal..haha.

hgiles · July 2001

I have a 98 Prelude SH, and I don't blame you one bit for getting the WRX. It is a great car. I wouldn't buy a car either the year it was being discontinued. I still love my prelude though.

shmang · July 2001

So, why you guys will not buy a car that will be discontinued? I am not trying to argue, but just want some thought from you, so PEACE!

IMO, if the car discontinued (and will be back in 2003 with a replacement - due to Honda), what is the big difference with a model change? Does a discontinue means the last year's car would be worse in quality or what? I am pretty sure get service and parts would not be an issue since Prelude shares a lot of parts with Accord, CL and there are tons of aftermarket shop for Honda, still remember the CRX (discontinued in 91), it is still very easy to find parts and keep maintenence of it a non-issue.

Am I missing something?

blacktalon · July 2001

I had the opposite reaction. Since I knew that the Prelude would be discontinued, I wanted to make sure that I got one before they went away.

I missed my chance to get a new GSX when Mitsu replaced the turbo AWD Eclipse with the tamer, less exciting V6. I didn't want to make the same mistake with the Prelude...

cason66 · July 2001

Bought a brand new '97 non SH. Traded in my '94 Cobra. 5th Honda I've owned. Best handling car that I've ever owned(saved my life once)BUT!!! It was the most poorly assembled Japanese car I've seen. It rattled from day one(underneath the rear window), it leaked some kind of black goo from the windshield/A-pillar seals and somehow would not hold air in any of the tires. I tried 5 times over 2 years to get the problems resolved to no avail. Engine,trans.,brakes, all that was great-just beware-even Honda makes some subpar stuff occasionally.Wife has a 99 EXV6 4 door. It also is sub-par by Honda standards-lease is up in Dec.and I think we're gonna try a maxima or v6 Altima next time.

shmang · July 2001

Cason: Sorry to hear your story, you must got a bad one. I have a 99 Prelude that is very well assembled, not a drip of leaking even in pouring rain, only occationally rattles when the temp. is like 30F or below. The tires are great. I pump air to 36 psi after the 1st oil change(3500 miles) and check frequently and every time it is 36 psi (give or take 2 b/c of temp.) I checked it again 2 weeks ago and it was 38 psi, amazing! After 30+k (now the car has 35.5K on it), the tire pressure are the same and I will change to another set of tires soon, so put in air once and drive to death for me!

Is this just me or what? Anyone what to share your experiences here?

sphinx99 · July 2001

Just saw this message. No, I bought the Prelude a couple of months ago but I did drive the WRX first. It was fast fast fast. There is no question about that, but I needed a car with a little more polish and the WRX just didn't fit the bill. Like someone else said, the WRX did not feel like a $25k car, the Prelude did. Also, I wasn't sure if I could see the WRX in my driveway four years from now, but I'll always be damn proud to own a Prelude. I don't know many cars that inspire loyalty as much as the Prelude did; I know people who have '80s models sitting dead in their parking lots after 12 or 15 years of use because they can't bring themselves to junk them or sell them. Time will tell whether the WRX invites similar passion.

As for driving experience versus the lude, both the RSX and WRX are much quicker and feel a lot lighter. The WRX felt a lot more agile than the Prelude but the RSX did NOT. By no means was it bad but I think I'd be more confident in aggressive driving in the Prelude. The WRX interior sucks, lose switchgear, poor ergonomics, and the visibility wasn't quite what I was used to at the time. The RSX interior was much more lux than the Prelude but in retrospect the Prelude seemed to get everything right whereas the RSX has some ups and downs. The Prelude has better visibility, better styling, seems to have a better stereo despite being hush-hush-Honda-OEM versus hey-i'm-Bose, a better dash waterfall and a more business-like interior. The Prelude is the car the Men-in-black would drive if they drove asian 2+2 coupes.

I will not take the $$$ hit to trade in a 5th gen Prelude for a WRX or an RSX, but instead will save the money and enjoy it until my spot on the M3 list arrives in a couple of years. I recommend the same to others. The RSX and the WRX are both steps up, which is to be expected since the Prelude is basically a 5+ year old car at this point. The fact that it still outdoes these two wonderful coupes in some ways speaks volumes about the Prelude's overall package and it's a shame that wonderful platform will sit idle from here on out. I think the WRX and RSX are great cars but they are not enough of a step up to make me want to pay to part with the Prelude. That M3 on the other hand...

sphinx99 · July 2001

Anyone know if a 5th gen convertible prelude? I've seen conversion jobs done on 2nd and 4th gen preludes and sometimes think the 5th gen would make for a sweet convertible... oh well, idle dreams...

softtower · July 2001

To jk111: I have a good advise for you. Since you've always wanted to get Prelude and now you're concerned about the resale value of it (it's being discontinued), go and get a used one as I did.

Here's the plan: find the slightly used Prelude (year 99, less than 30K miles) for about $16-17K. You'll save over 6 (five) grand on it, comparing to new Celica or WRX, and it will be practially new and still under the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty. I got my Prelude a year ago and it was 17 month old with 18K on odometer, 'new car scent' and aftermarket leather seats. I bought it from a women who got pregnant and hadn't been driving it for some time. I paid 18K and still think it was a pretty good deal. Last week I went to a Honda dealer for maintenance and took a new Prelude for a drive. Guess what: I didn't feel the difference, my car looks as shiny as a brand new one plus it has two-color interior and leather.

My personal oppinion is: never underestimate a used car market. Take your time and just wait for a good deal: look at the person who's selling, take a test-drive and you'll save a big $$$.

I'll probably get my RSX (or WRX) in about a year or two. For $17K or something like that.

jk111 · July 2001

softtower, got my wrx already. But I would love to have a prelude as a second car. I was thinking about get a used miata a couple of years from now, always wanted one but it is not practical at all if that was my only car.
Another reason why I choose wrx over others is because of interior space. The 2+2 design will not allow me to haul extra passengers around.
M3? man those things are expensive. I don't think any of them are going less for 5 grand over msrp right now. People are actually bidding for a spot to get one for 3-4k. I mean, it is a really damn good car and all, but is it worth 55-60k? I don't know.

kmaxim · July 2001

Forgive my ignorance, but I am new to this
website and would like someone to tell me
which vehicles are designated by RSX and WRX.
Thanks.

softtower · July 2001

Acura RSX and Subary Impreza WRX

jkidd2 · July 2001

jk111, too late now, but did you know you can get an RSX with a 6 speed?

silverlude1 · July 2001

I had initially deposited and ordered a 325ci 5 sad, two weeks later I found myself inside a honda dealer and drove off in a prelude sh. I've had it for 1 month. Its a blast to drive compared to my 98 maxima se which the lease was coming to an end. I have 1700 miles and do not regret waitting 2 extra months for the 325.

shmang · July 2001

"I have 1700 miles and do not regret waitting 2 extra months for the 325. "

So, are you still getting a 325? or you just saying it is b/c of the waiting that you can make a better decision?

jk111 · July 2001

yep, actually looked into buying a rsx-s. But time frame didn't allow me to do it. I was impressed about the rsx tho. But as a daily driver, a 4wd vehicle is better suited for NJ winter weather for me.

theworldizmyn · July 2001

Hi everyone out there...

I'm looking for a good, reliable, and fast car. I've been looking into coupes for the past month, and I was wondering if a used 1997 Honda Prelude typeSH was a good car to buy/find. I know a used car wouldn't be over 20,000, or even 15,000 at that. So say if I found a 1997 Honda Prelude w/ a spoiler, sunroof, and ABS, with the rest only standard equipment(is the ATTS optional?), So I can put all of my own stuff into it. And the mileage was about 50000 or less. What would be a good price for the car? Can some litterate car people help me out with this question? It would be greatly appreciated.
Very Kindly,
The World Iz Myn

jk111 · July 2001

check out kelly blue book. www.kbb.com. ATTS is standard on Type SH. But standard Prelude does not have ATTS as an option.

trish17 · July 2001

Is there anyway to take the stickers off the front visors? I asked Honda dealer and he was clueless in July.

softtower · July 2001

KBB is a crap. Their prices are extremely unrealistic, I suspect that used car dealers pay these guys to lie us about used car prices. The good formula will be: "KBB price minus $3K".

I bought my 98 Prelude with all factory options + custom leather with 18K miles for 18K more than a year ago. KBB quoted something like $21K for a car like mine.

I think you can get 1997 loaded Prelude for about 13-16K depending on milage. I've seen 97 Preludes with more than 80K miles on them. I wouldn't get one of those even for 12K. On the other hand, my car still has only 24K miles and I won't sell it even for 16. ;-)))

theworldizmyn · July 2001

So let's say I found a 1997 Prelude with about 62000-80000 miles on it...what would be the price range for one of those w/ a Sunroof/Moonroof whichever one, ABS, and a spoiler. All the rest standard options?

ashen · July 2001

Try NADA Guide online for prices. That's what most banks use for figuring used prices, so it's probably pretty fair. In my experience most dealer use Black Book. It gives the lowest trade-in value, but the highest retail value.

theworldizmyn · July 2001

what is the most inexpensive 1997 Type SH Prelude that anybody has ever heard of?

shmang · July 2001

You mean a one that is drivable?

It really depends on the mileage and condition. I heard of a re-build 97 SH with 120k miles on it for $3600 and Yes, it is drivable according to the seller.

jk111 · July 2001

"You mean a one that is drivable?"

hahah
Kbb is crap? I wouldn't know. Never bought a used car :P

gsu2035 · July 2001

Is that a dicey choice? Car has some expected cosmetic damages (though minor). Only one test drive so far, engine was silent at idle and sounds normal as car is revved and the tranny seems smooth. It is being sold by a CarMax in my area. Does anybody have any positive or negative opinions of them? I want a Lude - I know they will become harder and harder to find.
Any advice most appreciate!!!

asethi · July 2001

It really depends on the condition of the car and how it's been treated. If they can provide you with a service record (specially for the major services done at 30/60 K miles) then it should be ok. My 74K miles old 98 has never given had any serious problems. It also helps to get a carfax report for a few $$.

gsu2035 · July 2001

I ran a carfax (along with some for some other vehicles) and it came up clean ... but the car was originally registered in SC with no record of any odometer readings. I suppose SC doesn't do annual inspections? CarMax claims they don't sell cars that have "issues". But this car is a "ValuMax" which, according to their webiste - apparently isn't held to the same standards as their other used cars. I will have to pin them down on what they know about the maintenance history.

gsu2035 · July 2001

I probably sound nuts - but I am considering the 2002 V6 Mustang as an alternative to a used Lude - does anyknow if the V6 will get a hp boost to make it's 0-60 more presentable? - I read that online but Edmunds still has it at 190 hp. I drive in heavy traffic and don't want to deal with the hassle of shifting constantly - I thought the Lude SS would be the best compromise because it can go 0-60 in around 8 seconds - if the 2002 Stang AT can do that it will be decently competitive (it has strong crash tests)

xk2xbladerx · July 2001

I am debating between a V6 accord coupe and a prelude. I like the prelude more, but is it true that the V6 coupe can outrun the prelude? Give me your opinions. Oh and the prices are similar too between an EX V6 and a Prelude. And has anyone had any major probs with their preludes? Thanks.

blacktalon · July 2001

A 5-speed Prelude will be faster than a V6 Accord, but an automatic Prelude will be slower. Regardless of transmission, the Prelude will handle much better than the Accord.

jk111 · July 2001

Accord has some nice interior features. Pretty much everything you will need with a v6 ex. Ac, power everything, temp controller, sun roof...etc. If you want an automatic car, you are better off with an accord. The accord might be a little more expensive tho, you can get a manual lude for around 21k or so now and days.

With mustang V6, you will have to deal with heavy depreciation of the car value.. and possibility of quality issues. I think the v6 is also more expensive to insure as well. Mustangs are not exactly cheap to insure. A friend at work is paying 3200 a year for his GT, he is under 25, clean record but lives at New Jersey.

gsu2035 · July 2001

Is that with a SS auto in drive versus "manual" mode? Is it faster than an accord in "manual" mode?

Honda Prelude 1997-2002

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