Is honda prelude worth buying?

[CraigRT]

I love the Prelude and I am not a Honda fan.. it's not a lightning fast car, but it looks good, and it's relatively fun to drive.. I love 4th gen Preludes... clean looking and reliable.

their value is through the roof though which is annoying.

if you buy used, make sure you are at least 4-5 years out of new, because they are almost the same price as a new one after only a couple years!

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: NeuroSynapsis

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Never drove one admittedly, but I never really ever saw the draw to them. They seemed slow, cramped, and overpriced for what you get. 😕

Slow- don't really notice it, unless i'm trying to pass up another aggressive driver.
Cramped- not unless you're 6'2 200lbs. except for the passengers, but who cares about them anyway?
Overpriced- back then yeah, but nowadays a freaking STEAL

and re: HP

195hp for 97/98
200hp for 99+

I'm not totally swooned by HP alone. Having a little grunt down low(or hell even in the midrange) - which it doesn't - is important to me for every day drivability. As for being cramped, when I buy a car I buy it for more than just a passenger seat, but again that's just me. As for being a steal I don't see much value in them over current new offerings for a few thousand more.

Again, I value a bit more function in my car and not sold on HP alone. I own two 5 door cars (Passat wagon and a Mazda 3 5door) so that has something to say about it. 😛

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: desiplaya4life
whats your opinion on this car? i know its a GOOD 4cyl car but value wise, i heard its going up? a guy locally is selling a salvage 00 prelude for $9.5k (kbb value=$14.5k) is it worth buying? who has a prelude that might like to share their experience?

If it's got a salvage title, it's probably bad news. The worst part is that if it turns out to be something major, you have to disclose the type of title when you sell it. You won't be able to get any money out of the car...

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
I love the Prelude and I am not a Honda fan.. it's not a lightning fast car, but it looks good, and it's relatively fun to drive.. I love 4th gen Preludes... clean looking and reliable.

their value is through the roof though which is annoying.

if you buy used, make sure you are at least 4-5 years out of new, because they are almost the same price as a new one after only a couple years!

Good luck buying a new one! 😉

 

[Kipper]

Can you afford the insurance on it?

 

[ThaChemist]

Didn't realize so many ATOTers had a 'lude. I would, as many others have suggested, watch out because of the salvage title, but other than that, it's a phenomenal car. I won't lie: this was my dream car, and ever since I got mine ('99 manual base) it hasn't disappointed for a minute. I think the fact that it's (a) rare and (b) out of production means it's cool factor is through the roof; I get compliments on mine all the time.
Of course, do be sure you know what you're buying. It's primary emphasis is on handling, and as such it doesn't have gobs of torque down low. Rev it up, though, and you're in business! And who doesn't like the sound of an engine screaming at 7k RPM???
Good luck on finding a prelude - I've never regretted it for a minute.

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

it's a pig and fwd.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

I bought a used 2001 Honda Prelude 5speed silver w/47000KM for $22750CDN last year. I recall the 2001 brand new goes for about $30k. So in 4yrs time it only depreciated $7k. I wouldn't say I got a great deal. One year later, I still see 2001 Preludes in slightly higher mileage and similar condition go for the same price as when I looked at it last year. Granted I live in a smaller city where the pickings are more slim.

You're right, it lacks in low-end torque, as any 4-cyclinder car would. But it makes it for it once it gets going and start revving it up. Any beater car can beat my car off the line. But there's more to just straight line speed. I like the way it handles, really sticks to the road.

And looks? This is what got me suckered into the car in the 1st place. It's not fast, but in its stock form w/o fancy spoilers, lips, etc.. it looks fast and awesome. Something about it's figure, very sporty slim-line looking.

The auto tranny you should steer clear of. I almost went with an auto until someone on this very same forum talked some sense into me! Thankyou whoever you are!

And no, I would not pick an RSX over the Prelude given the chance again. It looks bloated and fat like some of the other sports compact out there.

Insurance? I'm 24 and qualify for the full 25% discount up in Canada, so I pay about $1200Cdn per year.

 

[Crappopotamus]

ive always been a fan of how the prelude looks. in my area, there are quite a few clean modded ones. just a simple body kit and wheels, and its fargin nice! however, its not nearly powerful enough. 4cyl engine = boooo.

 

[b0mbrman]

Yeah...salvage title is a bi*ch when you're looking to resell it. I have a 93 Prelude...very user-friendly and has a little bit of oomph when you need that sort of thing. I'm not really into fast cars

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

About the trunk, yes it is small. But for a compact car as the Prelude, who the heck needs a big truck for besides holding the sub, cd changer, and speakers. Well, maybe a spare tire 😛 Actually on many occasions I've taken mom and sis grocery shopping and can fit quite a bit of grocery bags back there.

A manual paired with a 4cyclinder isn't so bad. The H22 isn't that bad. I've driven a rental 2002 Honda Civic for 3 days and boy is that thing a drag. Step on the gas full throttle and it's like turbo lagging FOREVER. Takes forever to get any feedback from the throttle.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

I love them.

But they are ridiculously expensive in the used market over here in Toronto. They also have crazy high insurance.

but they are awesome cars. Torquey motors for a 2.2L anyway(despite what anyone tells you), excellent handling, very comfortable, etc....just great cars.