I went and test drove a 1993 Blue-Green Si today. I really liked the feel and movements of the car, as it was the first prelude I've ever been in. But, I'm worried, as the car is being sold by a dealership, rather than a private owner.

So, what should I look out for? Engine issues with the H23a non-VTEC? Little things I should look out for? The radio is not stock, the device that holds the hood open is broken, and the interior is in good shape except for the passenger side where the door meets the dash, which is stlightly mauled. The window makes a noise going up, and the sunroof does too.

What can I say? I'm just very nervous at buying a used car!

Any help and/or info is appreciated.

TIA

 

Just get a compression check done on the engine. Make sure that all of the numbers are pretty much even and well with in spec. If the motor is good everything else can be fixed or upgraded for minimal cost.

 

Will do!

Thanks for the info!

 

Turns out the car has a rolled back odometer. It had 190,000 at it's last inspection in january, and now only has 90,000. I am bitterly dissapointed.

 

You've got to love dealers.

 

I was leaning towards not buying used from a dealer EVER before I started looking, and this has pretty much sealed it.

It's a real shame considering the car seemed to drive so well. solid power and response, nice handling and breaks, with very few squeaks, rattles or rolls. I'm considering offering a thousand dollars, take it or leave it, when I reveal to them I know somethings wrong with the odometer.

 

How do you find information on a cars last inspection and the ones before that?

 

Carfax

 

Yea, I bit the bullet and bought a 30 day account...just post a vin if you ned something.

 

I'm interested in selling my prelude, it's a 1994 vtec. I see you're in fairfax, feel free to send me an email. jared_gr@hotmail.com it's 94, and has 93,000 miles on it.

Jared

 

You've got mail.

 

TTT...did you get my email?

 

tim i see you're in fairfax va, please dont tell me the dealership you're tlaking about is fairfax honda! i work there and that is some fucked up **** if its true, the sales men at fairfax honda are some of the cockiest ******** ive seen, luckiliy i work in the parts department.

 

Oh no...although fairfax honda DID try and screw me on tranny repairs a month back, and ended up charging me something like 250 bucks for flushing the fluid more than once.

But the place where I found this car was Executive Auto Wholesales in Manassas.

Serves me right for actually going into manassas I guess.

 

Bump/TTT

Still waiting for an email Jared.

 

Timz-

I never got an email from you.. did you send it to jared_gr@hotmail.com ? I just checked and didn't see anything. Let me know-

Jared

 

I sent an email out on Friday, but I'm guessing it didn't go to the correct address. I just sent out another, let me know if you get that one. Thanx.