Hey guys, I know this isnt the kind of question you are normally asked, but here goes.

Whats the reliability history like with these 5th gen preludes? I'm a college student and I'm selling my current problem-prone car to hopefully purchase a 5th gen lude to get me through college and beyond. I've decided this is the car for me. The plans are to keep it bone stock for at least 3-4 years, so I was just wondering are there any big problem spots I should look for? My current car has me in the garage working on it at least 1 weekend a month, and now that classes have started back up again i just dont have the time. Plus I would rather spend money on things I want other than car parts. Would a well-maintained 5th gen with 60-70k miles treat me well for the next couple of years? Or should I be looking at something else?

Thanks alot guys!
-The new guy.

 

yes as long as you take care of it.

 

^^ What he said, you sound mechanically inclined so that should not be a problem.

Oh, and stay away from the auto trannies, they are prone to failure.

 

What are we talking about in terms of preventative maintenance?

I've read you have to replace the automatic timing belt tensioners on these cars or they go bad and cause some massive damage to the valvetrain? Is this true for a bone-stock car? If so, how long do these things last?

Also, valve adjustments? I remember doing these on my old diesel mercs, but was never told to do them on my gas-running ones. I've read you have to do these every 30k miles or so?

Other than these things and normal maintenance/wear items (fluids, brakes, filters, etc.), anything else?

 

Preventive maintenance is changing oil, changing coolant, changing tranny fluid, AC service, timing belt, waterpump...........**** like that.

I've heard of having timing belt problems at like 100,000 miles. Good thing I only have about 70-80,000.

Air filters, fuel filter maybe, PCV valve....the list goes on. But absolutely ANY car will last a good long time if preventive maintenance is done. Although Fords are **** But if you take care of your car - the car will take care of you. Kinda like a relationship - kinda scary.

 

I once had a prelude with 226k miles and that baby was running strong. Many cars and all Hondas will last... as long as you take care of it. Good Luck with your 5th gen and post pics once you get it.

 

5th gen auto trannys are extremely problem prone

 

My '01 has been very reliable. I agree that you should stay away from the automatics, though. My' 01 SS has been fine so far; I have 90k miles on the car. My main areas of disappointment are with build quality. The interior, as built new, is missing fasteners in multiple places. The interior is also full of squeaks and rattles, probably related to a bunch of gap fillers falling out within the first year. The windshield trim is falling off, and the finish on much of the exterior black trim is dry and crusty. None of this stuff has kept me from getting to work in the morning, but it's just a let down knowing this was a car that stickered for $26k.

 

Thanks guys thats all I needed to know!