I'm a newb... I'll admit it... Never owned a Honda before, but I'm getting tired of having to worry about if my MR2 is getting broken in to, or if my A/C compressor is going to fall off on the way to the store.

I generaly want a car that is a beater in a true sense, and I think I've found that in this '89 Accord SE-I Coupe I've found for really cheap. I know it's a Honda, so that should say a ton... but I'd like to know what I'm getting into with buying this car.

Any things to look for, things that normaly go wrong? If I need to, how expensive are these motors, and how hard are they to find? Things like that.

Thanks guys!

-Gary


Modified by PETC at 2:40 PM 5/6/2006

 

How many miles are on this creampuff? Auto or 5spd? Blowing smoke out the tail pipe? How was the test drive? How much $$$ is really cheap?? $5000 is too much

 

It was in a frontal collision, IF I wanted to fix it back to stock I'd need one quarter panel, a new bumper, a new hood, new front grill, and new lights.

But all it really needs is a new bumper.

Not sure if it's autotragic or 5-speed yet... but that could be a deal breaker. The car has 125K original miles on it and the guy is asking $500 bucks for it. I offered him $350 and he accepted, but before I give him the final word I'd like to do some research.

 

Edit: NM, I guess it's already been picked up...


Modified by PETC at 6:18 PM 5/6/2006

 

So, I've changed my sites, and have now set them on a 1988 Accord in pretty good shape, 5 speed, unknown mileage right now. Supposedly the car smokes. On the 2nd gens is that normaly due to piston rings or valve seals?

Is it even worth 200 bucks?

 

Collapsed oil wiper rings is the usual cause for those engines to burn oil; you can pull the head and drop the pan to go for an in-chassis overhaul, new rings and rod bearings is the usual, main bearings seem to last a long time. I'd say around $400 for all Honda parts to do the job.