I am going to be buying one this week or next. I am very knowledgable about cars in general and I know the main things to look for when buying. I am wanting to know if there is anything specific I should look for when I am test driving them? Any common problems? I will be looking at 00's only most likely. Anything you think I should know before buying, please post up.

Thanks

 

2000's have a couple of recalls that I know of. Seat belt extractor recall, and spark plugs. Make sure both were done, but if not, you can still go in to get those performed.

Listen for a whine from the rear diff when driving the car. It is a weak point of the car.

Plastic rear window is most likely hazy, which didn't bother me, but look out for cracks. If you'd rather not deal with it, then look for 02+, as they came with glass rear windows.

Make sure the owner(s) have taken care of the car. The history of the car will be the most important factor in finding a good car.

 

Don't forget about the tail lights, about 7K units affected, the red in the reflectors fade.

This is a recall, mine is going in on Thursday to have the lights replaced.

 

If you are really after an AP1, consider the '02-'03 instead. Several TSBs cured by the time those years came out. '00 had more than it's share of first year issues. Pay close attention to the tranny...'00 in Europe had a tranny "TSB" as it was not holding up to the high speeds driven there (US has same tranny but wasn't replaced since we aren't supposed to drive that fast).

Have leak down test done...#4 cyl rings had some issues.

Check valve retainers for cracks...sure sign of over-rev.

If the car was seriously autoxed (ie, r-compound tires), check the front a-arm mounts for cracks.

Look for correct tires...non-OEM rear tires should be 245/45-16...OEM Bridgstone S-02 were specific for S2k and labled 225 but design made contact patch equal to a 245.

 

Thanks everyone. I was told that the car is currently at a local Honda dealership to fix the recall on the pressure plate. Does this sound correct?

Also, what are good compression numbers?

 

There was a TSB on the clutch for early cars...it rattled.

Compression should be in the 220-240 range.

 

Well I heard the noise the first time I rode in the car. Whenever you would decel while in gear from a somewhat high RPM, it would buzz from right below the shifter.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by timlush &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well I heard the noise the first time I rode in the car. Whenever you would decel while in gear from a somewhat high RPM, it would buzz from right below the shifter.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's it...