This is my first post on this forum. I am trying to make a decision on whether or not i should buy this 91 Honda Accord DX that I checked out. It is automatic transmission with 165k miles on it. The problem with it is that when i change the transmission from park to reverse, there is a hard violent thud, jerk or jump with the car. It only happens when going from P to R. The owner told me it started happening about 3 weeks ago when he was on the highway and hit a pothole. He pulled out of the pothole in reverse and since then the car jumps when going into reverse.

Some people were saying it might just be the engine mounts, but could it just be the engine mount if it only jumps when going from P to R?

If the problem is the engine mount, how much would it cost to replace it, with labor?

Thanks in advance

If i choose to buy this car, it will be my first car.

 

I think without seeing it firsthand nobody can say for sure. Maybe a loose ball joint or tierod end. But one of the engine mounts is probably the best guess until someone actually looks at it.

Front mount is easy to replace, sides aren't too bad. The rear mount is a bear to get to. So it depends on which one...

When the engine's relatively cooled off, open the hood. Grab the valve cover & give it a real good shake towards & away from you. No, HARDER. Don't be a wimp. Look & listen for klunking noises & pinpoint their location. The engine mounts are rubber, so there should be some give to them. They should not klunk or knock or anything like that.