So heres my debate. I have a current 1997 Honda Prelude SH that I love to DEATH. The only thing about it is age. I want to do stuff to the car but I dont want the engine or really bad problems during it and not be able to fix or not worth putting the money into it. I really like the new Civic SI's and having a brand new or practically brand new car would be better on my mind and bank account. What do you guys think I should do? My Prelude has almost 134k miles on it. The Civic MIGHT have 20k if I get something used. I am not sure what to do! So far to my lude I have a CF hood, exhaust and an intake, so not much yet. I know the newer Civics are slightly faster.

PS: I'm on Preludepower and SoCalPrelude too btw. Not just a random new member.

 

You're going to get a TON of opinions on this going either way.

you need to weigh a couple of things like insurance cost etc... IMO for what used Sis go for I'd buy new and have a full warranty.

Honestly, I went from a boosted H22 hatch to my 07 Si and I have 0 regret. I LOVE my Si.

It's quick (not fast) handles great, interiors awesome, gorgeous looking...but this is all my opinion

good luck though man

 

Its funny I used to bash on Civics but the new one is so much nicer than the older ones and its got more of what I want. Respondes to bolt ons a lot better, will last longer than a 10 year old car, nice shape, more tecnologically advanced. Just seems like a better car overall. I know I wont have any major problems with it for the next 10 years being that its a civic and a honda at that too! For all I know my Prelude could go out in the next 2 months and I would be screwed.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eric1987 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Its funny I used to bash on Civics but the new one is so much nicer than the older ones and its got more of what I want. Respondes to bolt ons a lot better, will last longer than a 10 year old car, nice shape, more tecnologically advanced. Just seems like a better car overall. I know I wont have any major problems with it for the next 10 years being that its a civic and a honda at that too! For all I know my Prelude could go out in the next 2 months and I would be screwed.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Dude, you're trying to convince yourself why the civic is the better way to go. If you can deal financially with buying the new civic, then why not, do it.

 

I know where im leaning but I am wondering what others peoples opinions are on this. I'm still a young kid so I need some advice from the more knowledgeable people sometimes.

 

Keep your car till it totally craps out on you, part it out and buy a BRAND NEW CAR.

 

and the reason behind that is?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eric1987 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">and the reason behind that is?</TD></TR></TABLE>

because its the best $$$ situation you have at that moment. save your money intill your prelude dies on you. Then part it out for even more money the buy yoruself an Si. Their not going anywhere man. relax.

but...

then again you only live one time and could die tomorrow so hell why not get an FG2?

 

Exactly. I'm fresh outta college, which has me by the ***** in regards to student loan debt, but i work nights around 16 extra hours a week on top of my 9-5. You know why? Cuz my 08 Si is worth it. I had a 95 Saturn (see signature) with 133k and couldn't wait any longer. I'm pretty sure i was the first Marylander to cop an 08. The fact that it has cruise control was a serious upgrade for me, but this thing is ridic. Just remember this: every time i step into that ride, no matter what day it is, it feels like the weekend. This is how i get through working until 3 am on weeknights.

I didn't have the money, so i MADE the money. If you got the dough, you've got my blessing.

Amen.

 

Well I always get my hopes up but I dont have a down payment and I highly doubt I will be able to do a monthly payment that will work with me for no down no point in trying really.

 

i have both, a 99 Prelude and '07 Si. I would keep the prelude till its done then part it out. That is what I plan to do with mine. A dealer is gonna give you a lot less then you think. Sell it private party if anything.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dorifto_83 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you can deal financially with buying the new civic, then why not, do it. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eric1987 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well I always get my hopes up but I dont have a down payment and I highly doubt I will be able to do a monthly payment that will work with me for no down no point in trying really.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You just answered your own question, you are then not financially ready. Just stick with what you have until you can afford to get the car. Of all things, a car is not worth putting yourself in a bind for.

 

^ +1 No money, no car.

 

Dude I had an FG2, they are amazing cars, but I'm glad I don't have to pay for it anymore, I'm going to get a beater car to drive for a year or so, save as much as i can, and put a hefty down payment on something new... who knows what.

edit: another plus to this, is its nice to not HAVE to drive your NICE car all the time, because sometimes you dont want to take it where you have to go. backup beaters are nice.

 

if you love your lude, keep it. if you're worry about reliablity, get a cheap $1k beater car. You're going to hate the monthly payments & won't have cash left to mod your car. added to that, full coverage insurance can be expensive.

 

Dude keep the lude for now and save up for a good down payment so that your mothly expense is not to empty your pockets everytime you get a paycheck . I have an ek hybrid and a FG2 well nedless to say I don't have room for mods on any of my cars @ the moment so if I were you I would wait.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Demonis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
another plus to this, is its nice to not HAVE to drive your NICE car all the time, because sometimes you dont want to take it where you have to go. backup beaters are nice.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Graduate from college, get a good job/business, the Si IS the backup beater. Instead of killing yourself making ends meet just to keep the car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 24boosted &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Graduate from college, get a good job/business, the Si IS the backup beater. Instead of killing yourself making ends meet just to keep the car. </TD></TR></TABLE>

even though he hates on me he makes the most sense^

i feel im in the same boat (although my zx2 is not close to a prelude) i find myself struggling at times not to just go out buy one. but im young and i continue saving. hopefully by the time my zx doesnt want to go, ill have the dough for an SI.

sounds like you have no payment now, why change that when your current ride gets you where you gotta go and is in no way embarrassing(assuming). SAVE.

this is only <U>my</U> opinion

 

trust dude save up your money make a good down payment cuz i didnt and i have 520$ monthly payments. no bueno i preaty much work my *** off every day just to have this car and iam feeling its not worth it. i will be selling it in the near future once i get the principle down a little

 

No I still owe payments on the prelude. And the dealer offered me 1.5k for my prelude LMFAO. I test drove an 08 Si Sedan and it didnt feel as fast or raw as my lude. VTEC didnt feel as much as a kick either....

 

Prelude (i think) still has more torque, but way less hp in the long run. That 'raw' power feel you might be referring to could be the DBW, it does give a sort of disconnected feeling to giving your car gas.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by iamtwan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

even though he hates on me he makes the most sense^
</TD></TR></TABLE>

My bad twan I had nothing against you.

 

why are you worried about reliability? has the prelude given you any reason to worry? if it only has 134k miles on it, you have nothing to worry about. but, man the fg2s are soooooo nice. my dealer called on monday and said mine should be at the dealership by the end of this week. im hoping that the holiday wont affect the arrival date. i really want it to be tomorrow, since i have the day off. please?! lol sorry for getting off topic. the bottom line is, do what makes you happy. if you REALLY want an fg2, do what you have to do to afford it. im only putting $2,500 down on mine so my payment is gonna be like $440 a month, but i work 55+ hrs a week @ $15/hr so that will be no problem. If you trade your car in, there is your down payment. But, if they are only gonna give you $1,500, sell it indepently. I don't remember where you are from, but a '97 lude sh with 134k in good condition would sell for like $4k in jersey. its all about you man. id say get the si, because thats what i am doing, but its really up to you