Hi, first post. I have $1,000 and I'm in need of a vehicle. I've had lots of Hondas and I'm looking for a good clean accord or civic (or Prelude for that matter). Anyways, I found one close to home and here what the guy sent me about it. I'm fairly competent mechanically, so this problem seems fairly easy to fix. Here is what he sent me.

"1990 Honda Accord LX
4 dr., 5 spd., 4 cylinder, one owner ( me ) 186K miles

Needs:

Battery, tires, upholstery repair, engine work.

Engine:

Regular oil changes throughout its life. Never driven hard, was daily commuter for our family for years, up and down I24 from Murf to Nashville. Engine runs very smoothly.
Has oil pressure issues. A certified Honda mechanic friend told me it was most likely the oil take-up screen is being blocked, because the oil light came on ( the engine was shut off immediately ) but oil level was normal. He said that’s fairly common on older engines of this type, and the fix would not be difficult or expensive, if his diagnosis was correct.

( the oilpan dropped and the screen cleaned or replaced...new gasket for the pan and pan bolted back on )
Have started it only a few times in the past year. Mostly it’s just sat in my driveway.

Jumpstarted, and it started immediately, and idled smoothly.

Transmission:
5 speed manual, with original clutch. We babied this car, so the clutch has not been abused.
Body:
Has one area of rust behind the right rear wheel. Paint is original, and could use some care. Light chips and dings, normal with a car of this age. Has had hood and right front fender replaced from a low-speed bender in a parking lot in 1994.

Interior:

Upholstery sun-damaged, door inserts unglued. Driver side door handle mount broken, though handle still works if supported with other hand.


Car does start, and idles smoothly, but with oil light’s potential of coming on, I recommend trailering the car if you buy it.


Price is $1000."

 

I don't care what anyone says the problem could be, that is too high for a car that might need an engine. Offer 200

 

assuming the engine is ok, about $700 is a fair price. i wouldnt risk buying it though. if it is as simple as he claims, why doesnt he just fix it before he sells.

 

^-- the very fact that he took it to a mechanic should indicate that he is incapable of the job himself.

to the OP: how much are you looking to put into the car? The clutch is a consumable wear item, and 180k+ on an OEM organic clutch is a LOT. It may not be failing now, but it will eventually fail and I would say it's currently on thin ice. If you're looking for a bucket for 1000$ it doesn't sound like you're ready to be buying parts to restore it to its original condition. If it's a short term basis that you need the car or just a short money-crunch I'd say it's an okay decision but if you're looking at a longish-run then I'd advise to steer away

 

I don't think that is common on the Hondas. 200 buxs as stated previously.

Is this the one in Mboro?

 

I would like to get a couple years, or more. I'm not too worried about long term repairs, I'll take them as they come. The owner sounds legit, he is going to consult his former Honda dealership mechanic friend about the repair and take the cost off the price. May be a winner. I've also found a 2 owner 91 civic, so I may look into that too...Thanks for the advice. I'll end up here again for sure if I get into one of these Hondas.

 

could also be a bad oil pressure sensor.....that is not common but not rare...it does happen

 

lol i have a 1996 2 dr ex accord with 110,672 original miles on F22B1, runs amazing. only problem is needs new...
LH fender, front bumper, LH headlight w/LH running light, turnsignals, core support, and power steering inlet hose.
Total of like $400 in repairs plus paint and you have a nice car.
Oh and it now has a salvaged title due to stupid people not knowing how to drive.