Hey guys, i'm usually in the accord forum because thats what i drive now but im looking into buying a 5th gen prelude. I was wondering if you guys could tell me about anything I should know when looking for a used one. Are there certain problems that show up in some after a certain age? My cousin used to own one but he sold it because he said it was burning oil. I heard that is a somewhat common problem in the H22's. Is that true?

Also if anyone is selling, or knows someone in my area who is, that would be cool too. Thanks.

 

I think the biggest thing to look for is a rust free/dent free body. It does seem like the H-series motors start to burn more oil as they get older....some argue it is the frm sleeves/ring seal while some argue valve seals. I would also suggest trying to find one with a 5 speed.

 

what should i do to keep one from burning oil? if it already is, is there a way to fix it besides a rebuild or something?

 

nope and it shouldn't burn any more than half a quart every oil change unless you drive it really tough. Thats what mine does but it doesn't affect the performance and mine has 160,000 miles. Have you bought one yet? I suggest getting a base model because that atts in the SH is annoying. But there are threads on here that compare the two you can decide for yourself. i have an SH they say the suspension setup is better than the stock but when you upgrade to after market parts the difference doesn't really matter to much.

 

I was going to start a thread like this earlier. Im picking up my first Honda ever on friday, and its a 5th gen prelude

 

The only advice that really matters.

 

Already on that, 5 speed base, little bit of rust on the driver's quarter panel looks like it was sprayed down with inhibitor but not enough. My co-worker's cousin owns a body shop right by my house though so ill be hitting them up soon.

I am a bit eh on the mileage though, its a 97 with 190k

 

4th gen vtecs are sexier

 

hell yes...well minus the vtec

 

My advice to you buddy is don't do what I did, and buy yourself a 5 speed...i have a 98 prelude (auto-tragic/non sh), bought at 133k miles. The first major repair work I did to it was replacing the oil pressure switch, and minor repair work was replacing the Oil filter O-ring. You would rightfully suspect, preludes do burn oil like crazy...but not all of them, not the rare, well maintained ones, hence, not mine haha