So im looking at buying this prelude for 4500. I am a little skeptical because it is in so nice of condition. Here is the for sale ad:

"im selling my 1997 honda prelude. it is charcoal grey and has 165k on the body and 15k on the jdm swap motor. the car has all new everything, and i mean everything. new tires new distributor new tranny new motor (jdm swap) new alternator new battery new upper and lower balljoints, new inner and outer tie rods. new belts, fresh oil change, new spark plugs, new 6 puck clutch. new ecu and much more. the car is a 5 speed and has power everything, doors, windows etc. heated seats and black leather interior. it is lowered on skunk lowering springs and has 17 inch motegi wheels. the car has a 4-2-1 dc sports racing header with a 3 inch catback exhuast. newish paint and new headlights and tail light. car has 5 percent window tint. i have receipts for everything."

He did the motor swap himself. Is there anything specific I should look for?
Thanks

 

Pics of the car would be nice. To determine if its worth 4500 but in the swap look at the engine code make sure it really is the jdm motor. What tranny? Check axles wiring which ecu is in it? Look at all receipts check the springs make sure everything he is saying is there don't take anyone's word especially when it comes to a car check the ball joints can easily tell if they are new. Just a little advice hope it helps

-mike

 

I would take it to a performance shop and pay to have it looked over. Someone who knows what to look for. This guy shouldn't have a problem letting you do this. You need someone who can look at what was done. I wouldn't take it to a dealer or a basic shop, they must Likely wouldn't want to fool with that. My dad had guys that would come and look at buying his corvettes and they took them to have looked up and down (I know this is not a vette but to u it is). This is just a way to make u more comfortable.

 

I have a new motto when it comes to buying used cars(based on my most recent car purchase), "Don't buy someone's project". I will buy 99% stock cars unless I help build a car and know what has been done and how.

 

97 Prelude came with an H22, take it to Honda and have them do a buyers inspection, if the swap is done right, they'll look it over properly. If the Honda dealership won't touch it you shouldn't either.

It'll be the best $35-50 you'll spend on buying a car.

 

 

Ask him "where's the carfax?" And don't take NO for an answer.

 

I would not take it to a dealership, IMO from my experience From working at dealerships, them guys really don't want to fool with stuff like that and the service writers don't too, if u take it to a performance base shop they most likely let u watch and go over everything. I would not want to pay and not have them go over everything.

 

I've had a different experience, but I know the service writers at my dealership and some of the Honda mechanics, mostly the guys that hang with the local racing and tuning scene. Since I know them, they take care of me pretty good.

 

I subscribe to that motto as well! JDM direct swaps are typically easy with little to no mods but swapping a different engine than what the car was entirely designed for is another.

 

Just saw the pics, looks nice but get a stretchkit for the rack b/c the bars being that close together do nothing for the appearance and/or load it will be carrying.

 

Yeah well whatever way u go, good luck but the pic looks good,so that's a start