Hi, I already have a 1995 that I feel pretty comfortable working on. I am looking to buy another and keep seeing ones with "electrical problems." The problem is usually described as "car drives fine and then randomly dies. Sometimes won't restart for days." Then the seller lists a bunch of parts they have thrown at it trying to fix it in vain. Is this a common problem with this gen? I was leaning towards bad ECU, bad ground, or bad primary coil (amazingly, everyone seems to have replaced everything in the ignition system except the coil).

I love finding good deals on cars but I'm really hesitant at buying one with electrical problems, I already know anything I buy will immediately need a timing belt kit...

 

I’ve always heard of issues with the main relay in fourth gens, maybe the fifth gen is getting old enough to start having those issues too

 

Start with the main relay. If the problem persists, start looking at the distributor. Is this a LX, DX, or EX?

 

At this age I would suspect the ignition switch itself.
If the PO had a bunch of trinkets/charms/keys on their keychain then it can cause wear on the cylinder, which will then **** the ignition switch a bit and it may not make contact, or simply one of the fingers on the ignition switch housing has broken off, allowing the switch to open up a bit which would cause a no make situation as well.
Simple thing to do, turn ignition to II(ON) if the gauges/lights all work at prove out go to start. If the engine dies after returning to II(ON) from III(START), try not allowing the key to rotate fully back to II from III. If the engine stays running, ignition switch. $20.