Hello people got another new girly asking you questions I'm afraid.

Have been looking recently at purchasing a Honda Prelude. Had been to view a few 4th generation models (both JDM and UK cars), which varied in quality. Went to one garage where they had a shabby K reg import (price reflected this), they also had a 5th generation which I thought would be out of my price range. The salesman was willing to come down quite a bit on the marked price with the trade in on my old car. Was up for £6995 wanted near £4500 and the trade in on my F reg Audi coupe 2.2E (was under the impression I would be hard to get £1200 if I managed to sell it privately?). Had a look at it and it seemed a very nice car, P reg, imported from Japan a few months ago, 58,000 miles (it had approx. 93,000K), had 4 speed auto box with tiptronic, 2 wheel steer, half leather interior and all the usual stuff which I guess is standard. Had a short test drive in it and all seemed OK, liked the way it handled and had good poise and power! The engine is a 2.2 Vtec, didn't realise until today that there is more than one type of Vtec in this model. Tried to find out from the garage today what type it is so I could get an insurance quote, they haven't got the log book though as they're selling it for another trader and he says it's a 2.2 Vtec… Tried the registration with the insurance company but it doesn't bring up any details.

I guess my questions to you helpful folks are.

Would I be a silly girl to buy this car?
Am I a silly girl for walking away from a good deal?
Does it sound suspicious to you?
Is there a way for me to tell what Vtec this is and what faults should I be looking for?
What sort of support is there in the UK for imported 5th generation Preludes?
Can something be done about the bolted on fog light and the fact that the number plate is too small for the recess?!

Appreciate any help given, regards.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by missiminx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Would I be a silly girl to buy this car?
Am I a silly girl for walking away from a good deal?
Does it sound suspicious to you?
Is there a way for me to tell what Vtec this is and what faults should I be looking for?
What sort of support is there in the UK for imported 5th generation Preludes?
Can something be done about the bolted on fog light and the fact that the number plate is too small for the recess?!

Appreciate any help given, regards.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You should thoroughly investigate the automatic complaints before buying this car. here's a forum to discuss it.

You're never a silly girl for backing off and asking questions of other people who know.

I don't know enough UK dealers to know if it sounds suspicious, but dealers have been known to, ahem, deal.

5th Gens have 2 models, base and SH. SH is only manual transmission.

Not really sure on the last 2 questions. The plates (license plates?) can be removed and replaced with a mount.

 

Aside from the problems with the auto tranny, I can't imagine why anyone would import a cheap, used car (a discontinued line at that) from Japan.
As for UK support, try asking here: http://www.preludecrazy.com/

 

What problems w/ the auto tranny?

 

If everything is in good working order and most importantly, if you like the car. I say go for it. Its a great little coupe. There's a big fan base here in the US so if you do have support issues at say a mechanic shop, just get on the net and ask any of us. I'm sure there's plenty of people that can assist you further. As far as the engine is concerned, I've heard that it shares most of its parts with the European Accord. I'm sure that any competent mechanic would be able to service it for you in the future.

 

i do not really have a reply other then i wanted to say hi because i am from the UK (Grays Essex) but now live in the US. I would recommend not getting an automatic prelude though