I think Im going to buy a 91 accord ex coupe, 5-speed, 203k. Haven't seen it yet... so does anyone recomend anything I should be looking for besides the obvious wear and tear items? Also, what kind of output does that 2.2 have? Thanks for the help.

 

Rust in the rear wheel wells, in the seams along the trunk, around the door edges, etc.

When the timing belt/water pump/seals was last replaced. If he doesn't have a receipt for it, you can argue a lot off the price with that.

Maintenance history. Regular oil changes. Nuff said. Goes with the above.

If the original clutch is still in there, it may be close to replacement. Check the engagement point while test driving it, and watch for clutch chatter (bad shaking when engaging the clutch).

Check for play in the suspension components (pushing wheel in and out, top and bottom while jacked up off the ground), or get a mechanic to inspect for this. Excessive play could result in loose steering, and usually means some ball joints have to be replaced. $$$.

Brake from high speeds and watch for a shaking steering wheel to check for "warped" rotors. Drive at highway speeds and watch for a shaking steering wheel to check for loose steering components/bubbled wheel/damaged rims/etc etc.

Check under the hood for the original stickers. If they're missing, the car was likely in a face first collision.

91 EX is a bit less than the 92/93 EX if I remember right. I think it's around 130 hp at the crank, compared to 140 for the 92/93 EX and 125 for the 92/93 non-EX. But don't quote the exact figures on that.

If you're especially paranoid, you could get a mechanic to do a compression test to get an idea of the general condition of the engine. You are taking it to a mechanic for an inspection, right?

 

Yeah, Id have to get it inspected. It is going to be more of a winter car that I will be fixing up myself, then selling in the spring. Thanks for the input, much appreciated.