Honda Prelude

richyfingers

richyfingers

richyfingers

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I'm in the process of selling the zed due to a house purchase so I’m looking fora cheap fun run about. My last "banger" was an ST24 and I was considering another but the Prelude has caught my eye as they seem to be in the price bracket im looking at, between 1-2k. Obviously im after the 2.2 Vtec manual. I've seen a couple of Motegi editions hovering around the top end of the budget, is that just cosmetic differences or more power or both?

Anything to particularity look out for on these?
 
I think they the engine was more tuned in the Motegi version plus they had the Motegi kit. I still like them. Not a bad choice for a runabout.

Look for rust under the wheel arches and i've forgot the rest sorry.
 
Motegi is just a trim level, the type S had a few more horses though (210bhp to the standard 197bhp with the exception of the UK 4th gen with 185bhp). The Type S were imports only so take the mileage with a pinch of salt.

I'm guessing as you mention Motegi your looking at 5th gens? the only real issue is rust around the rear arches, other than that they are solid cars!
Just make sure all the warning lights illuminate and go out when started.
 
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richyfingers said:
I'm in the process of selling the zed due to a house purchase so I’m looking fora cheap fun run about. My last "banger" was an ST24 and I was considering another but the Prelude has caught my eye as they seem to be in the price bracket im looking at, between 1-2k. Obviously im after the 2.2 Vtec manual. I've seen a couple of Motegi editions hovering around the top end of the budget, is that just cosmetic differences or more power or both?

Anything to particularity look out for on these?
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OT how is selling a Zed in the current climate going?

Buyers market?
 
I currently own a 5th gen 2.2 VTI Prelude and happy with it, just be aware as noted rust on the arches. If it's bad on the arches, it's proberly much worse along the sills.

Also make sure there's no 4 wheels steer issues if there is it'll flag a 4WS light on the dash, people remove the bulb to hide the fault.

Check the rear calipers to make sure they're not binding, also check it can shift into 5th ok as the syncro can wear out and cause problems.

I'm not 100% sure on this but with regards to the 2.2 VTI models black engine cam covers use the H22A5 engine with 185hp. Red engine cam covers use the H22A8 engine with 197hp and it also uses a shorter ratio gearbox.

The Motegi kit adds a boot badge, 17" inch alloys wheels, side skirts, front and rear lip and the ride height is also lower.
 
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Cheers for that guys, had a suspicion there wouldn't be much to look out for. I had an ITR DC2 for a few years and I've missed the vtec y0. I'll be avoiding the type s for insurance purposes and they seem a fair bit over budget anyway. Yet to drive a prelude but I'm liking the sound of them.

As for selling the Zed, so far I've only advertised it through work and I've a couple of folk interested. Yet to list it on piston heads or the owners forum yet. Don't think I'll have too much hassle shifting it, its in brilliant nick.
 
G J said:
I currently own a 5th gen 2.2 VTI Prelude and happy with it, just be aware as noted rust on the arches. If it's bad on the arches, it's proberly much worse along the sills.

Also make sure there's no 4 wheels steer issues if there is it'll flag a 4WS light on the dash, people remove the bulb to hide the fault.

Check the rear calipers to make sure they're not binding, also check it can shift into 5th ok as the syncro can wear out and cause problems.

I'm not 100% sure on this but with regards to the 2.2 VTI models black engine cam covers use the H22A5 engine with 185hp. Red engine cam covers use the H22A8 engine with 197hp and it also uses a shorter ratio gearbox.

The Motegi kit adds a boot badge, 17" inch alloys wheels, side skirts, front and rear lip and the ride height is also lower.
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I'm arranging to go see a 97 with the H22A5 engine, seller says there is an issue with the 4WS however just needs a sensor to sort it out. How much does it cost to sort? Planning on using it to try and knock some money off it.
 
Aren't these the ones where the bonnet latch comes loose and the bonnet goes flying open whilst driving? :p

I want a Mk3 Prelude :cool:
 
richyfingers said:
I'm arranging to go see a 97 with the H22A5 engine, seller says there is an issue with the 4WS however just needs a sensor to sort it out. How much does it cost to sort? Planning on using it to try and knock some money off it.
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There's a way to get 4WS error codes from the 4WS light on the dash via the service connector in the footwell. A 4WS reset may clear it, if the part needs replacing im not too sure what the cost will be but I can recommend if you need further help/info then visit/register on PreludeUK @ http://preludeuk.forumup.com. I don't post much there but when I do there're very friendly and helpful :)

I payed 1350 for mine last October for a 97reg with 113k and it had the Motegi front/rear lip and side skirts retrofitted to it. I feel I payed alil too much for mine but in South Wales they rarely appear for sale and when they do they're either the 2.0i, modified, an auto or just seem in really bad condidtion.

Prices vary massively and back when I bought mine, I saw a few for sale in and around London from anywhere from for as low as 600 to 2k for a manual 2.2 VTI.

lemonade said:
Aren't these the ones where the bonnet latch comes loose and the bonnet goes flying open whilst driving? :p

I want a Mk3 Prelude :cool:
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Hmm I'm having abit of trouble with the bonet catch on mine with it not closing properly after pooping it... now you got me worried. :p :eek:
 
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I do love a good lude. being a honda nut obviously im abit bias but the H22 Engine isnt that popular over in europe. mainly over in the states.

The big boys use them a lot in the street drag scene. Aftermarket tuning parts can be a little limited to source from places other than the states.

Just a heads up if you were planning to modify one in anyway?
 
Having owned a Prelude with temperamental 4ws i'd say stay well away! Saying that it was a 4th Gen and they pretty much sorted the 5th gen out. the sensors are quite cheap though and as GJ says its easy enough to get a fault code out of them which will point you to the problematic sensor. irc its usualy the abs sensors on the 5th gens that cause 4ws issues?? :)

GinG said:
How about looking at a MG ZT? Get a newer car for money.
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It would need to be the ZT-260 to touch the Prelude when it comes to performance, unfortunately they still command a decent price and every other aspect of the ZT still falls short of the Prelude with an exception being age :)
Though V8/V6 vs Vtec, its a close call!


Edit - You'll do well getting a Prelude! I know piston heads is little to go on but there are only 13 on there currently for sale! comparatively there are ~30CRX's for sale and you could argue that is a much more obscure car :confused:
I also sold mine for a £25 loss in 1.5years of ownership, pretty cheap motoring imo :)
 
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If the 4ws is goosed can I just ignore it? It's not essential to have it working or anything?

Not looking to mod it in anyway just want a fairly quick fun runabout.

There are quite a few for sale locally and I don't mind travelling a bit for the right one.
 
G J said:
Hmm I'm having abit of trouble with the bonet catch on mine with it not closing properly after pooping it... now you got me worried. :p :eek:
Click to expand...

I would get it checked out :p I've heard and read about people who have had the bonnet sling open whilst driving due to a loose catch. Lude forums would be good to search around.
 
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