Prelude 4th Gen VTEC, or GT4 ST185?

Six6siX

Six6siX

Six6siX

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Following on from a thread i started a while back, I'm looking to change my car soon, and as the title suggests, I'm leaning towards a Honda 2.2 VTEC Prelude 4th Gen, or a Celica GT4 ST185. Not fixed a budget yet, but don't want to go silly.

Insurance wise, they are very similar - the Lude coming in about £100 cheaper, but saying that, both would be cheaper than my 306DT... :p

What are the opinions on these cars? Both similar power wise, but in terms of reliability - I know they won't be the cheapest cars to run, but which would be better?

My thoughts are that the ST185's might be getting on a bit and turbo's failing are going to be something to look out for - in that respect, perhaps the Honda engine requires less maintenance?

Anyone own either of the cars in question - what are common things to look out for when viewing/test driving?

Oh and also, what are the main differences between the UK spec and the JDM spec for these cars?

Cheers :)
 
For the Honda Prelude, it's a very reliable car, frequent oil changes (actually I am due one :o ) and it should keep you right. If you can go for the JDM I would recommend this if possible. Usually the bodywork is in much better condition, if you go for a UK model check the wheel arches, they can rust really quite badly and may require some work. With the JDM you could get more extras and options. If you can get one go for the BB4 with LSD. It was minus the sunroof ABS and 4 wheel steer, making it more lightweight. I think (though I could be wrong) that only the BB4 came with the LSD? Little extras on the JDM are things like electric folding mirrors, seat adjustment memory.

When I remember more I will post more........or if you have any other questions just ask :)

Think I am right in saying too that only the JDM had a knock sensor.
 
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I had a lude for over a year, great cars and I would get one again. The GT4 is a great car, but I wouldnt get a 185 - it would have to be the ST205.
 
Hi there

Prelude hands down.

UK models are all the same - Air con, ABS, Sunroof, 4WS, Leather interior, NO LSD. 185BHP with 0-60mph in 6.6s.
Pro's of the UK model is cheaper insurance, service history and they hold value better. Cons are not as many options or less of whichever you preferre.

Things to look out for is arches rusting, 4WS not working easy to check just turn the wheel with car on and you will see the rears moving. Make sure it has full service history. On test drive change gear just before limiter to check for smooth changes and test all gears. Upon getting back switch off and then start again to check for any ignition problems.

JDM models come in many variations, mainly BB1 and BB4 varients. The lightweight is the best for obvious reasons and is missing a few key items as already mentioned. Some JDM models even had traction control which is not needed on these cars, other JDM features were climate control, electric mirrors etc.
All JDM cars have 197BHP when run on 99/100 RON. The lightweight model will see 60mph in 6.2s and 100mph in approx 16s so no slouch of a car.

However JDM can cost more to insure and selling on may be more difficult.

If you search around you can find nice 4th Gen Ludes now easily for £1000-£2000. :)

I got mine with 60k on the clock, sold it with 110k on the clock and it never missed a beat and I tracked it too. :)
 
Hi, thanks for the info everyone.

Looks like it might be the Lude then and probably the JDM spec - seems to have much more going for it.

Much as I like the ST185, i think perhaps it might be a better option all round. ST205 - I did consider these, but not too keen on looks (I know, I know) and the Insurance is a bit higher.

Insurance wise on a Prelude, I think I'll try and stick to one of the insurers who don't frown upon imports - seems the best way to go judging from some of the quotes I've already gotten.

Is 4WS good to have? Is the turning circle hugely improved? Also is it prone to dying at all?

EDIT: also, for the risk of sounding quite dim...what's BB4 / BB1 ? I'm assuming engine codes?
 
Six6siX said:
Is 4WS good to have? Is the turning circle hugely improved? Also is it prone to dying at all?
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No it's not good to have, the turning circle is improved at slow speed which makes parking easier, however it is VERY MUCH prone to dying. It's fully electronically controlled, which means if the ECU starts acting up, the whole thing tends to fail.

Can you tell my Prelude has 4WS? ;)
 
My 4WS system never went wrong but have read many problems with the thing, plus its VERY heavy. The ECU alone is like the size of the back seat !... Defaintly better to go for the one without if only to loose the weight. It does give a strange feel to the car at slow speeds, especially when reversing, it almost feels like it crabs, but you dont notice that much when your going above 30mph.
 
Muban said:
I think (though I could be wrong) that only the BB4 came with the LSD?
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nope the BB1 came with LSD, as a general rule if the lude has traction control it has the LSD box, but as everything was an option in Japan no two ludes are a like

Muban said:
Think I am right in saying too that only the JDM had a knock sensor.
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Yup, located between the intake manifold and the oil filter, don't break it, a real pain to replace trust me.

Gibbo said:
However JDM can cost more to insure and selling on may be more difficult.
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I disagree, when i insured my JDM they give me the same price as a UKDM, and JDM's are far more sort after than UKDM's, the BB4 is the most sort after as it's the lightweight model, but the JDM BB1 has all the toys, even in some models has a TV built into the dash as a factory option. JDM's deffo are more sort after for people who know about preludes.

Memphis said:
No it's not good to have, the turning circle is improved at slow speed which makes parking easier, however it is VERY MUCH prone to dying. It's fully electronically controlled, which means if the ECU starts acting up, the whole thing tends to fail.

Can you tell my Prelude has 4WS? ;)
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Main problem with the 4ws is dry joints in the 4ws ECU, had it on mine resoldered the dry joints it's never failed since.

The prelude has it's own diagnostic feature so you can find out exactly what bit has failed.

TripleT said:
I'd go for the 'lube too.

Is this stupidly cheap to anyone else? Or are the other ones really expensive? :confused:
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The market for 5g ludes has suddenly dropped, most are below 2k now, you can pick up a Type-S for £3-£3.5k.

I guy in our car club just bought a P reg 2.2 Vtec with montegi kit, it's was an auto though but totally spotless for £1600

if you want info on Preludes check out www.preludeuk.co.uk normally a few for sale on there as well and a load of info for spotting faults before you buy, i recommend you have a look.
 
Definitely a prelude. They're bargains at the moment. Also if the 4WS goes its usually a wheel / speed sensor that needs replacing as opposed to the ECU. There seems to be quite a lot of misinformation about the reliability of the system - it is reliable, just kicks up a fuss over little things but when reset usually ok.

I'd have another in an instant, in fact I probably will do by the summer.

Also go for a Jap model - they're the most sought after for a reason.
 
I didn't realise so many people have had Preludes here!

I'll echo most of the above, basically!!

Cheaper insurance slightly on UKDM. Slightly less power, and less toys.

JDM has slightly more power (though not as much as people would lead you to believe!), more toys as standard, and more options available! Extra standard toys are climate control (as opposed to just A/C on a UKDM), folding mirrors. Extras can include LSD, Traction Control, no sunroof, no 4ws, TV in dash, air purifier - you name it it's probably an option!

Prices for 4th gens are ridiculously low! Even the price of the 5th gen has dropped off massively!

4th gens are going for ~£1000 to £2000, with the very, very best examples fetching ~£2300. 5th gens have dropped below £2000, and even the range-topping 220bhp Type-S has reached the ~£3500 level!
 
ConfusedTA said:
I didn't realise so many people have had Preludes here!

I'll echo most of the above, basically!!

Cheaper insurance slightly on UKDM. Slightly less power, and less toys.

JDM has slightly more power (though not as much as people would lead you to believe!), more toys as standard, and more options available! Extra standard toys are climate control (as opposed to just A/C on a UKDM), folding mirrors. Extras can include LSD, Traction Control, no sunroof, no 4ws, TV in dash, air purifier - you name it it's probably an option!

Prices for 4th gens are ridiculously low! Even the price of the 5th gen has dropped off massively!

4th gens are going for ~£1000 to £2000, with the very, very best examples fetching ~£2300. 5th gens have dropped below £2000, and even the range-topping 220bhp Type-S has reached the ~£3500 level!
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Hi there

You know any Type-S models for sale anywhere?
 
What can be said about the Prelude that has not come up already! Take a look on http://www.preludeuk.co.uk

All I will add is that my friends Celica GT4 185 kept blowing it's hoses off and leaking coolant so he got shot of it rather quickly. Thats what you have to expect with an older car though! Though the flip up lamps were cool!
 
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