Honda Prelude 2.2 Vti Auto

Hi guys,

I've placed a deposit on a 1997 prelude with 63,000 miles. Being a
bit of an idiot, I didn't do much research on the car before I bought
it. After logging on to a forum, I found that loads of people have
been having major problems with their auto transmission. Some people
have replaced it 2-3 times. I will be getting a warranty, but it will
not be a Honda one. The last thing I want is to have continuous
problems and an empty wallet after buying this car!

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Do I pay the rest of the money for the car and hope for the best...or
lose the deposit and run?

Thanks
SAV

 

I have an 01, but it's a 5 speed. No problems at all at 30k. I have known
one person who had a sportshift and she had to have the trans replaced.
Reportedly the sportshift has problems. Can't imagine why you would want
the car with anything but a 5 speed.

 

The Lude's still a nice car even though it's being crippled by an
automatic tranny. I haven't heard anything good about the automatic on
lude, so it might be wise to babe it as much as possible. Another
automatic sport coupe, that has a more reliable tranny would be the
Accord.

Pars

 

Well, if you were already going to get a warranty, then you are fine. My
understanding of the problem is that is happens - but it isn't one of those
'my car is in the shop all the time' sort of problems. Generally speaking,
all 5th generation Preludes are trouble-free, with the exception of the
Automatic having some tranny issues. But - the point of a warranty is to
cover the potential big problem, such as this. So, this is a perfect fit.
I wouldn't purchase it without a warranty, though.

That said, owning a Prelude with an automatic transmition is a little like
having a crotch-rocket with training wheels. But -- that's just my personal
opinion, of course.

--Monty