How noisy should be Prelude 97/98 ?

I am considering to buy a 97 prelude SI triptronic with 78.000 kms on
the clock It seems to be in pritty good shape drives well no dents,
service book in order etc

Only thing is it's a bit noisy ... I haven't driven other Preludes of
this year so I can't really compare it to others but I test drived 95
Prelude and it was much quiter ...

Also I never had a sporty coupe before so I don't know what to expect
from it in this respect although it drives much much better than my
old Ford Falcon.

It seems like a good car for money around 20 grand with 78K for SI
model.

Also I know at 80K is needs to have a big service done replacing
timing belt etc how much am I looking for this serice ? I also heared
that these Preludes very reliable cars but need to be looked after.
What are the running costs like service charges and fuel usage ?

and most importantly how noisy should it be ?

 

(Sergei) wrote in message
What's making the Noise? Engine, Exaust?

 

Good cars...but the auto is problematic.

have a read through this:

http://www.hpoa.org/forumdisplay.php?s=20b3b32bdd3abec92e279122ef37791b&f=11

 

If it's not as quiet as the 95 model I'd be worried. Easily your best
bet is to take it to a Honda mechanic to do a pre purchase inspection.
Especially if you are suspicious about an engine sound and not
skilled enough to determine what it might be. If something is wrong
they will tell you, and you can pay $200 rather than $20,000 before
finding out the car is a lemon. At very worst, you will be given a
few points that can help you negotiate a better price on the car. He
will probably also give you a quote for servicing and repairing any
problems.

Preludes are reliable enough, but like most nice cars will need some
money spent along the way. Be prepared to pay more on this car than a
Ford at least.

 

crap!!!!!

 

My 01 is quiet -- no clatter from the engine, whine from the 5 spd. etc.

$20.000? US? I paid a 20,600 US for a 01 a couple of years ago --new. Hope
you are paying a fair price.

Timing belt at 90k miles, -or around 75-80 if it has been run hard in the
VTEC to 7400 rpm a lot.

Sportshift has been troublesome -- get a 5 spd instead. Otherwise very good
cars.

 

At 78,000ks it should be fairly quiet,....avoid.

Jason

 

We had a 99 model since new . very refined and quiet . sports mufflers /
exhaust are becoming common now that these are falling into ricer hands - so
beware probably other usual crap airbox mods too etc . I f you can find a
original example with good service history you will get a very fine car.