Should I fix my Lude ?

Hey all,

I know that many people post asking if they
should fix their old cars. I'll be naive and
say I think my situation is special...

1987 Prelude S (Dual Carburated) Manual Trans,
no air, no power steering. 217000kms, runs
good, gets about 10kms/Litre = 24 MPG (US Gallons)(could be a little
better, but its all
city driving) Done the clutch, alternator,
thermostat, and thinking about doing the water
pump soon. Timing belt replaced at 200000kms.

BUT, as I live in Winnipeg (or Winterpeg as it
is sometimes affectionately called), its rusty.
It hasn't been too bad, but this winter was not
good to it.

Got a quote from a body guy, $1500-2000 to cut
all the rust out (sunroof, roof, wheel wells,
doors, trunk, and filler neck, all are pretty
much surface rust, no perforation, except for
the filler neck, which is rusted right out, a
common problem on preludes and accords of this
vintage)

So the big question: Spend $2000 for another 2-
3 years outta the car, OR

we have the option to buy a 1990 Cavalier (2
door) with 103000kms and in really good shape
and saftied for $1000.

This is my girlfriend's car, I once said I would
break up with her if she drove a piece of
detroit junk, but its a hard sell to say she
should spend $2000 on her 18 year old honda
(which she loves).

Any opinions out there?

t

 

Yes fix the Prelude......my first Honda was a 1982 Prelude.....I did have
air <G> and a Moonroof and standard shift..... I loved that car and wish I
still had it......

 

Fix it...with 217 000 kms- your Prelude is far from the grave. I have a
1988 civic with 320 000 kms, and it runs like a top!
-chris

 

First reaction: Fix it. It is a lude after all. Also, if you
maintained so well, it should be good for a few more years, if
not more. One thing. is the engine still in great shape? Have you
done a compression text on it?

If all is fine, fix it, then Krown it (rust proof it, but you are
a fellow canadian, so you know about krown...).

Second reaction: If you do have the $$, or if you desperatly want
more creature comfort, don't fix it and buy a third generation
Integra. Great car, great fun to drive: reliable. You can have a
great one for 10K-ish. in the 1994-1998 range

 

Agreed - if you maintain it well the Prelude will last a lot longer than
the Cavalier, despite the difference in mileage between the two cars.

Dave

 

Fix! Stick with good old honda and if anything you can turn around and sell
it anyway but it being way older than the cavalier probably still will
outrun it.


-Jeff