What to look for?

[si_speed]

I currently own a 94 Prelude Si (It has the H23 for those who dont know the diffrence). I also have a 91 Accord DX, auto, 252K miles, I just use it to run errands around town. It was a hand-me-down from my mom when she got her 98 Accord LX new. I'm looking into dropping the Lude and getting a 5th gen Accord, primarily for more room so I'd probably get the sedan. I'd also be swapping in a JDM H22A. But as far as the car itself, while looking, what defects and problems should I look for? I don't know much about the 5th gens so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :thumbsup:

[BenjiBoy650]

Just swap the Prelude H23 into your Accord... :dunno:

5th gens were pretty bulletproof though. I don't think anything ever went wrong with those cars...just timing belt changes were the big ones.

[Pilot4Life]

Yep! 5th Gens were built like tanks, and very reliable! Here's some things I'd like to share about our ownership experiences.

We have - 1996 Honda Accord LX (4spd A/T) Sedan- 100,072miles

Good:
Ride Quality
Interior Materials
Seats
Somewhat peppy...
Overall Build Quality

Bad:
Gutless Engine through any sort of incline - Opt for a VTEC EX Model
Some Electronics in the car have worn quicker than I'd think they should. - On seccond Power Door Lock Actuator, Window channels need to be silicone sprayed contiuously. RR window is about to quit.

Overall: Great Car, and we'd do it again! The 97' models have all the kinks worked out of them, and many little improvements. Shoot for that if you can.

[ItsaHonda]

5th gens were pretty bulletproof though. I don't think anything ever went wrong with those cars...just timing belt changes were the big ones>>>

My 5th gen (96) sold me on Hondas. The only real issue I can think of would be with the oil seal (which was recalled, call HOA and ask them to look up your VIN) Otherwise, just the basics... cv axles, belts, hoses, fluids, batteries, tires, etc. The only items I replaced outside of scheduled maintenance were an exhaust B-pipe @ 90k miles (pipe rusted out) radiator @ 120k miles, O2 sensor @ 140k (replaced free by Honda under the extended 14 year/150,000 mile emissions warranty) and a passenger side front wheel bearing @ 160,000 miles. The new owner recently had to replace the original starter @ just over 180,000 miles. Everything else is still original.


Some Electronics in the car have worn quicker than I'd think they should. - Power Door Lock Actuator>>

My power door lock actuators didn't work on my rear doors and would emit an unusual sound everytime I locked or unlocked the doors. This was a fairly common problem.

[si_speed]

Just swap the Prelude H23 into your Accord... :dunno:

5th gens were pretty bulletproof though. I don't think anything ever went wrong with those cars...just timing belt changes were the big ones.

Well if I got the Accord, I'd end up working out a deal where my dad would get the Prelude and I'd get the Accord so very little money would have to be spent. I want a fast N/A car and JDM H22 is the path I've chosen. As far as timing belts, how often did they have to be changed to be safe? My Lude went 98K before it was changed (Thats when I bought the car) and it still was in very good condition.

[BenjiBoy650]

90K is recommended, most I'd push is 105K. If you're going to swap an engine anyway... :dunno:

[si_speed]

Well if it needs it, I can probably get my dad to pay for it so it won't even hurt me any if I do need to cahnge one. He's very anal about me modifying my cars and always discourages it so he wouldn't know it if I swapped the engine. If he did happen to look under my hood and see VTEC all over it, I'll just tell him I got another valve cover.