Hello all,

This is my 1st REAL post since joining the beginning of this month.

I purchased a **1 owner** 98 CL 2.3 5 speed w/ 149k miles for only $500 from my sister . The interior & exterior are in SHOWROOM CONDITION!!! & it has never been in a accident. I'm getting 27 mpg overall. This is a blessing because I also own a 02 Suburban which gives me 14 mpg (I need the space for my wife & 7 Kids ).

Now the down side. For the past 10 years of my sisters ownership, her ONLY priority has been refilling the gas tank . The car initially didn't see a oil change until it was two year old & if it was lucky maybe once a year after that. The CL is going through 1 quart of oil per 380 miles (full tank / 1 a week).

I've changed the following. 4 Tires (225/50/16), Battery, Spark plugs, Wires, Rotor, Cap, Thermostat, Front & Rear pads, All fluids, Valve Cover Gasket & plugs gasket (as a result of a major valve cover leak) which now runs smooth as silk.

The only repair this car ever had or needed (prior to me) was an aftermarket catalic converter about 8 months ago which is dead again (CEL on once more)! I assume it died because of the oil burn. Also her driver side window hasn’t worked for the past 5 years (she didn't care because she's an AC person).

My question is…
1. How long do you guys think this engine will hold up going through 1 quart a week?
2. Am I investing in a money pit?
***Keep in mind she idle & runs smooth & strong. No sputtering or hesitating***

BTW... I just found out tonight that the timing belt & water pump has NEVER been changed

 

I would'nt be so concerned about the timing and water pump thing. Just take the cover off of it and take a peak. If it is in goo shape no cracks tears etc... You are probably ok. You don,t need a convertor you CEL will stay on and you might run a little rich but that will save ya money there. As for the oil burn off use an oil for high mileage cars that stuff really works. Change the oil alot for the first couple months and run the living hell out of it. get all that shit broke loose and burnt out of it make sure you puy injector cleaner in it. If you only paid 500 for the thing yes it is worth runnin till it dies

 

Anyone has any ideas how long in this condition it may last?

 

if you're burning oil you can always find a 98-02 4 cyl honda accord engine and replace your old one.
you probably don't need a new catalytic converter just because of oil burning.
the driver window will need a new window regulator.
you should replace the timing belt and water pump, if you wait any longer you'll definitely be replacing the whole engine.
the car will last for a few yrs, but adding a quart of oil every week will become very costly.

 

dude, your timing belt is about to snap, way overdue. service that before anything else. Then find someplace that you can buy oil by the gallon and keep it in your trunk.

 

OK I found a independent Acura Specialist which charge $700 for the timing belt job.

As far as the oil (which i assume is burning since no leaks) is there a grade which burns less than others (5w-30, 5w-40, 5w-50, 10w-30, 10w-40, etc..)?

BTW I live in Atlanta (hot & cold climate)