as the title says, i think i will be looking to buy a 97-98 prelude this summer for a DD...i've been doing alot of driving this past year so i want to get this car so i stop putting so many miles on the TL

i really dont know the market for one of these, typically looking to spend somewhere around 5-6k

think it's possible?

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/what-do-you-think-709741/

 

do not get an automatic even if its cheap. its going to cost you more to keep getting the tranny replaced.. its possible to get a 5th gen prelude in that price range but it will be a pos

 

You should go with a 97-99 cl. The manual 2.2s and 2.3s are bulletproof (F22/F23). The 3.0s are faster (V6) but tranny is crap (common problem...mine was dying so I sold it). The reason I'm recommending the CL is because it's more luxurious than a prelude, and it is also much cheaper. Plus you're most likely to find one that has been driven by someone 40+ and not riced out like some preludes are.

 

Actually the Prelude IMO is just as luxurious as the 1st gen CL. It rides a bit stiffer, but the body is stronger, resisting rattles better. The steering is much heavier and more communicative. Its about as quiet as the CL too.

But you are right about Preludes being riced out..

 

Pics of my old one. Mine was a '97. The '98 and '99 ones have painted lips and skirts and a better interior, so they look even better.




CLs did not hold their value at all, so I guarantee that you will be able to find one in better condition than a Prelude for the same price.