Not perfect, though. The automatic timing-belt tensioner on the Prelude’s H22 engine can cause owners grief if it allows too much slack in the belt. This could result in skipped timing belt teeth and even fatal engine damage.
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| 1997 Honda Prelude |
Be absolutely sure to ascertain the engine’s timing belt situation. This very important belt needs to be changed at a prescribed interval before failure in order to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Check the state of all fluids under the hood, and be sure to inspect for proper operation of all interior features like the sunroof, power accessories and air conditioning.
The Prelude came out of the factory as a reliable car, but many owners upgrade and tweak their rides. This means that you’ll likely find plenty of used examples with aftermarket parts. Depending on the quality of the parts and labor used, these upgrades could be a blessing or a curse.
Most common upgrades will arguably consist of intake and exhaust modifications. These are typically difficult to do improperly-- though they may break local noise or emissions by-laws. Be wary of a used Prelude with suspension modifications unless the owner can prove they were performed professionally and using high-quality parts.
You'll want to get a grasp on any other upgrades made by the owner under the hood, and avoid a model with any sort of heavy engine modifications unless you’re experienced and well educated on engine tuning and mechanics.
Stock or not, check tire wear at all four corners, noting any uneven or unbalanced wear that could indicate an alignment problem. Note the condition of the Prelude's brakes, too. Test them using both moderate and heavy pedal loads, being alert to any pulsations, grinding, pulling or a metal-on-metal squealing sound. If you experience any of these, the car's owner may be trying to pass off an expensive brake job.
The clutch is another wearable item that needs investigation. The condition of a clutch depends less on the vehicle's mileage and more on how it was driven by its past owners. A clutch could last the life of a vehicle, or a few months, depending on who’s at the wheel.
Since a clutch change is a pricey job, you’ll want to make sure the clutch isn’t slipping or worn out on a test drive. Oh, and you’ll want to avoid any model that consistently ‘grinds’ when shifting gears, too.
If in doubt, your local Honda mechanic can have an up-close and personal look at a used Prelude with you, to ensure you’re buying a decent car and not a headache waiting to happen. Looking for a model with its full service history is a good idea here, too.
Ultimately, a relatively stock example of a Prelude that’s been well maintained and loved should give you few if any problems.
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| 1997 Honda Prelude |
photo:Honda
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