I have bought my first Honda - and I love it!
Discussion
In June this year I bought a Honda Prelude MK V 2.0 (yes I know that the H22 is preferred over the F20A4) with only 39,000 miles and full service history stamped by the same Honda garage since 1999 - 1 lady owner. I managed to pick this up for only £350.00. I knew that there would be issues with the car seeing as it had low miles for its age. So fast-forward to October and I have replaced the clutch, full brake system and most of the suspension components minus the springs and bushings etc (OEM parts; of course). It passed its MoT a few days ago and now I can finally drive the car.
I understand that this may not be seen as a worthwhile investment. But with the low mileage and how well maintained the car is in general, I went with it (seriously, a lot of the components under the bonnet look brand-new still; with even the original Honda stickers still shining - which probably counts for sweet nothing to most people).
Basically, I am very happy with my relatively cheap purchase, even with the money spent on parts & labour taken into account I haven't spent a lot. I'm unsure of what people think about the Prelude, in my case the F20A4. Does anyone have any experience with upgrading this particular model? I have read a small amount here and there but this is the first car forum I've joined, and I wish to keep this car for many years to come - so please pardon my ignorance.
I understand that this may not be seen as a worthwhile investment. But with the low mileage and how well maintained the car is in general, I went with it (seriously, a lot of the components under the bonnet look brand-new still; with even the original Honda stickers still shining - which probably counts for sweet nothing to most people).
Basically, I am very happy with my relatively cheap purchase, even with the money spent on parts & labour taken into account I haven't spent a lot. I'm unsure of what people think about the Prelude, in my case the F20A4. Does anyone have any experience with upgrading this particular model? I have read a small amount here and there but this is the first car forum I've joined, and I wish to keep this car for many years to come - so please pardon my ignorance.
The 5th Gen lude is a great car. I had a 2.2 Motegei years ago which I loved.
The F20 isn't worth tuning IMO, unless you're going to go balls out and turbo it or something but even then you'd be better off swapping a H22 in.
Parts/accessories are getting harder to find for these cars. A few nice simple mods though are EP3 Civic wheels, lowering springs and if you can find them, the VTI/Motegi bumper lips (and if you like it/can find one the bonnet spoiler)
The Prelude isn't as widely supported as the Civic etc but they are good cars.
The F20 isn't worth tuning IMO, unless you're going to go balls out and turbo it or something but even then you'd be better off swapping a H22 in.
Parts/accessories are getting harder to find for these cars. A few nice simple mods though are EP3 Civic wheels, lowering springs and if you can find them, the VTI/Motegi bumper lips (and if you like it/can find one the bonnet spoiler)
The Prelude isn't as widely supported as the Civic etc but they are good cars.
Thanks for the replies lads! I'll have pictures soon, and yeah - I was looking at possibly adding a turbo down the line, I'll be able to save up for it. My next steps are going for new springs as you mentioned; going for 40mm lower springs from stock height. I was thinking either the EP wheels or the fanblades, I wasn't a 'fan' of them to begin with but they've grown on me and it's period correct, I guess.
After that it's little things like wind deflectors etc - I don't want to do too much, just a nice clean 'lude. Being as inexperienced as I am, is there anyway to go for a wider tyre/alloy? I basically want a 'flush' look without being slammed. (damn speed bumps)
That is a very nice Prelude there, silver like mine - I may take some inspiration from that fine example.
After that it's little things like wind deflectors etc - I don't want to do too much, just a nice clean 'lude. Being as inexperienced as I am, is there anyway to go for a wider tyre/alloy? I basically want a 'flush' look without being slammed. (damn speed bumps)
That is a very nice Prelude there, silver like mine - I may take some inspiration from that fine example.
Why not keep it as-is - you have a great low mileage example - could even be a future classic? Who would have thought that Escorts & Cortinas would ever be worth 10% of what they go for now.
I say enjoy it as it is - keep on top of the maintenance and with any luck it will be a cheap, smart buy.
I say enjoy it as it is - keep on top of the maintenance and with any luck it will be a cheap, smart buy.
Thanks for the replies; yeah as first impressions go Honda's seem to be really fun, I also own an rx8 but it feels totally different, as expected. I may keep it as an original in hopes for it being a future classic, but I doubt that'll happen, and I think I'm gonna keep this until it dies. Thanks for the link to the site too; I'll be sure to get on there quick style.
dobly said:
Why not keep it as-is - you have a great low mileage example - could even be a future classic? Who would have thought that Escorts & Cortinas would ever be worth 10% of what they go for now.
I say enjoy it as it is - keep on top of the maintenance and with any luck it will be a cheap, smart buy.
This.I say enjoy it as it is - keep on top of the maintenance and with any luck it will be a cheap, smart buy.
Worth keeping it as is, just enjoy it for what it is. I'm sure you'll own other cars that are faster and a better base for tuning if you go down that route.
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