GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I was looking at a 89 Honda Prelude that has 245 k miles on it. It has had a valve job, water pump,thermostat,and cooling fan replaced. It sounds great but how long will the bottom end last or the auto trans? My concern it that it will be a $ pit will all the things that will break on a car with that milage on it. I need some feed back. Thanks.

My buddy had an 89 accord and the transwent at 175000. the engine went at 200000, threw a rod i believe

The timing belt was replaced when the valves were done. It is a Prelude Si with 4ws,air, auto, all power windows, sun roof. And of course red faded paint. It may clean up? The interior is clean. $1500 If it had 150 k I would buy right now! It was the top of the Prelude line.

I think the parts I would worry about with that many miles are the tranny and the 4 wheel steering components. I don't believe I would pay that much for the car with that many miles on it personally.

The problem is that you don't know how well it was mantained though you can assume he must of at least done a good job with those miles. The tranny has got to be about used up unless they're all highway miles. Compression check the motor. If it's not too bad than the motor might be good for a while. If not, you know that the oil has diluted with fuel through the rings since he's had a valve job. That compromises the oil protection and would be red flag. In reality, if the thing lasts close to a year without problems, it's still not a bad deal but any major fix makes one.

There are places that will sell you a rebuilt Japanese engine and install it for around $500 if it really is a concern. In Japan, it's required by law that you get a new engine after 100,000 miles. These used engines get rebuilt and sold in the US. There is nothing wrong with them, should be able to get another 100,000 miles with no problems. Just look for an import specialist near you.