Buying a used Honda Prelude (1997-2002)

The fifth generation Prelude brought chiselled new lines and a choice of two advanced 2.2-litre engines on its February 1997 release.

At 10 years old, it still looks fresher than most 1997 models and the 1305kg VTi-R is no slouch given its 8-10 litres/100km fuel economy.

Base Si engine is 2156cc twin-cam with smaller bore, longer stroke than VTi-R engine and delivers 118kW/201Nm on 91RON. Sporty VTi-R engine is 2159cc VTEC twin-cam that produced 143kW/212Nm on 95RON then power was boosted to 147kW for 1999.

Four-wheel steering was replaced by rare ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) option that feeds extra torque to the outside front wheel during cornering for reduced understeer. Boot and cabin space was boosted by 35mm wheelbase increase and 105mm extra length.

Body was 55 per cent stiffer in bending rigidity and 24 per cent up in torsional rigidity for big improvement in feel and handling. New Sportshift auto offered sequential manual shift mode. Prelude was not replaced when withdrawn in mid-2002.

PRICES
Prelude Si examples start at $15,000 then peak at around $25,000 for the last 2002 examples. The more complex VTi-R generally fetches $1000-2000 more than equivalent Si for later models but the gap narrows with earlier examples as the extra complexity brings extra bills.

SPECIFIC PRELUDE CHECK ITEMS
Both twin-cam engines are prone to sludging which blocks oilways. Oil change intervals are too long for stop-start urban driving especially if cheap oil is used. Blocked oilways starve engine of oil which in this case causes balance shafts to seize. This locks up the engine and can cause conrods to shatter the engine block, turning it into scrap. Look inside rocker cover for sludge and listen for tell-tale valve gear noise.

All-alloy engine construction with fibre reinforced cylinder liners can be durable providing oil is kept fresh and clean but it's also sensitive to missed coolant changes leading to head gasket and other woes on neglected examples. Thin original radiator tank can fail under Aussie heat but cheaper local replacement may be stronger. If original radiator is still fitted, keep an eye on it to avoid cooking the engine.

Belts for camshaft and twin balancer shafts must be changed at 90,000 km intervals. Assume they haven't been changed if there are no records to avoid catastrophic failure. Hydraulic belt tensioner can also fail and experts advise on pre-emptive maintenance at each belt changeover.

Distributor bearings can wear out but engine electronics are reliable providing the engine hasn't been cooked.

High km examples often have a used Japanese import engine so check that all registration records match up and any compatibility or engine management issues have been addressed.

SportShift sequential auto generates a nightmare sequence of failures. Importers of used transmissions struggle to keep up with demand at $2500 per unit so check all shifts in auto and manual modes and noises especially second gear.

Check for fluid leaks and minimum rotor thickness on high mileage or abused examples. Check ABS operation on all examples. Noisy rear wheel bearings will need to be replaced. Prelude needs routine four wheel alignment so look for odd tyre wear.

Check operation of all electrical accessories including air-conditioning, electric windows, sound system. Headlights are expensive at close to $1000 each so check that genuine parts are fitted. Flush park/indicator lights are vulnerable in front bumper.

Preludes are theft targets so watch for bogus identity lifted from a write-off. Check history carefully. Check all paint finish on large number of plastic body parts for colour match and texture.