Honda Prelude Coupe (1991-96)

As its more muscular street presence generates a strong following amongst younger buyers, Joe Kenwright looks at how it stacks up as a used car.

HISTORY:
The Prelude's transition from a Civic-based coupe to a full-size sports coupe in its own right was complete by the December 1991 introduction of the fourth all new Prelude. Front styling resembled the latest US pony cars, particularly the Pontiac Firebird, with a tail that could have come from the Jaguar XJS. It was a curious mix but its low and wide stance has defied time and can still turn heads. The dash was allegedly inspired by Honda designers looking at the Tokyo skyline hence the dark full-width panoramic look broken-up by coloured lights which gives a new meaning to cabin fever.

The Prelude was marketed at four levels: A base S with specific single camshaft engine and steel wheels, the Si with twin cam engine and alloys and Si SRS with ALB (anti-lock braking) and driver's airbag. This was followed by the high performance VTi-R in February 1994. An all-new squarer style replaced this series in January 1997.

KEY PRELUDE CHANGES:

Dec 1991:Launch of S, Si and Si SRS models

Feb 1994: VTi-R model launched with full electronic dash display and deleted rear centre console for extra seat width. R134a air-cond and rear spoiler added to all models. Si SRS is dropped.

May 1994:Later cabin added to S and Si models including deleted rear centre console, full electronic dash in Si, new trim and centre console electric window switches. Later VTi-R alloys were fitted to Si while all levels now shared clear front indicator lenses.

Mar 1995: Driver's airbag standard on all models.

Mar 1996: ALB standard in Si model.

Jan 1997: New series announced. Final examples cleared.

SPECIFIC PRELUDE CHECK ITEMS:

Mechanical:
The S came with a single cam 16-valve all alloy 2156cc engine with 96kW on basic unleaded fuel, the Si had twin-camshafts, 2258cc and 118kW on premium unleaded. The F22A engines are prone to sludging which blocks oilways especially if poor quality oil is used and oil changes are missed causing oil starvation and expensive damage to valve gear.

All alloy engine construction with carbon reinforced alloy is strong but sensitive to missed coolant changes leading to head gasket and other woes on neglected examples. Engine and transmission changeovers are now quite cheap with flood of cheap Japanese imported parts if originality is not a big concern.

Thin original radiator top tank can let go under Aussie heat but cheap local upgrade is much stronger. If car still has original radiator, keep an eye on it to avoid cooking the engine.

There are belts for camshaft and twin balancer shafts. Both have to be changed at 90,000km 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.

Later VTi-R came with sensational H22A1 2157cc VTEC variable twin camshaft engine for 142kW on premium unleaded. Engine is more reliable than earlier S and SRi engines but high engine speeds, extra complexity and lightweight carbon reinforced alloy block still demand top shelf oil, coolant and filters changed at specified intervals.

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

If engine has been changed for Jap import replacement make sure that all registration records are up to date and any compatibility or engine management issues have been addressed.

Running Gear
Both manual and auto transmissions are reliable. Import replacement auto may be cheaper than overhaul. Hydraulic clutch circuit can fail if fluid has not been flushed and changed according to specified schedule.

Brake hardware is outstanding and long lived but check for fluid leaks and minimum rotor thickness on high mileage or abused examples. Early ALB computers prone to failure and expensive to replace. Check ABS operation on all examples.

Quality gas shockers are also long-lived and highly effective but must be replaced with equivalent items to maintain Prelude feel. Short travel suspension may look good if lowered but at the cost of ride quality. Some aftermarket exhaust systems can ruin refinement and performance.

Rear wheel bearings can be noisy and may need to be replaced.

Four wheel steering changed from original Honda Prelude mechanical system to complex electronics with stepper motors and controls now ready to give trouble. Check 4WS operation and four wheel alignment.

Factory Honda 15-inch alloys as fitted to Si and VTi-R were the best compromise for everyday ride and handling with quality V-rated tyres. Make sure that aftermarket replacements where fitted do not interfere with wheelarch clearance or suspension geometry.

Body
Check all cabin parts for heat or sun damage. Chromework on late Australian spec models inside door handles can peel. Plain finish earlier items last longer. Check operation of all electrical accessories including air-conditioning, electric windows, sound system. Horn buttons can fall off but are cheap to replace.

Striking dash design looks different but electronic display can go dim on later update models.

Outstanding paint finish, quality fittings and fine panel gaps are part of Prelude appeal so check carefully that they have not been compromised by rubbishy replica panels and sub-standard lights which leak and distort. Imported used original parts are now cheap so there is no excuse for cheap replicas. Japanese spec headlights which are a common appearance upgrade may not meet local regs.

When car was new, it was a popular target for theft and some may still be wearing bogus identity from a write-off. Check history carefully.

Rear screen has a plastic trim moulding which cracks and peels with age.

Check for poor body repairs and if in doubt, seek second opinion from Honda expert who knows what these cars should look like in vital check areas.

Prices
Early Prelude S and Si examples from this series start at around $10,000 then peak at around $16-18,000 for the very best 1996 examples. The VTi-R starts at around $16,000 for an early 1994 example and the best final examples nudge the $20,000 barrier. Key data confirmed by Prelude experts Hondworld (03) 9530 9930.