1983 Honda Prelude Stock review from North America
"Handles like a new European sports car, minus the engine power"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Water pump broke, replaced easily.
Head gasket crack at 89000 miles, also a semi-easy replacement.
The clutch is worn down to the bone, but still the original and pending replacement around the latest mileage.
Brake light indicator always on, still working on that.
Trunk rails bent with a trunk mounted bike rack and about 80lbs+ of weight. I over did it and it's probably all my fault, but worth a mention. Get a roof rack.
General comments?
I love the way this car feels. With a 5 speed and McPherson rack and pinion steering it's fun as hell to drive. The car sits low and mean, and you're just a few inches off the ground in the cockpit.
The rear seat is almost worthless, and is currently holding a set of boxed 6x9's. I can still cram a person or two back there.
There aren't many performance after-market parts, but stock and standard parts are commonly available or ready to order. Honda dealers have an online computer to order parts in a day or two, from simple things like headlight mounts to a new clutch. I'm putting it up for the winter and will try an engine swap to get more HP.
Beware the rusting, try to find one that's southern or winter kept.
www.hondaprelude.com -need I say more?
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| 1983 - Prelude 1.8 Dual-sidedraft Good fixer-upper |
|
| An absolutely indestructible car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1983 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8L 2bbl Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 89000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 111100 miles |
| Date of Entry | 1st July, 2001 |