I did a complete suspension overhaul when I first bought it: control arm/ball joint assemblies on both sides, axles on both sides, tie rod end on passenger side. This was all due, however, to an extended period of inactivity before I purchased the vehicle. Spent a total of $400 on parts, did all the work myself.
Since I've been driving the vehicle, I've replaced the entire exhaust system. (again, primarily due to the inactivity) This was about $450 to replace.
Some carburetor problems, easily solved with a good cleaning.
Broke the front sway bar. Easy fix again, with a used replacement costing about $30, and a couple hours of wrestling.
This is an amazingly rugged car. If you know a fair bit about repair, an older Honda is a wonderfully dependable vehicle. The parts are cheap and most are very easy to replace in the driveway (I've even done a few repairs right in the parts store's parking lot)
I wouldn't know about the creature comforts. I bought mine with nothing but a driver's seat.
The only complaint I really had was replacing the axles. The spring clamps make pushing these monsters back into the transmission a nightmare.
All in all, this is a wonderfully rugged old gem that requires very little maintenance (Honda recommended oil changes every 7500 miles!!!)
If dependability is the number one priority, this is your car. I've heard that this hasn't changed much in 20 years of Prelude construction.
I look forward to joining the 300,000 mile club next year!
My Prelude only has 186,000 miles. To see another Prelude owner reaching 300,000 miles sighs relief under my breath.
-Starving (financially) college student.
My 1982 Prelude has 383,000 miles, many of which have been on rough rural roads. It still gets 34 mpg and doesn't even leak or burn oil. I bought it with 77K on it and have changed oil religiously every 3,500 miles. I can vouch for its rugged nature. It's been the best investment I've ever made!
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