1989 Honda Prelude Si from North America - Comments

I have owned this car for 2½ years and I really like it unfortunately it did have some problems so right now I'm here to worn you that be careful before you buy.

-First thing I had to do was replace the timing belt (450$)

-I then had to replace the speedometer cable (34$)

-Lots of lights, then go out all the time. Cool looking though. (10-25$)

-The alternator went out about 9 months ago. (350$)

-Then the axel to the front right wheel broke in which I found out is only held on by a quarter inch bolt and since I have an automatic it was connected to my transmission, if I had been going 15 mph I would have destroyed the car! ($425, including towing)

-Recent problems I have been having have been that I noticed that the car is sensitive to heat and can over heat really easily if used all day in stop in go traffic.

-The transmission when sitting out in the sun does not work as well as if it was left in the cold.

-The antenna broke (65$)

-You must warm up the car 15 minuets every morning or it won't shift for the first 5 minuets when driving.

-Very little backseat room

-Also one last thing is I think the "computer" in the car that controls like the gages, the seatbelt sensors, etc... seems to be sensitive to the heat too and will be on when not suppose to be.

Over all for what I have paid for this car it has been kind of worth it. If you get this car and it has no problems then enjoy it because it's a beast even to this day. I have found out that in cold weather and night the car works the best. I have been able to get the car at 0-60 in 8 seconds. It has lots of power. Very small though for a car. Front 2 seats have lots of room, can fit anyone into. I would recommend that if you are buying a prelude, you should probably get a newer version, although a little more expensive, well worth it! If you can relate to any of the problems listed above please let me know or if you have any questions. Xavier934@comcast.net.

I too have had tranny problems with my 89 lude. Although I have yet to diagnose my problem. My s3 light flashes when the car has traveled four about 15 min. Yet with all the problems I agree that it is fun, but maybe more of a womans car because its kinda slow.

I have also had huge problems with this car being sensitive to heat. it will not start when the engine is hot or the temperature outside is too high. Besides that it is an awesome car though.

I'd buy a new radiator (don't just rebuild the old one). Even an aftermarket one is okay. The cooling system is very important in these vehicles and if they overheat too much you'll have major engine problems down the road. A small investment in a new radiator will save you $$$.

Anyone reading this about the 89 Prelude having problems in the heat there is a simple fix. The 89 had issues with a relay that would overheat. I am not sure which one, but any Honda mechanic worth his salt will know. I have 398,000 kilometers on my car. (Yup, no typo) Original owner and I am just now looking at getting an SUV. I will probably give my Prelude to my Daughter. The engine STILL does not use oil and all four cylinders are within spec for compression. The Honda Dealer I take it too calls my car the "energizer bunny" :P

If you find one of these in decent shape (Look around the rear fenders for rust, some of them had problems.) you would be nuts not to buy it.