Lude Generation

Hi all,

Well it's finally happened, my girlfriend's Picanto is getting sold and I'm told we can get a Prelude to replace it, and even better it can be my daily driver whilst she takes the Golf

Anyhow, I'm off to see a 4th gen tomorrow, but wanted to do some last minute homework - hoping you guys can help out! What should I really be looking for? Main thing I know is check the rear arches for rust, but other than that I'm not really sure what to look for? It's a Japanese import, 2.2 VTEC with 4WS, looks great from the ad but after all the work I've done on my cars lately I just want something easy for once!!

Cheers in advance folks
Josh

make sure the 4ws works and all the dash lights come on and go out make sure the rear calipers work try driving off with the handbrake on then release it make sure you can feel the difference lol

idnt know jdms were also with 4ws, well you live and learn. the only other thing i can say regarding a jdm is quite often the milage isnt as high as it apears, personaly i would go jdm every time, but then im biased

have a wiggle of the skirts - is there a crunching sound

well make sure it all works and that the 4ws light comes on when you put power on and then goes off after you start the engine, same with the abs! make sure the car doesnt smoke on start and when you boot it! vtec cross's over as it should! look for gearbox crunches in 3rd at high revs and if you are brave and the guy isnt with you in 5th aswell!

check to see if the bottom pulley on the engine isnt wobbling.

listen for normal knocks and bump whilst driving especially shock knock (although this i easyish to sort its a point to haggle with)

and all the normal stuff like belt changes etc

Buying a 4th gen prelude.....well make sure if doesn't rust before viewing.

not true, there are loads that are fine (or is there, mine was fine till last winter, it could be just waiting for a new owner before apearing over night) but hey all cars 15 years plus will have some issues.

when looking at milage, take a look at shift knob, steering wheel and pedals, does the ware match the milage? it might seem obvious but check logbook carefully and do NOT buy from turbo timer

Cheers guys, will use all these to knock up a cheat sheet for whilst I'm there the mileage is something I'm slightly wary of - it's more than half of what my Golf has done, so I'll definitely be checking for wear and also going through the paperwork. Saying that my Golf doesn't have original clocks so who knows what the mileage is As for rust, apparently the sunroof is bubbling and one of the rear arches is just beginning to turn... I'm hoping it should be early enough to put right without too much pain. Luckily my girlfriend and I are moving to a house with a double garage later this month provided everything goes ok, so should be able to keep the 'Lude indoors if we do go for it. At any rate hopefully it'll drive ok and not have any nasty surprises, because I'm really missing VTEC these days

take the sideskirts off and check the sills make sure its all nice and straight

Hpi check it too

mycarcheck is cheaper and way faster. text the reg number to 83600 to get vehicle history report. costs 3£.