I found a 1988 Honda Prelude with 37,000 miles. It's going for a very nice price. I talked to the dealer on the phone. He said the only problem with the car is that it idles rough. Is this a big problem? Does this tend to have an expensive fix? Is this odd for a car with such low miles?
I'm test driving the car tomorrow so I'll be able to see for myself just how rough he was talking. I just don't want to end up buying a car because it's such a deal and then ending up paying tons of money to fix it.
2007-10-09 18:25:43 · 5 answers · asked by stemsss 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
[1] I do plan on getting a carfax report on it. The miles did make me wonder. But if the miles are right...
[2] I also do plan on seeing if I can take it to my mechanic while on the test drive. Especially as he is only a light away from the location of the dealer. I guess that is probably my best bet. I still wanted to ask and get opinions beforehand. Just so I might know what to expect.
2007-10-09 18:41:36 · update #1
Idling rough may indicate that it needs a tune-up, or something more serious.
Ask the dealer if you can take it to your mechanic. If he says no, walk away.
If he says yes, have the mechanic hook it up to computer for analysis. This will give you a good idea of how expensive the repair will be.
2007-10-09 18:34:42 · answer #1 · answered by Schtupa 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
37,000 in 19+ years=1,947 per-year? (Sounds like someone may have "Turned The Mileage Back!"). Question; Why was it traded and why was it driven only 120 miles a month? What do you think of the dealership? Used Car Lot or new car dealer's used car section? If used car lot will they let you bring a friend "Mechanic" to 'Help you with the decision?
Could be an easy fix, Fuel Filter, Spark plugs & Wires, Air filter, Clean Fuel System, set timing. But a "Friend" look at it first!
The more I read what you've said the more this deal "Smells!"
2007-10-10 16:09:16 · answer #2 · answered by sidecar0 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
37k miles for a 20 yr old car is almost too good to be true. Something is either really wrong with it or it has been garaged and kept in really good shape.
Idling rough could mean the timing belt needs adjusting, could mean it needs a good tune up or the engine is "cold" and hasn't been run for a very long time.
Smartest thing to do is to take it to a mechanic while you're on the test drive or check out the VIN on carfax.com
2007-10-09 18:33:08 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be a minor thing like worn out plugs or major repairs, you need a mechanic on the spot.
My thoughts are that if it was a cheap repair the dealer would have done it already and sold at top price, beware.
2007-10-09 18:39:51 · answer #4 · answered by Larry C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Something seems funny..........
There has to be a reason he/she didn't drive it much.
Search craigslist.org to find out what other people are selling them for.
Personaly, I wouldn't give him more than $1300.
I found an '87 for $1000 http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/car/444758538.html
2007-10-09 18:38:09 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋