This pains me :( - Honda Forum / Acura Forum

94PreludeJDM · 07-04-2007, 09:38 PM

I think the time has come that I may have to part with my beloved prelude. It's a 94 vtec and I've loved it every second I've owned it, but it's a 14 year old car, and things keep happening. I've already replaced the axles, master cylinder, slave cylinder, and clutch, with the last three being within a year and a half. Last night my ABS light came on. It's just getting harder to justify dumping money into maintenance. I'm also driving about 90 miles round trip to work a day. So here's my question, and I know it's a honda forum, but try not to be bias, haha. I just think this is the best place to ask since I've been here for a few years now. I'm gonna go used, probably no more than 3 years old, low miles, something still under warranty. I graduated college and started my job 3 weeks ago, and I'm making decent money. I wanted to save more before I did this but hey, things happen, and I can afford it while still saving money. I wanna spend no more than $20K. I want something fun to drive but still decent on gas, and it's gotta look good, like the lude. Need something that'll do ok in the winter too. This all came up last night, so I haven't had much time to do extensive research, but from just thinking, I thought of either an RX8, a newer Si, or an A4 (like an '04) and yes, I realize it's a RWD touring car, a FWD economy car, and an AWD luxury car comparison, haha. I've read some pretty crappy reviews of the RX8, everything from engines needing to be replaced to gas mileage only being like 15 MPG, and no more than like 22 MPG. I can deal with 22 MPG, but not 15 MPG, might as well get a V8. I guess I'm asking which would you guys get? Or even any others that kind of meet my little criteria here? Any experiences you can share? I just wanna make sure I get a good car, as this will be by far the largest financial step I've taken, barring my college tuition. Thanks in advance, and thanks for listening to me rant!

Sirfallsalot243 · 07-04-2007, 10:22 PM

If you think the RX8 will be any more reliable than your 14 year old Honda, youre insane. They have more problems than a friggin Mitsubishi.

The Civic SI isnt a bad choice, and one can be had for around $8000 now a days.

A4, not a bad choice either, but Audis are NOT cheap to maintain.

94PreludeJDM · 07-05-2007, 03:32 AM

Yeah I read up a little more, and found that the RX8 is definitely unreliable. The Si, I'm talking about the new Si, I've found a few for around $18K, with like 10K-12K miles on them. And yeah, the Audi is expensive to repair and what not. I thought maybe Mazda6 too? With the slim chance of finding a Mazdaspeed6 at a good price, as my friend mentioned. New models will be coming out in the next few months, so that could help me get prices down too.

slow f23 · 07-06-2007, 11:53 PM

Mazdaspeed6 ftw.

Nice looking cars + quick + boosted.

but I'd rather an STI or an EVO > Mazdaspeed6.

94PreludeJDM · 07-07-2007, 08:38 AM

most of my friends have either a wrx or an sti and i like to be unique. and i hate mitsubishi, evo or not. the mazda is still a bit expensive, but I'll shop around. i looked up crossfires, they're pretty cheap. i think its a love it or hate it car, but i always liked it, and yes i know its not that quick. anyone else have suggestions? i'm pretty open to other ideas.

SlipoftheCondom · 07-11-2007, 03:30 PM

Keep the Prelude, fix what needs to be done and be on your way. I can understand wanting a newer car and all, but you are talking $20,000.00 on a newer car which means insurance will also cost you more. Put a few grand into the Prelude and enjoy it until it really dies... I still regret selling my Prelude, and that was three years ago... You'll save money in the long run...

Just my two cents... And two cents won't buy you shit nowadays...

d16y8alltheway · 07-11-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirfallsalot243

If you think the RX8 will be any more reliable than your 14 year old Honda, youre insane. They have more problems than a friggin Mitsubishi.

The Civic SI isnt a bad choice, and one can be had for around $8000 now a days.

A4, not a bad choice either, but Audis are NOT cheap to maintain.

i agree w/ him.

94PreludeJDM · 07-11-2007, 05:22 PM

I've already put a few grand into it, pretty soon I'll have more into it than the car is worth. I'm definitely not keeping it, I have a good job, and it's time to move on. I'm not in a hurry, but it's not worth putting thousands of dollars into a 14 year old car just to maintain it. I could have already had a new car by now. I think I'm gonna look at some MS6's this weekend.

mhlamin · 07-14-2007, 03:33 PM

Drive around with the ABS light on, I do, it drives just fine. Perfect infact. It's been this way since I bought the car.

Then get a Subaru WRX STi.

94PreludeJDM · 07-14-2007, 10:27 PM

3 of my friends have STi's, honestly, though it's a great performing car, I don't like the looks of it. And the interior is so-so as far as I'm concerned. I need decent gas mileage too. I drove a Mazdaspeed6 the other day and was very impressed...