Honda Prelude 2.2 VTEC Si JDM
07 July 2004, 09:11 AM
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Honda Prelude 2.2 VTEC Si JDM
After a bad experience with a scooby last year, that I bought off a supposedly respected Subaru dealer :-( I have decided to buy something hopefully cheaper to run. My scooby was a dog and just think I was unlucky but the thing just would not do over 18 mpg even just touching the throttle (UK Turbo 1998 Wagon) amongst other major problems. Don't know if that is normal or something is wrong, as I knew they were thirsty but this was horrendous, if I put my foot down I am sure it was doing about 10 mpg.
I have looked at various cars Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo (bothered about reliabilty), Celica GT (to slow), Nissan 200SX S14a (this is what I should buy really, not sure about its looks though!), and even another Scooby. Nice one for sale locally with 74K and FSSH 1996 UK Turbo wagon very clean with some Prodrive extras, I may get this and service it myself and independently as I will not pay Subaru's stupid prices on a car this old, and for this value. I would obviously get it checked if I did buy as I don't want another dog although I have a better idea what to look for now after having a bad one. Although I still do not believe it will be cheap to run in anyway, although it is a second car so the horrendous fuel consumption would not be a problem. Do love scoobs though!
The most sensible choice would be a Prelude, not easy to tune but I ain't that bothered. I have seen a really good one a 1994 Gen 4 2.2 Vtec Si (BB4 chassis, whatever that means but they are apparently the best for the Gen 4) and with it being a Jap import it also lacks 4 wheel steering which is a plus point to me as it is very expensive if it goes wrong and makes the car weigh a little more. On the downside the car has no ABS or Airbag(s), I am not really bothered about ABS as I never drive like a complete idiot in wet conditions anyway. I guess the airbag is the main concern, again not a big deal but would prefer if I had a choice! I could always try and get a UK car with airbags ABS etc, but all I have seen so far are complete rubbish that have not been looked after, or I could get a Gen 5 car which I have to admit look very stodgy looking in my eyes.
Anybody had one of these cars who can comment on them please?
I have looked at various cars Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo (bothered about reliabilty), Celica GT (to slow), Nissan 200SX S14a (this is what I should buy really, not sure about its looks though!), and even another Scooby. Nice one for sale locally with 74K and FSSH 1996 UK Turbo wagon very clean with some Prodrive extras, I may get this and service it myself and independently as I will not pay Subaru's stupid prices on a car this old, and for this value. I would obviously get it checked if I did buy as I don't want another dog although I have a better idea what to look for now after having a bad one. Although I still do not believe it will be cheap to run in anyway, although it is a second car so the horrendous fuel consumption would not be a problem. Do love scoobs though!
The most sensible choice would be a Prelude, not easy to tune but I ain't that bothered. I have seen a really good one a 1994 Gen 4 2.2 Vtec Si (BB4 chassis, whatever that means but they are apparently the best for the Gen 4) and with it being a Jap import it also lacks 4 wheel steering which is a plus point to me as it is very expensive if it goes wrong and makes the car weigh a little more. On the downside the car has no ABS or Airbag(s), I am not really bothered about ABS as I never drive like a complete idiot in wet conditions anyway. I guess the airbag is the main concern, again not a big deal but would prefer if I had a choice! I could always try and get a UK car with airbags ABS etc, but all I have seen so far are complete rubbish that have not been looked after, or I could get a Gen 5 car which I have to admit look very stodgy looking in my eyes.
Anybody had one of these cars who can comment on them please?
07 July 2004, 11:20 AM
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very good cars, think they have LSD the jap ones and digital dash... possibly up on power over a uk 4th gen not too sure check out hondarevolutions.com for more info...
the H22a engine is hard to tune...
the H22a engine is hard to tune...
07 July 2004, 11:56 AM
#3
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Some Jap Imports have 4WS mate.. A guy I know has got one with LSD, 4WS and ABS.. Very nice too!! 
There is a really nice one for sale on Hondarevolutions at the moment, guy is moving to Geneva on business, its silver and looks to be very tastefully upgraded.
Cheers,
Grant
There is a really nice one for sale on Hondarevolutions at the moment, guy is moving to Geneva on business, its silver and looks to be very tastefully upgraded.
Cheers,
Grant
07 July 2004, 02:00 PM
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Hi,
I had a 93 Prelude VTEC Jap import which was a great car with a great engine (still miss the VTEC zone) and did lot of looking round before I bought it. Just to clarify the point that's already bene made - some have all the UK oprions and more eg ABS, 4WS, traction control, airbags etc and personally I would definitely go for one with ABS and 4WS becuase I would consider these two most important. 4WS does make a fair difference to the handling and you shoud try one with this before buying one without... Also I'd go for ABS over airbags (if it was a choice) as it's better to avoid the accident altogether IMO. If you're worried about 4WS I'd check with your local Honda dealer about the potential costs of problems as it may not be as much as you think. Mine certainly didn't have any problems with 4WS and I don't think it's common to have serious 4WS problems. Also, even if it does go wrong the car would still be perfectly driveable and just like the non 4WS version.
I had a 93 Prelude VTEC Jap import which was a great car with a great engine (still miss the VTEC zone) and did lot of looking round before I bought it. Just to clarify the point that's already bene made - some have all the UK oprions and more eg ABS, 4WS, traction control, airbags etc and personally I would definitely go for one with ABS and 4WS becuase I would consider these two most important. 4WS does make a fair difference to the handling and you shoud try one with this before buying one without... Also I'd go for ABS over airbags (if it was a choice) as it's better to avoid the accident altogether IMO. If you're worried about 4WS I'd check with your local Honda dealer about the potential costs of problems as it may not be as much as you think. Mine certainly didn't have any problems with 4WS and I don't think it's common to have serious 4WS problems. Also, even if it does go wrong the car would still be perfectly driveable and just like the non 4WS version.
07 July 2004, 02:02 PM
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have a go in a fiat coupe and you wont look back. Reliability isnt an issue if you buy a looked after one. For under 10k you can get a plus with all the options (6 gears, push start, Recaros, body kit) and will be a low miler if you are prepared to spend that much. If not a good standard 20vt is available from 5k, which really is a bargain.
Performance 0-60 around 6-6.5 seconds, 0-100 14.5. Once moving they fly.
Safety twin airbags, abs, decent Brembo 4pot brakes.
Anyway im biased as ive got one and love it. Think you would be best test driving them and seeing which you prefer. Anyway have a look at http://forum.fccuk.org if you have any questions.
Performance 0-60 around 6-6.5 seconds, 0-100 14.5. Once moving they fly.
Safety twin airbags, abs, decent Brembo 4pot brakes.
Anyway im biased as ive got one and love it. Think you would be best test driving them and seeing which you prefer. Anyway have a look at http://forum.fccuk.org if you have any questions.
07 July 2004, 03:03 PM
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Sorry I am not totally clued up on the Fiat coupe, although the one for sale close to me is a total minter. I just don't know much about their reliabilty, I definitely like the looks though! They also seem quite steep to insure compared to similar cars, which I can't understand.
The one for sale near to me is a 1998 "S" 20V Turbo with 44K and a FFSH and a lady owner (which I am not sure is a good thing) it is for sale for £5900 o.n.o which looks ok I guess if I could get it a little cheaper. I am slightly bothered about the expensive cam belt change though as maybe this is why they are selling it, as is it 72,000 miles or six years? This car must be nearly six years old so I wouldn't like to get lumped with that next service, although I doubt I would ever take it to Fiat to get done!
This car was on autotrader for a while and never sold, maybe down to price or location as it is in the middle of nowehere, or maybe something is wrong with it, although it is extremely clean.
The one for sale near to me is a 1998 "S" 20V Turbo with 44K and a FFSH and a lady owner (which I am not sure is a good thing) it is for sale for £5900 o.n.o which looks ok I guess if I could get it a little cheaper. I am slightly bothered about the expensive cam belt change though as maybe this is why they are selling it, as is it 72,000 miles or six years? This car must be nearly six years old so I wouldn't like to get lumped with that next service, although I doubt I would ever take it to Fiat to get done!
This car was on autotrader for a while and never sold, maybe down to price or location as it is in the middle of nowehere, or maybe something is wrong with it, although it is extremely clean.
07 July 2004, 03:20 PM
#7
I had one of these too. a 94 JDM VTEC BB2. - GREAT CAR
I beleive if it's a BB4 it has 4 wheel steering, ABS, cruise control & a sunroof.
The BB2 has none of those and is therefore lighter with more chassis rigidity. I would dare to say a better handling car than the scoob, but with much less grip.
Get one - other option is a 200SX if you fancy some RWD fun. Do not by a Fiat Coupe.
I beleive if it's a BB4 it has 4 wheel steering, ABS, cruise control & a sunroof.
The BB2 has none of those and is therefore lighter with more chassis rigidity. I would dare to say a better handling car than the scoob, but with much less grip.
Get one - other option is a 200SX if you fancy some RWD fun. Do not by a Fiat Coupe.
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07 July 2004, 03:20 PM
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Insurance is quite steep due to fact they are pretty damn quick, but yeah a little expensive. Depending on your age etc try ringing Greenlight Insurance http://www.greenlightinsurance.com/ they were by far the most competitive for me and alot of other coupe owners.
The main problem you will find with reliability is oil related, as they do use some oil between services and quite often the average jo dosnt check their oil often enough on them as they can use up to a litre every 1000 miles.
Depending on where you live re the cambelt service there are a number of specialists upa nd down the country. For example PowerFiat http://www.powerfiat.co.uk offer the cambelt change including all tensioners etc for £350 which isnt to bad. And with service intervals of 12,000 miles servicing dosnt cost the earth. Just have to check the oil.
Test drive a few, and you will be able to feel which are best, also make sure you look along the doors as they are prone to getting whacked by other car doors (no door strip etc).
Seriously though if you are considering getting one or looking at one as an option have a look on the fiat coupe forum a sthere will be pleanty of people to ffer advice there.
The main problem you will find with reliability is oil related, as they do use some oil between services and quite often the average jo dosnt check their oil often enough on them as they can use up to a litre every 1000 miles.
Depending on where you live re the cambelt service there are a number of specialists upa nd down the country. For example PowerFiat http://www.powerfiat.co.uk offer the cambelt change including all tensioners etc for £350 which isnt to bad. And with service intervals of 12,000 miles servicing dosnt cost the earth. Just have to check the oil.
Test drive a few, and you will be able to feel which are best, also make sure you look along the doors as they are prone to getting whacked by other car doors (no door strip etc).
Seriously though if you are considering getting one or looking at one as an option have a look on the fiat coupe forum a sthere will be pleanty of people to ffer advice there.
25 July 2004, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by papascooby
for the reasons you mention
and the fact that I think either the Prelude or 200sx are much better value and less likely to cause trouble (Lude esp.) as it'll be getting on a bit.
and the fact that I think either the Prelude or 200sx are much better value and less likely to cause trouble (Lude esp.) as it'll be getting on a bit.
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Last edited by Redkop; 25 July 2004 at 04:41 PM.
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