I am having to replace 2 cars- l have one picked out for my wife, and l need a commuter.I've always loved that 3rd generation Prelude and I am considering picking one up.l work in the auto service indiustry but l deal with Cadillacs which are not low buck or low maintenace, so I am figuring I will go the Honda route.What is the deal?Since most of these cars nowadays have over 100k miles, what kind of problems do they develop?I've heard people say that the tiptronic automatic transmissions can be problematic, is that true?What about the motors?What point will they need head gaskets?Valve jobs?Or can you just get in them and go like most Honda's?I am replacing cars to get rid of a massive payment so I am trying to keep costs down.If these things are known as problem children I will keep looking...

1997-2001 preludes r the 5th & last generation for the prelude model. The triptronic auto trans is VERY problematic.so problematic that Honda adapted an 'In service warranty program' to replace faulty automatic transmissions. l would STRONGLY advise against any of the automatics.

Other common problems include:

Timing belt failure due to the automatic timing belt tensioner.
Rear shock knock/pop
5th gear grind
Seatbelt problems (Slow retraction)

Oil leaks from the following sources:
Intake Cam plug
VTEC solenoid gasket
Distributor O-Ring.

Those r the most notable problems. There r others but the above ones r most common.

If u do decide to buy a prelude with over 100K, make SURE that the timing belt & t-belt tensioner have been replaced. If you're unsure, change it again. A catastrophic timing belt failure can cause thousands in repair costs. Expect to pay upwards of $600 if you're having the work done at a Honda dealership (which l would recommend since this is one of the most difficult Honda t-belt jobs).

The H22A4 is a very reliable engine if maintained well. Perform compression/leak down tests on each cylinder before buying. Typically, the valve seals tend to start leaking after 100K depending on how the vehicle was driven/maintained. l would expect a quart of oil consumption for every 5000 miles.this is typical especially if u hit VTEC engagement fairly often.

Problem is, a lot of the higher tuned Hondas have transmission & even engine problems. People also drive them harder. l have consumer reports used car buying guide, & it notes the engine & transmission as problematic. l actually had a '00 Prelude that was awesome, but l only had it 2 years, because l did not want a payment anymore. l would recommend to look for an Accord, which will also be easier to find, but stay away from '00-'02, as they have trans problems, too! Hondas r awesome though, & l am sure u can find a great one. '99 was a very good year for Accord. The '03-'07s r still pretty pricey. l am looking to pick up a '99 in about 6 months myself. Good luck.