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Honda Prelude 1997-2002

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#2426 of 2482 M35 vs. M45 by shmang Jan 08, 2009 (8:05 am)
As I mentioned before, I spoted an M45 while I was shopping for an Acura RL and did a test drive and feel the M45 is what I want. But, unfortunately, that car I test drove is already sold.   So, when I get home, I started searching for M45 and found a bunch of M35s as well. The M35 are about $2-3k cheaper, so I was open on both model - the insurance and gas cost for M35 are also a bit lower than the M45. I test drove a few M35s and feel they pull differently and I thought they are fast as well but just does not feel the same as M45. At the time, I thought it is just the engine of M35 are different and was ready to buy. But I want to make sure I am not missing anything important that the M45 has that is not offered by the M35, so I went back and drove M35 and M45 back to back, then I realized that the difference in acceleration and smoothness is huge. It was right there and then I know my heart is set for the M45. From the paper, the M35 has only about 55hp less, but the torque and the power curve is the real story.   For G35, it was not on my list. I want something different (than the Prelude). The G35 is a step up (a small step as far as power and RWD), but overall, it is similar to Prelude. If the M45 were not available, then I might consider the G, but I guess it is obvious (at least to me): The M45 beat G35 on every category and is not significantly expensive when buying used. The gas mileage for M45 is not very good, but that is typical with Infiniti - they sacrifice mileage for performance and I knew it, so I wouldn't complain about it. well at least for now.
#2427 of 2482 M45 maint. by shmang Jan 08, 2009 (8:13 am)
One other reason I like Japanese premium brand is the maintenance. An Infiniti is a Nissan, so the basic maintenance are fairly easy to do myself and does not cost more than my Prelude.   I already downloaded the service manual and did an oil change and coolant flush - it only took me 1 hour to read the manual and 1 hour for both jobs. Now I am confident I can do everything I did for the Lude for the M45. That is one of the 2 reasons that I do not want to touch European cars - they are a pitta to maintain. They tend to link everything to the on board computer which make it very hard to DIY. Other reasons are: they cost more and less reliable. With the combination of those 3, it becomes a money pit, IMO.
#2428 of 2482 V6 vs. V8 by nyccarguy Jan 09, 2009 (8:24 pm)
Modern Day V6 engines pump out more power than any of us need, but there is NOTHING like a V8! Especially for the price difference.   If I could swing buying a car with NO BACK seat, I'd give the new 370Z a serious look. Imagine a Z with a V8 stuffed under the hood? It's not like the car is a lightweight to begin with. Replies to this message: shmang (Jan 10, 2009 5:27 pm)
#2429 of 2482 Re: V6 vs. V8 [nyccarguy] by shmang Jan 10, 2009 (5:27 pm)
Replying to: nyccarguy (Jan 09, 2009 8:24 pm) That is true. The 370Z is sweet and is fast enough and might handles better - consider it is a sports coupe. But, just like you, with family and kids, a 4 door sedan is the only way to go for me.   I agree with you that a V6 would be fast enough. If the M35 will deliver better gas mileage, I might just buy it. But, with the 1MPG (yes, only 1 MPG, both city and highway), it is a no brainer to get the V8. The price difference is only about $2k, even with the life time (assuming 10 years at 12K mile / year) gas cost is only about $700. I would rather enjoy the V8 for $300 extra per year, that is less than $6 per hp, which to me is a excellent deal.   Back to the Prelude. I drove it today and still feel excited. The M45 is fast, but, I can not feel the road as much. I still enjoy the VTEC kick in of the lude and the road feeling, plus, I still like to shift myself and listen to the tire chirping in 2nd gear turns me on every time. I am definitely keeping the lude as long as possible.
#2430 of 2482 It is now a street car by nyccarguy Jan 14, 2009 (8:29 pm)
Due to circumstances beyond my control (the shady dominican guy who owns the garage next door to where I work hasn't paid his rent in X number of months), I'll be parking my Prelude on the street for the foreseeable future. Replies to this message: shmang (Jan 18, 2009 9:51 am)
#2431 of 2482 Re: It is now a street car [nyccarguy] by shmang Jan 18, 2009 (9:51 am)
Replying to: nyccarguy (Jan 14, 2009 8:29 pm) Well, that sucks - especially in the winter up north. It would not be a big deal down here in Texas or in the warmer month. After I got the M45, my Prelude has been parking in front my house. It is always parked outside during the day - I do not have the luxury of covered parking at where I work and the paint is still in like new condition, so I don't think that will affect the car much - as long as nobody hit it.   The other day, I had the dealer check the M45 and the service adviser recommend me (strongly) to replace the driving belt and I was surprised since it only has about 43k on it. Even on my Prelude, the original belts are still working fine. Have you replaced yours yet?
#2432 of 2482 covered parking & belts by nyccarguy Jan 18, 2009 (7:16 pm)
I think part of how my Prelude's bright red paint still shines well when it is cleaned & waxed is because it was always garaged during the day. OH well. what can you do?   As far as I know, all the belts on my Prelude are original. I'd ask your service advisor if the V8's belts are prone to failure.
#2433 of 2482 Cold and rear suspension by shmang Jan 28, 2009 (6:34 am)
Today, it is 20F here with freezing rain. So, when I started driving, the car take much longer to turn over (2 sec. instead of less than half second), so I thought, yeah, there will be more wear and tear to the engine (since most wear & tear happens at start up and the longer it take the oil to circulate the colder). So, I let it warmed up for 30 sec. and started driving.   It drives fine until I hit the first dip on the road and I hear a big "clunk" from the rear of the car. The rear suspension is acting again. I know it is well documented issue and has a TSB, but I never did anything to it and it kind of goes away when it is warm and comes back when it is really cold.   Just wander if anyone up in north (Mainly nyccargay) if you have similar issue and what you have done to fix it or just left it as it is?
#2434 of 2482 shock knock by nyccarguy Jan 28, 2009 (7:59 pm)
yeah the shock knock was well documented. I haven't had any issues with anything making noises when it is cold. And it gets A LOT colder here than in Texas.   Once the temps fall below 40 here I do notice it takes the car a bit longer to turn over.
#2435 of 2482 Where are all the Prelude owners? by shmang Feb 04, 2009 (6:36 pm)
It seems Prelude is gone - there are virtually only 2 5th gen. available: Mine and nyccarguy. I guess we are the 2 lucky ones.   Since I have 2 cars to alter on a daily basis, I plan to keep the Prelude at least until 2015 - Yes, another 6 years. By then, everyone will be asking me: Man, what car is that? Do you put on an after market body on an Accord or RSX?

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