Update* Guidance needed - About to get my next dream car 

"Bytemite" (bytemite) 08/01/2017 at 14:55 • Filed to: None

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A clean blue Prelude

Update*

This red Prelude might be the better deal here and more likely to happen. I already ran a carfax and it is clean. Compared to the blue one, it is a Type SH with a lot less miles. Not as good looking or a rare color, but the maintenance done to it is extensive along with a fresh clutch. I have an incredibly strong bias towards blue cars but objectively, this is the better car to buy isn’t it?

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Guys, this might actually happen. It is a base Prelude so I don’t have to worry about the ATTS failing and it has that sweet SH body kit that I really want. And it is Electron Blue Pearl. The seller and I are in contact and he is willing to take my unseen offer of $3.2k-4k max.

1st choice:

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2nd choice:

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seller accepted my offer of $6.5k and no less (NPoCP?) I already went there and drove it and tried to offer a fair price of $6k...after he blew me off as a dreamer, I walked and left him with a $6.5k offer. Pictures do not show that the hood scoop has a bunch of paint flaked off.

What does oppo think? Anything to watch out for? Which would you take?

interstate366, now In The Industry > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:02

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Prelude!

Bytemite > interstate366, now In The Industry 08/01/2017 at 15:03

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I know, I know. I thought I might be joining you soon in DDing that sweet Lude. But you then got a beak. -.-

Arrivederci > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:03

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I’d take the Prelude - I think your offer of $6.5k on the WRX is fair.

Robert Belvin > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:05

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Prelude all the way

interstate366, now In The Industry > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:06

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But the beak was made in the same place!

CobraJoe > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:07

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Just going to point out that WRXs seem to be priced higher than other similar performing cars. I got my2005 Legacy GT for $7500 from a dealer almost 2 years ago at 120k miles. Granted, it’s not known as the most reliable subaru, but similar year WRXs will probably have similar problems. (Maybe not intercooler/turbo problems, but ringlands, wheel bearings, 5 speed, and plastic radiator end tanks are all the same).

Why not go with your dream Prelude? You know it’s reliability weaknesses, and it’s far cheaper for similar mileage.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:10

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Prelude. Spend some extra $$$ in keeping it nice/restoring anything that it needs. Buy the good paint and interior care products! Make it shine. That electron blue is rare, and it’ll help the car hold its value (as much as a 170k mile prelude can hold value, anyways) so if you decide to park it for a while or sell/trade it you’ll be in a good place.

Nothing > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:10

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Prelude. My friends had a ‘97 they bought new that eventually got totaled by a Miata. I had a blast driving that around. I had my ‘90 CRX Si at the time.

Tripper > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:15

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Prelude

CobraJoe > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/01/2017 at 15:15

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$3.2k for a somewhat desirable used car is approaching its lower limit for future prices too. Around my area, any car that doesn’t need immediate repairs costs around $2k, and more if it’s something more desirable than an early 90s GM/Ford compact.

shpuker > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:17

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I wouldn’t recommend getting a WRX with that many miles. As much as I love the WRXs, it isn’t worth the risk at that mileage unless you’re willing to drop another couple grand in the next year or two to keep it going.

The Honda is for sure the safe bet and honestly it’d still be a blast.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > CobraJoe 08/01/2017 at 15:18

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Yep. I don’t think it will “appreciate” but the difference between a very nice prelude with 200k miles and 170k miles is negligible. And if anything, it would go up rather than down as their numbers decrease. Like I could see that going “up” in value with inflation. Like 5 years from now, with 30-40k more miles, it could be a 6 or 7k car with nothing more than being a bit generous with maintenance and car washes. So you have an excellent car to drive that will return the money you spend on it while driving.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:18

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I have a soft spot for that gen of Subie as it’s the evolution of my 2002, but that Prelude is pretty rare!

Bytemite > Nothing 08/01/2017 at 15:19

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Lol totaled by a Miata. Did you like it more than your CRX?

Bytemite > shpuker 08/01/2017 at 15:20

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I will be missing that LSD Awd cornering grip though...are Subies that unreliable?

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:29

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Not necessarily, but there’s more parts to go wrong and wear out. If the guy has careful maintenance records then thats one thing, but you have no idea what kind of life this car has lead.

Nothing > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:29

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I really liked both of them. I would’ve taken the Prelude. My sister had an ‘89 or ‘90 Prelude Si that she bought new that I drove all the time. That was a fun car, too. Only thing I didn’t like about her car was the boring bronze color.

shpuker > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:29

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This is true, it’s especially great in the snow <3

With the older 2.0T’s you’ll have a number of things that start going out around there yea. If it’s still on the factory turbo I’d want to be putting in a new/refurbished one, it’s probably getting close to needing a second timing belt replacement + water pump, in all likelihood the head gasket will probably go before 200k, and depending on the owner likely a clutch (Though to be fair the Prelude could need one just as easily). Idk if I’d say they’re unreliable per-say, but next to an older Honda pretty much everything looks unreliable.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:29

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As much as I love Subaru wagons (previous LGT owner, current husband to a XV driving wife) I’d say go for the Prelude. It is a much simpler car, and a great one for it. If you don’t NEED the space, practicality, and AWD of the Subaru stick with the Prelude and enjoy some great auto-x and canyon carving with it. High mileage subarus can be a pain. Transmissions are super weak, head gasket issues were common in those years…and just in general more to break. They’re fun with the power and rumble…but if you’re budget conscious stick with the cheaper car (which IS a great car in its own right) and pocket the extra money knowing that you’re saving yourself even more in maintenance costs. Also, premium gas.

The Prelude looks super clean too…I’d change that shifter out, bring it back to minty stock and enjoy it. If the stereo upgrade is useful just find a used stock stereo and hold on to it while they’re easy to find – that way you can swap it in later on if you want to sell it as a bone stock car.

Also points for the Prelude seller for seemingly being able to write in complete sentences.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:30

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GET

THE

PRELUDE

NoMoreSaloons > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:32

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Since this isn’t a utility purchase... just go with your heart. If you always wanted a prelude and you bought a WRX instead because of the numbers, then you’ll hate your decision forever. I bought an MR2 to replace my old diesel Mercedes, and I missed the Mercedes so much that I’m selling the MR2 and buying another old Mercedes. It’s all about which one makes you happy.

Chariotoflove > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:33

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I’m a sucker for anything in that blue so I’m not the best person for advice. :)

Bytemite > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 08/01/2017 at 15:34

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On my other post asking which should I get, GSR or Prelude, you doodoo’d the Prelude and said GSR.

MonkeePuzzle > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:35

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$6.5k for a 164xxx mile WRX feels high to me. Lots of recent work listed, so that’s nice.

The ‘lude though! If you dont’ need the room or the AWD that the WRX wagon would provide, I’d get that ‘lude in a heartbeat. great price, for what I think will ultimately be a longer term better car.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:38

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You were gonna buy a GSR? I dont remember this

Bytemite > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 08/01/2017 at 15:40

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Oh I mistook you for another Hondabro. Oops. But it’s in my previous posts.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:42

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I like the WRX, I myself kind of want that one haha. Although I wont be in the market for at least another month or two and its a little high mileage for me to start out at. But the price is right and if it inspected out well enough in person, I would try hard to get it for closer to $6k. Been dreaming of an 04-05 WRX wagon in that color...

But my main reason for that over the Prelude here is just AWD vs WRONG WHEEL DRIVE.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:43

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Well yeah I’d so buy a GSR (and a full security team) over a Prelude..but between a Prelude and Wrx, its Prelude all

TheHondaBro > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:51

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Must’ve been a nice GSR and a dirty Lude.

Corkscrew'd > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 15:56

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Looks like the Prelude is the best bet lol. If you get it for 4k that’s just 1k over KBB value for an excellent condition version from that year and that location.

Bytemite > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 08/01/2017 at 16:12

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Well I still have my Miata for RWD sliding fun. But yes, that is the one knock against the Prelude - it has RWD looks and weight but it’s fail wheel drive.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 16:28

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As a former WRX owner...Prelude. Getting an older 2.0 WRX will solve some of the classic reliability problems, but you’re still looking at an older turbo car that would likely have been modified and abused. I mean, the Prelude may have been modified as well, but as long as it doesn’t have anything ridiculous like a turbo kit then there aren’t nearly as many mod-induced problems that are hiding.

Other thing is that the WRX is slightly garbage stock? The older cars were laggy and the stock suspension was never great (and the wagon is worse because none of the sedan parts fit without camber correction). People tend to overlook that because a) the cars are so incredibly easy to modify that few people drive a WRX that old stock, and b) Subaru fixed a lot of the issues. The later GDs got the 2.5 which fixed the lag problem, and the GRs both got a better suspension (09+) and significantly more power (also 09+). The 2 liter GDs are still great mod platforms, but if you’re looking to putt around in a wagon stock I’d rather buy a six cylinder Legacy.

Also, I want a Prelude. Probably because I’ve already owned a WRX, but I want a Prelude more than a WRX at this point in time.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 16:37

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It is concerning though that the CL posting is a month old for that WRX. Either something is wrong with it or the seller is completely unwilling to budge on price. I dont trust CL posts that stay up for that long.

But yeah I will have the RWD fun in my Miata too but I still dont want to give that up entirely even on my commute lol. Idk though since I am still considering mazdaspeed3 as well and that is certainly mega fail wheel drive but its nuts enough to keep things interesting.

I’d like to go to way stiffer coilovers on the Miata, put a roll bar in, and not street it much anymore. But that can wait until after the cross country move to California.

Bytemite > Aaron M - MasoFiST 08/01/2017 at 16:37

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but wouldn’t you miss the Awd and the rear LSD? And I don’t mind a dramatic power delivery at all...we’re talking single turbo vs VTEC here after all. This WRX is bone stock and doesn’t seem abused. the only mod was a rock guard you see on the hood.

My main concern is the fun to drive factor. It has to be fun and the WRX was kinda fun when I test drove it. thw clutch was very weird though. It had its grab point at the top but had no resistance there and a lot of resistance in the lower half...except there was no reason to press that low.

gawdzillla > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 16:38

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I had a wrx and I like subies

but I wouldnt pay more than 4.5k for one....

Bytemite > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 08/01/2017 at 16:46

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well it has been up that long because the seller is deluded in thinking his wrx is worth his asking price of 7.5k... He has been sending away already beyond reasonable offers like my 6.5k. A fair price would be more like 5.5-6k.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 16:54

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You have to ask yourself what you’re buying the car for. I can tell you right now when you’ll notice the AWD and the LSD: snow. That’s about it. I can say retrospectively that having the AWD when my car had nearly 400hp meant no torque steer, but in terms of driving feel, there’s not a lot of difference.

If you’re worried about fun, test drive the Prelude. My Fit is surprisingly fun, because you can rev the snot out of it...the Prelude has that, plus more power, plus a better suspension. It and the WRX are very different kinds of fun, so you need to know which one you want.

General notes: If you go with the WRX, budget for a gasket refresh and a new radiator at that age. Preventative maintenance, and new valve cover and oil cooler gaskets will deal with most oil consumption. Between the two, that’d be around $1500. And regardless, get a PPI. Even with the repairs listed (and that clutch behavior sounds weird too) you could be on the hook for 3-5k in repairs remarkably quickly (even stock, the turbo is about done at that age...and there’s no mention of wheel bearings).

Bytemite > Aaron M - MasoFiST 08/01/2017 at 17:11

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Well this car is gonna be my reliable DD to complement the weekend toy Miata...I want fun, cornering performance, low driving position and driver centric ergonomics, sleek styling, peaky power delivery and a nice engine note. I’m just afraid the Fail wheel drive will get in the way of that.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 17:14

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It won’t.

Bytemite > NoMoreSaloons 08/01/2017 at 18:23

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You’re right. The WRX numbers and facts and things are what is luring me. The LSD, we gotta have those, the AWD, the cargo space, the boxer rumble, the turbo. To be fair, I’ve always wanted a peanuteye WRX also. After driving it, I can say it was a good drive as well. Nice steering feel, slick rod shifting action, pretty nimble handling.

Its just the maintenance of the drivetrain that’s worrisome.

NoMoreSaloons > Bytemite 08/01/2017 at 19:14

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Well, to be honest, I am going from a 2 seater sports car to a 4wd German Wagon. So I see the draw of space and safety. Really, they both work for you. You like them both. And from my experiences (mostly British), they’re both reliable. Just don’t turn one down because it doesn’t have “enough horsepower.” I guess I’m not helping any since I’m not giving a real answer hahaha. I’ll say this then. Blue Wrx wagons are a dime a dozen, but clean Preludes can be hard to find.

Bytemite > NoMoreSaloons 08/01/2017 at 20:02

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And with this I think my mind is made up.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Bytemite 08/02/2017 at 08:17

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Unless you drive through Willow Springs every morning, you won’t notice. Even then, you have to keep in mind that the Prelude has a multi-link suspension all around while the the Subaru uses four MacPhersons and has a weight distribution that’s almost the same as the Prelude. If you’re really worried about “fail-wheel drive”, the Subaru is worse in pretty much every metric that FWD cars are typically inferior at, making it up with more power.

shpuker > Bytemite 08/02/2017 at 09:24

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Meant to edit my last post but forgot to hit publish.

EDIT: I’m dumb I didn’t read the AD. New clutch and relatively new timing belt is a good sign. If they have receipts for all that stuff then maybe it’d be worth taking a shot on. I’d still recommend a new turbo pretty soon and pulling the catted up-pipe in favor of a catless one (The catalytic in the up-pipe is known to fragment when it gets old and ruin turbos)

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bytemite 08/02/2017 at 09:56

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Yup, thats what I had in mind. He’s never gonna sell it then lol. No way would I pay more than 6.5!

Bytemite > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 08/02/2017 at 12:05

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an MS3 would be fun btw. Just get it ans go ham on that. fwd can be very fun for momentum canyon carving which is the only fast driving I do anyway. You can go balls out diving into corners on unknown roads.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bytemite 08/02/2017 at 12:37

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Yeah and they tend to be cheaper and in better condition than the Subarus. The only thing nice about AWD would be that I definitely am taking whatever vehicle I get to go skiing with but considering I currently use a Miata for that, I dont think I really NEED the AWD.

Bytemite > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 08/02/2017 at 12:41

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Honestly no one needs AWD. Its one of those excess consumer things that non car people see and be led to believe they absolutely need. Kind of like ride height, sunroof, cruise control. Any ski resort will have paved and plowed roads that any RWD sports car can go on.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bytemite 08/02/2017 at 13:09

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Its generally less so the resorts and more so the roads leading to the area, immediately after a very large storm, or out and away airbnbs that become difficult. My Miata with snow tires can do a lot but Ive had trouble due to ground clearance and had to try some hills a couple of times or get a running head start. Not unmanageable but I would hate to be stuck not being able to get to the mountain just because it snowed more than a foot. Although I somewhat doubt a WRX would help any in that situation lol.