This 1987 Honda Prelude Si is from a seller I used to follow quite often, as it’s a dealer in Georgia that seems to get its hands on some incredible survivors of otherwise ordinary cars. The idea of a vehicle that really isn’t collected but somehow survives in excellent, stock condition always amazes me, because the odds are constantly stacked against it in terms of not getting destroyed by an errand SUV in traffic. The Prelude is a second generation model with the preferred 5-speed and without the complexity of the 4WS system. Find it here on eBay with an asking price of $13,990 or best offer.
The seller, Cherokee Auto Group, has seemingly been able to snuff out intriguing survivors for years. It’s always hard to pick a vehicle from their inventory as the most interesting car up for grabs, but this Prelude was a pretty easy choice for me. The second generation model is my personal favorite, namely due to the tail panel design and the interior. In the case of the former, the 2G model had those very blocky taillamps with the huge orange lens up top and the “heckblende” panel in between the right and left lenses with “Prelude” in big block letters. The integrated rear spoiler (made of foam) and the basketweave wheels round out my favorite exterior details.
Then, there’s the interior. This era of Honda is truly a special place to spend time. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Civic or a Prelude – the thin A-pillars, vast glass greenhouse, the three-spoke steering wheel, the graphic equalizer, and the thickly-bolstered sport seats…the list goes on in terms of what makes these old-school Honda interiors so special. Compare this to the modern-day Honda cockpit and you will see how far we’ve fallen away from building truly driver-focused environments. The other good news here is that like the exterior, the interior of this Prelude is in shockingly nice condition – especially considering it has almost 185,000 miles!
The Prelude’s powerplant has never been the most exciting unit in town. I’ve talked before about how the Prelude is not exactly a sports car, and Honda has always placed the emphasis on the CRX and the Civic for its most exciting performance variants. The fuel injected 2.0L inline-four cylinder made around 110 horsepower in the second-generation models, which was more than enough to propel it to 60 in reasonable time (though not exactly fast.) It will cruise along at highway speeds thanks to its silky 5-speed gearbox, and with the seller reporting that the timing belt, water pump, and cam seals have all been done, this Prelude should be able to motor on reliably for years to come.
Lavery did you ever get any time behind the wheel of the next gen w 190hp?
I did, buddys sister had a stick shift model. Wind up the VTEC and it really moved out swiftly. Gorgeous and comfortable interior as well. Always liked the Prelude model. This one seems very nice shape considering mileage 👍
We bought one new in ’87. Black on black. Certainly not the fastest car, but it was fun. It was my wife’s car, but I did enjoy it when the chance presented itself. It was the only car I’ve owned that I ever had over 105 for sure. I owned a few others with the 85mph speedometer, so I didn’t see the evidence….
I always thought that Hondas from this time period, especially the Preludes and Accords were very nice driving cars. Everything, including the shifter operated as smooth as silk. The switchgear everything has a nice quality feel to it. This is an absolute cream puff. Very nicely preserved. I’ll bet it drives just as nice as it looks. Its so funny. How many times do we all read here on Barnfinds how people don’t believe a low mileage claim. So here’s a switch….. I don’t believe the High mileage claim. This just does not look like a car with over 180K miles. It really goes to show how good care and maintenance can keep a car in good shape for decades. And as Jeff pointed out, being able to avoid getting run into by some knucklehead in an oversized SUV helps too. Really nice car.
Driveinstile 👍 the late 80s Hondas and Toyotas were at a real peak of comfort, reliability and great pleasure. 👍
This one is a winner.
Snuff out? What do they do, hit them over the head? Shoot them?
In all seriousness, this looks to be a great find. I just wish people didn’t think they had to spray black paint all over the undercarriage. Looks like they’re hiding something.
I remember that underpowered first generation Prelude was called the Qualude by all the wise guys. My sister in law had one. It was a “chick” car. I heard rumors that Honda was going to build a new one. I hope it looks better than the resurrected Integra. Four doors? No way.
I bought this exact model and color in 1987, identical in every way. It was comfortable and smooth to drive. I didn’t keep it for long though, it didn’t fit my lifestyle at the time.
My initial thought on this was that this was a low mileage bargain, but then saw the odo reading and its a pass. Cars can last a long long time with proper care, and this is no exception. But still, there are a lot of parts that are worn out, despite how good it looks.
Very nice example of a car that was usually either beaten to death or rusted to dust.
4WS was a 3rd-generation option, so there’s no chance of it complicating a clean, 2nd-generation car like this one.
Immediately clicked on this one. Great write up. My first car ws a grey on grey 85 carb’d model with a 5 speed for $2500 in 1996. My how times have changed. I have had fice other second and third gen since. Love love love these cars and what a great write up! They are dependable as heck and fun to drive, definitely not fast, but they can be quick with three pedals. Unlike others, the mileage doesn’t scare me off, especially with the recent maintenance that has been done. I am working on a low mileage mk1 mr2 right now and there are some…challenges that develop when cars are not exercised at least semi-regularly
I love a Honda Prelude but not for a plus 30yr old that turning 190k miles for 13k.not when I only paid 6k for my 1990 Lexus 400 with only 100k miles on it and it’s still the finest car I’ve ever owned to date.
Agreed. Even though the higher miles may not be a deterrent for me, the price surely is.