The seller “Just Donated” is one of my favorite on eBay because you get to see how many cars end up on the donation pile on a daily basis. There are numerous reasons why they may end up there, from a will being settled to an owner wanting a tax write-off versus the measly trade-in offer from the dealer. Whatever the reason for leading to this point, you sometimes strike gold and find some very special diamonds in the rough for peanuts. This 1990 Acura Legend L coupe isn’t necessarily vault-worthy, but it is a terrific entry-level modern classic that’s selling for next to nothing here on eBay.
Unlike most of the cars that show up here, this one still runs and drives, a testament to the build quality Hondas and Acuras were enjoying at this point in time. The Legend coupe was easily one of the most striking cars Honda Motor Co. has ever made, and to this day, I have a hard time not gazing longingly at a preserved example. This one certainly isn’t preserved, but being that it’s a lifelong California car, it hasn’t been attacked by rust like most Honda/Acura products in the salt and snow belts. This one is missing some beltline trim but that’s an easy fix, and it also appears to have never been modified – a rarity for any Honda or Acura product from this era.
Amazingly, the interior isn’t trashed, which suggests this was a grandma car that the kids kicked to the curb when she stopped driving, and although it isn’t perfect, it’s darn nice for a car that has likely had plenty of sun exposure. The automatic transmission was optional and a 5-speed makes this cars an absolute ball to drive, thanks to Honda’s reputation even back then for making one of the smoothest transmissions known to man. The seller, as per usual, doesn’t provide a ton of details, but the photos show you what you can expect if you win this car (likely for well under $2,000.) The seats do have some wear and tear but the odometer, which likely still works, shows only 130K.
And that’s practically nothing on a car like this 2.7 liter, SOHC V-6 that makes around 160 horsepower. That’s not a lot by today’s standards but these were very efficient drivetrains, making that number feel much bigger. The Legend was one of the cars that put Acura on the map back in the day, and it reminds me of how special the company’s “golden era” was. If you buy a donated car, you always set yourself up for some surprises, but as far as gambles go, this one is fairly low risk. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Russell Glantz for the find.
For it’s age, nice looking car. How do you submit a car ad, for the editors of this site to review? While I take breaks during the day I view a large area of classic cars for sale and every now and then I find something really nice. I have no monetary interest in the car/ad.
Not just missing trim, a dent as well? The four and a 5sp was an almost perfect combo if you ask me.
Years ago me and a few friends would occasionally buy cars from a local charity. This was before the idea of donating cars became popular as a tax deduction and there were constant radio ads. It was run by a specific charity, not an auction that acted as clearing house for multiple charities, which is common today. The people that worked there said many came to them from estates, sometimes from apartments that were dealing with abandoned cars left by tenants. We bought a few older 60’s and early-70’s cars for projects, a couple of friends bought newer cars to be their transportation, which was an iffy proposition, but they knew the risk and the cars were inexpensive.
If I lived in the area I’d keep a close eye on their listings to see what they had up for sale.
This Acura looks like it’s in good shape for its age, with the increasing interest in Japanese cars from this era it could make for a good deal.
Steve R
Agreed, Steve R.! 👍🏻
I had the Accord EX and the Legend was the upgrade. The 4 cyl made for a zippy car, I imagine the 6 cyl is even better plus it’s the coupe version. The Acura Sport auto trans is better than say a standard auto. I sold my very reliable Accord after 80k miles when the ac condenser corroded, its biggest flaw was rust thru in the rear arches, of course this was in the Midwest and salted winter roads. So this California Acura looks like a gem that will last another +100k as a daily commute driver. Sun baked interior and panel dent is hardly a deal breaker as much as it’s old man Tan. I’m inclined to watch this one.
I had a 1986 Acura Legend, first year. I LOVED that car! It even had an AM STEREO radio, no longer supported. Such a smooth car in every operation. Sadly, you don’t see them any more.
Sold for under $1,300, which seems like a hell of a good deal. These cars were sweet. They drove like a bigger Accord, which in those days was not a bad thing. The dent in the driver side fender might be able to be mostly pulled out with a suction cup. If not remove the rear interior trim and have at it.
Looks like a Legend I used to see in Dana Point! Love them. My son and daughter both had ’89’s. Wonderful to drive. Fast…very fast with what I was told was a Honda racing engine. Kids were too young to have cars that fast but neither of them wrecked. I inherited the daughters and drove it many miles. Broke timing chain going across South Dakota. Replaced belt but valves had been bent but still ran strong once the rpms were up but alas and gas lines rusted and she was hauled away. Whoever gets this will love it…guaranteed! Now in Indiana, if I were anywhere near it I would try to get it!
I purchased this 1990 Acura Legend from justdonated. The leather seats are severely sun baked and ripped the carpet soiled. It has some body damage nicks and dings. Overall the car is in good condition it drives very well. Although this is a fixer upper, it cleaned up well. It’s my daily driver I rotate between my 2001 Acura CL. I’ve been looking for something in this condition with a good price. I’m not disappointed with my purchase.