I am looking for a newer car that would be a good DD. Around the 2001 model year. Anybody own either? Know any pitfalls of either or would recommend one over the other. Thanks

Prelude!

um... go to any of the dozens of car comparison research websites and just compare.

ff v. awd
coupe vs. sedan

choose one side. prelude looks nicer imo. fast depends on which trim of the impreza you buy. gas mileage, reliability, etc. -> look it up yourself. very easy to find that info.

Imprezas have potential. Preludes do not.

um... go to any of the dozens of car comparison research websites and just compare.

ff v. awd
coupe vs. sedan

choose one side. prelude looks nicer imo. fast depends on which trim of the impreza you buy. gas mileage, reliability, etc. -> look it up yourself. very easy to find that info.
Exactly. He didn't give us his budget. I would go for the AWD RS if you're going for the Impreza. MMmmMmm.. I searched on autotrader and compared teh two, now i say go for the Impreza RS. I didn't know they were so cheap.

Imprezas have potential. Preludes do not.

I hope you dont say thing because it's FWD. It's easily one of the best handling FWD cars ever produced, if not the best FWD car ever produced. Sure it wasn't the fastest, with 1/4 mile times being in the high 14's for the 200HP model, but it was a damn good car.

HondaPrelude.com if you want to look into buying a Prelude. I was mod there for a while. Great site with tons of info.

I hope you dont say thing because it's FWD. It's easily one of the best handling FWD cars ever produced, if not the best FWD car ever produced. Sure it wasn't the fastest, with 1/4 mile times being in the high 14's for the 200HP model, but it was a damn good car.

HondaPrelude.com if you want to look into buying a Prelude. I was mod there for a while. Great site with tons of info.
It can't out handle an Integra... Sorry.

Impreza can include the 2.5 RS coupe, that would be a nice car.

It can't out handle an Integra... Sorry.


stock vs. stock? I dunno.

Suspension. vs. Suspension? I dunno there either... but I think yes.

One of the local autocrossers had (till he blew it up) a '97 prelude SH w/ coilovers, and he was basically untouchable. He'd frequently get FTD (beating even the damn subarus and miatas, and they are fast!).

I drove it once on a fun run and it was neat, handled like an RWD car, despite being, uhh, well not RWD.

you're in canadia-land, so would handling the snow/ice be a factor towards awd over front? having not driven an awd in snow or ice, i dont know how much better it is, but i prefer RWD to FWD in messy conditions

impreza,

but for you it would be twice as cool with two z's

Imprezza

It can't out handle an Integra... Sorry.

Unless we're speaking about the Holy Grail Integra Type R, the Prelude, even in base form will outhandle an Integra.

um... go to any of the dozens of car comparison research websites and just compare.

ff v. awd
coupe vs. sedan

choose one side. prelude looks nicer imo. fast depends on which trim of the impreza you buy. gas mileage, reliability, etc. -> look it up yourself. very easy to find that info.


ya but none those sites say things like they all leak oil from some point, or they are real bitch to do this or that, I want useful info not just numbers.

Exactly. He didn't give us his budget. I would go for the AWD RS if you're going for the Impreza. MMmmMmm.. I searched on autotrader and compared teh two, now i say go for the Impreza RS. I didn't know they were so cheap.


Most of the Preludes seem to cost about the same, so I was looking for somthing around that with the impreza. Most likely a 2.5RS

I don't plan on modding it much it would be mostly a year round daily driver.

Well since you are on this forum i assume you like headaches. So i vote DSM.

impreza,

but for you it would be twice as cool with two z's

:rofl:

Must of spelled it the Canadian way.

If this is going to be your daily driver, then go with the Prelude hands down. It's a helluva lot more comfortable, and doesn't have an exhaust note like a lawn mower.

ya but none those sites say things like they all leak oil from some point, or they are real bitch to do this or that, I want useful info not just numbers.

o rly?

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1997-to-2001-honda-prelude-2.htm

1997-2001 Honda Prelude: Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Dashboard lights: The malfunction indicator light comes on because the transmission-control module is damaged by electrical spikes from the ignition switch. (1997)
Dashboard lights: The active torque transfer system (ATTS) light may come on and the system will shut down. A revised control unit is available to replace the original one. (1997)

Manual transmission: Because of a manufacturing defect in the shift fork, the transmission may grind going into fifth gear. (1997)

Oil leak: Sudden oil loss and resultant severe engine damage could be the result of front balance shaft oil plug popping out. (1997)

Seatbelts/safety: The button on the seatbelt that prevents the male half of the buckle breaks, and the buckle slides down to the floor. (1997-98)

Transmission problems: Failure of manual and automatic transmissions may be covered under extended warranty up to 7/100,000. (2000-03)

Vehicle noise: The rear corners of the headliner rub against the rear window causing a rattle, especially on rough roads. (1997)

Vehicle noise: Rattles or buzzing from under the car may result from the heat shield being too close to the active torque transfer system (ATTS). (1997)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

Item Name Repair Cost

A/C Compressor $390
Alternator $425
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,035
Brakes $270
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $540
Constant Velocity Joints $680
Exhaust System $685
Radiator $505
Shocks and/or Struts $855
Timing Chain or Belt $250


NHTSA Recall History
1997-01: Ignition-switch interlock may not function properly, making it possible to turn key to "off" position and remove it, without shifting transmission to "Park."

1997-98: Certain ball joints can wear out prematurely and, in worst case, would separate, causing front suspension to collapse.


at any rate, i've sat in both and the prelude is a bajillion times more comfy than any impreza. if you don't need four doors or all wheel drive, it's hard to make a case for the subie.

all facts/opinions aside,

one of them says "honda" on it.

u will be seen in public, driving it. choose wisely.

-jack

Debadge!

a honda isn't embarassing unless you have an unpainted body kit and a giant wing.

it means you care more about cost, reliability and fun factor than pure bling or power.

otherwise, i guess i better tell my mom to stop driving her 3.2TL for fear of embarassment.

o rly?

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1997-to-2001-honda-prelude-2.htm



at any rate, i've sat in both and the prelude is a bajillion times more comfy than any impreza. if you don't need four doors or all wheel drive, it's hard to make a case for the subie.

Fair enough, guess I wasn't looking hard enough