[St00k]

So I'm hunting for an older Honda. Not too old. Early '90s.

What do I need to watch out for?

 

[JDMAF]

You'll want to get the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. The $100-200 an inspection often costs can save you THOUSANDS and lots of your time, that alone will narrow down your choices a lot.

As for advice specific to older Hondas, watch out for bad VTEC solenoid symptoms, bad engine mounts, faulty power window switches, bad head gaskets, timing belt condition and rust.

I might be missing a few others but that should have you covered. Hondas from that era are generally bulletproof and the odds of you running into serious issues are low.

Any specific Honda models you have in mind?

 

[St00k]

I'm eternally looking for a CRX. We'll see. Thanks for the advice on the VTEC... I guess that won't be an issue on a CRX.
Or did the later ones have VTEC?

I made a thread here about it

CRX Hunting

Hi all. Former OG Honda owner. I had an EG Civic and a DA Integra. Loved those cars. Then family life came along. I'm always hunting for a CRX. I feel like I missed the window of opportunity where they were affordable and in decent shape. It seemed about 10 years ago you could get an amazing...

www.classic-jdm.com

I guess there's rust too... but that's always an issue

 

[JDMAF]

I'm eternally looking for a CRX. We'll see. Thanks for the advice on the VTEC... I guess that won't be an issue on a CRX.
Or did the later ones have VTEC?

I made a thread here about it

CRX Hunting

Hi all. Former OG Honda owner. I had an EG Civic and a DA Integra. Loved those cars. Then family life came along. I'm always hunting for a CRX. I feel like I missed the window of opportunity where they were affordable and in decent shape. It seemed about 10 years ago you could get an amazing...

www.classic-jdm.com

I guess there's rust too... but that's always an issue

VTEC was introduced in 1992 on EX and Si models with the D16Z6 SOHC VTEC motor in the United States.

IMO, if you're going to spend the money, go after an Si while prices are still reasonable.

 

[Scarlet]

You could send an oil sample to Blackstone on any hopeful...although if fresh oil is in car for sale, it might be of limited use.

Like labs you get at the doc, oil contents tell the story on the motor. (It's what dealers use - most against us. 😉)