Top Tips for Buying a Used Honda Prelude VTI-R (1994-2000)

    Cliff Chambers30 October, 2024

    Honda Prelude

    The third-generation Honda Prelude launched in Australia in 1992 as an unassuming but effective sports coupe.

    Early Si versions had a 118kW four-cylinder which was deemed ‘adequate’ by people who were buying the Prelude as much for its stylish good looks as its performance. But there was a more performance-oriented element that thought the sweetly-balanced Prelude chassis could deal with more power.

    In February 1994 their prayers were answered with the arrival of the Prelude VTi-R, which packed the same basic engine as Si versions but added Honda’s then ground-breaking Variable Valve Timing (V-Tec).  

    Honda Prelude

    Honda Prelude VTi-R

    The effect wasn’t quite the slap in the back of a turbocharger but between 4000 and 7500rpm Prelude owners were rewarded with a zinging swell of feverish four-cylinder performance. 

    Standard Prelude VTi-R equipment included climate-control air-conditioning, power windows and sunroof, ABS brakes and (from 1997) dual air-bags. The alloy wheels wore 50-Series rubber and, like most performance cars built during the past 25 years, Premium Unleaded fuel was mandatory.

    Honda Prelude

    Clean lines made for an attractive coupe

    Well-weighted power steering and four-wheel disc brakes complemented the Prelude’s sports-oriented suspension, while an Active Torque Transfer system minimised wheelspin and masked the front-drive coupe’s torque steer extremely well.

    As wonderful as a V-Tec equipped Honda engine is to drive, they are a highly-strung unit and ignoring regular services or skimping on oil quality can be deadly. Ticking from the cylinder-head area at idle, sludge under the oil filler cap and failure to rev to the red-line are symptoms of valve-train wear, and should be a red flag to potential buyers.   

    Honda Prelude

    Functional Honda interior

    Worn struts will give a bouncy ride and worn components rob the power steering of its feel. They also upset the chassis balance that makes the Gen-4 Preludes so enjoyable to drive. Find a car that feels sharp when attacking bends and rides firmly without any wallow or wandering.

    High-kilometre cars are commonly priced below $3000 and generally aren’t good buying. Better quality early examples begin at $6500, with outstanding 1996-2000 cars pushing up into five figures.

    Images: Collecting Cars

    Honda Prelude

    Engine featured Honda's then ground-breaking Variable Valve Timing (V-Tec).

    Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used Honda Prelude VTI-R (1994-2000)

    • Upper-engine ticking when revved, indicating valve train wear

    • Clutch slipping or gears difficult to engage

    • Excessive play at steering wheel rim

    • CV joint noise on higher-kilometre cars

    • Cabin plastics cracked or discoloured

    Valuation Timeline Honda Prelude VTI-R (1994-2000)

    🛠️ Timeline

    2005
    $18,500
    2010
    $12,000
    -35.14%
    2014
    $8,000
    -33.33%
    2019
    $6,200
    -22.50%
    2024
    $10,000
    +61.29%
    (VTi-R 1996-99)

    Investment Rating

    3 / 10

    Cliff Chambers

    Writer & Head Valuer

    At age 14, surrounded by stacks of motoring magazines from the local junk shop, Cliff Chambers was warned by a concerned mother that he would ‘Never get anywhere knowing a lot about old cars.’  Seventeen years later when his definitive book, Making Money From Collectable Cars was published, she was proud to be proven wrong.

    That was in 1987, but Cliff’s life was already revolving around all things automotive. From working part time in a panel shop while at university, he moved to motor industry consultancy roles and managing a Championship winning rally team.

    During the 1990s he joined the classic vehicle insurance industry, at the same time becoming a prolific writer for magazines and motoring websites. Then came his ongoing contribution as one of the country’s leading vehicle valuers.

    Away from work, automotive events and objects remain prominent in Cliff’s world. He has owned more than 40 cars now considered ‘classic’ and within his collection of motor-related items there remain some of those magazines acquired as a fact hungry teen.

    Cliff brings to Retro Rides a blend of unique industry skills and a love of vehicles that will become more obvious with every contribution he makes to the site.

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