Hi guys and gals,

I sold my honda prelude less than a week ago and have been on the hunt for an S. I've examined and test driven three used models (private party) so far. I noticed that all rear bumpers on all three were not perfectly flush with the rear quarter panels & tail lights.

The S's inspected were a 2000,2001 and 2002 model. The 2000 model was the worst with a gap of about 3 - 4mm laterally causing the bumper to appear to be sticking outwards. This was located along the seam where the top of the right rear bumper and the bottom of the right rear light met. The seams on the left rear of this S seemed fine though.

The 2000 model worried me the most because both sides of the car, in this particular area, were not symmetrical perhaps indicative of an accident. But there didn't seem to be any damage in this area and it didn't seem as though the car had been painted either. All three owners had also claimed no prior accidents as well.

Can the rear bumpers be displaced slightly over time due to weather or wear and tear?

Also, if you had to sell your S or buy an S, would you consider the blue book value a fair price? (assuming you don't owe more than blue book value on it if you were to sell)

Thanks for the info and can't wait to join the club!

 

Try to find a late model '02 or get an '03. They seem to have all the bugs fixed on them.

If your budget only allows an '00-'01, make sure all the TSB's were done on them.

 

no idea why the seam would be larger unless a garage door came down on the bumper- then you should see some indication of that.

blue book is a starting price... depends on a lot of things, such as mods, condition, etc.
i wouldnt sell this '00 for blue book!:

 

Always use the blue book value as a referrence point and then work your way up or down depending on condition and mods.
Look for an 02. So many things worked out by 02.

Kelly Blue Book link:
http://www.kbb.com/