EraCars / Honda Prelude (5th gen)
Honda Prelude (5th gen) (1997–2001)
BB6 / BB8 · H22A4 VTEC I4 · ATTS on Type SH
At a glance
Risk 3/5 Market: Last real Prelude
Must-have records:
- Timing belt + water pump (~90k mi)
- VTEC solenoid / oil history
- Clutch history (manual)
- Sunroof rail / rust photos
Live listings
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Parts & tools: Shop parts at Summit Racing.
Buy-risk rundown
| Issue | Symptom | How to check | Typical cost (as of Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing belt (interference H22) | None until failure — then bent valves | Demand dated invoice | Interval ~90k mi; cost not yet verified on this page [1][2] |
| VTEC solenoid / gasket oil leaks | Oil smell, wet solenoid area | Visual inspection; confirm VTEC engage ~5,700 rpm | Common leak path [3] |
| Sunroof drains / rail issues | Wet headliner, stuck roof | Water-test drains; cycle roof | Not yet verified [1] |
| Rust / accident history | Soft rails, panel gaps | Probe chassis rails; history report | Walk away from mystery repairs [2] |
| ATTS (Type SH) oddities | Warning lights; torque-steer odd feel | Scan; test drive | SH is rarer; base 5MT is the simple enthusiast pick [1] |
Cost figures checked against the sources below in Nov 2026. Bracketed numbers refer to the source list.
Notes
- 4th-gen Preludes (92–96) are also fun but different; this page focuses on 5th-gen BB.
- Manuals preferred; autos need a shift-quality check.
Before you buy
Use our printable pre-purchase inspection checklist and get a PPI from a marque specialist.
Sources
- JDMBUYSELL, BB6 Prelude buyer's guide (accessed Nov 2026)
- KickTyres, Prelude common faults (accessed Nov 2026)
- Canadian Prelude Club, oil leak guide (accessed Nov 2026)
Last updated 2026-11-05. Costs vary by region and shop.
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