Newbie with 1989 Si Exclusive? and a few questions!

[Reefer89]

So, I was in need of a new car and stumbled upon this old Honda. Didn’t think much of it at the time of purchase besides that it was old and a Honda, but actually looked cool and was in better shape, rust and mileage wise, than other lame ass cars in my budget. I prolly still overpaid but whatever. My car enthusiast friends hyped me up to buy it saying it was a dope find. And once I found this community, I confirmed that it was probably a good pick up.

I’m assuming it’s the Si Exclusive. It’s a b20a, automatic, rhd, it’s got “exclusive” on the seats loll but I can’t find many details about its trim specs to really confirm.

Besides the seats and a few minor dents and paint deterioration, it seems to be in solid condition. Barely any rust. Only got around 68k miles on it.

No maintenance records tho. So after inspection, was told it needed front ball joints and I got the oil changed of course.

But I’ve got a few questions I’m hoping y’all could help me with. I’m not much of a car guy (yet!) so bear with me. And if you say use the search function, that’s fair and I have, but GOTDAMN there’s like 25 years worth of content on this mf

Mechanic said trans fluid smelt burnt. It does shake/rumble/grind when going up hill between 2nd/3rd gear. Hopefully that’s nothing too bad haha I’ll change the fluid but do you recommend a flush or just drain and fill (maybe multiple)?

On a cold start, brief loud rattle. Timing belt is solid, tensioner maybe?

Rough idle when stopped at a light or something, like whole dash shaking. Stops if I put into neutral. Any ideas?

I just don’t know what could be serious or what could just be an older car making noises.

Also, any recommendations for seat and headliner restoration?

Preciate your help!!

[Oldblueaccord]

Thats a cool car.

Wasnt available here stateside so I cant tell you too much about it. The exclusive on the seats is interesting.

Under hood looks nice and original. Not sure about the motor.

The auto trans is not known to be to great. The filter is inside the case. Changing the fluid is a hit or miss on making it work any better.

[Reefer89]

Yeah I was told to not mess with the filter since it basically has to be taken apart and rebuilt to change it. Changing just the fluid can’t hurt it more tho, right?

[RI86DX]

If you're not much of a car enthusiast owning a 40 year old RHD JDM car is probably not the wisest decision.

[Reefer89]

Maybe, but I said I wasn’t one “yet.” I gotta start somewhere and I’m excited to learn!! Was hoping some of y’all would be willing to help me along