What do you guys think?

[TippsTheFoo]

First post, so don't flame the newbie.

I'm looking at getting a 3rd gen Accord, thus me being here obviously, and wanted some opinions to one I've found...

BTW, I used to have a '87 LX (auto, I know, I know) back in '97-'99 until it met its demise (stupid driving on my part, but it basically saved my life at 60mph).

Anyway, what I'm looking at now is:

-1989 LX (5spd, yes!)
-Gold in color (not my fav, but OK)
-New clutch, rotors and pads
-CD player
-The rest is stock (what I want)
-The body is in "great shape" (no dents, minimal rust around the gas tank opening and a little behind the wheel wells in the rear)
-Interior in "really good" condition (no rips or tears)
-184K miles
-Asking price: $2500

To me the price seems a little high, what do you all think? The new clutch and brakes sound good, but I believe the motor is all original. How long do these typically last before it needs major service? What would *you* offer for this vehicle (or should I pass and look elsewhere)? It's located, roughly 400 miles away from me so I've asked for additional photos...

Thanks for any help.

[Vinny]

The deciding factor in alot of cases is going to be location. Vehicles like 3rd gen's go cheap down here in the "dirty south" but go for alot more in the North and west. If nothing else go to traderonline.com and compare it to other similar vehicles in your area

[Jareds 89 LX-i]

Yea $2500 does sound a bit steep, but like Vinny said location has alot to do with it. As for the motors though, they last F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!!! (mine is still original with 342k) So as long as it has been maintained properly and everything, don't even worry about that. Good luck in your search! You may also want to try www.autotrader.com

[TippsTheFoo]

Thanks, Vinny. Like the av, but you're going to get me in trouble here at work.

It looks like, around here (Michigan), they go for $1500-3000 *and* it's really tough to find one that hasn't been rotted out completely. Still, it's hard to justify $2500 for a near-200K, 15-year-old, non-collector car, IMO...

[TippsTheFoo]

That's where I've been looking, Jared. Great site. Thanks! Looks like your Accord is trucking along...

[od2681]

if you could get that down to 1500 -2000..its ok...
hmm.so basically i should go up north to sell my 3gee...IF i want to..hehe

[Mike's89AccordLX]

That's pretty cool man, like they have been saying in previous posts, talk them down some and get it. We will make that so it's not stock

Check out my website. I think my car is the same as the one your looking at. 89 LX goldish color.

-Mike

[NXRacer]

they may be asking $2500 but thats just because thats what it blue books out to be. Im sure you can talk them down. ESP if its from a dealer. Hey, i talked a dealership down to $1600 from $3999 so i bet you could knock a couple hundred off their price.

[TippsTheFoo]

No response yet to some additional questions I have for the owner...

Looking at used car values, the price "should be" between $1370-$1875 (Edmunds, KBB, NADA).

[87Hybrid]

Theat price is steep for a carbed model, Hold out for an LXI, even if you have to settle for an auto it is much easier to switch to a 5-speed than to a fuel injection system.

[TippsTheFoo]

Could you talk to me a little bit about the FI motor? Better gas mileage? Longetivity? Drivability? Thanks!

[Elijah]

Better gas mileage.The carb has 92hp the fi has 120hp.It will last longer imo.Get the lx-i and you got power moonroof power locks power windows ac.

[88accordhb]

yah dude, it's koo youre into the 3g but don't get that one, 2500 for carbed runnin at 185k is kinda high, plus look for lxi ones, incase you ever fell like doin further mods, they work lots better with mods, even auto ones. soo wait out for an lxi one, sometimes they can be less tahn 2500 with less miles too. that price is steep.

[TippsTheFoo]

I'll keep the LXi/SEi at the top of my list. Thanks, guys.

[TippsTheFoo]

How about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...477887341&rd=1

Just a few hours left and it's close to me...

[Cheeseburger]

if i could go back when i bought my car i would have looked for a lx-i or se-i

[TippsTheFoo]

Keep in mind, guys, that I really have no intention of modifying this car. Maybe a better stereo, but I've kinda burned out of modding cars for now. I'd just like something reliable and good on gas at the moment...

[speedpenguin]

watch out for that ebay one.
rust spots are going to be a bitch where you live.
bondo doesn't always work in wetter climates, it tends to fall out after a couple years...
find one without any rust

[TippsTheFoo]

I'm with you, speed. I'm going to hold off on that eBay Accord.

Did find another local one, however, through AutoTrader I may go look at this weekend.

It's a '89 LX tan/tan 4dr 5spd with 143K and they're asking $1200. It looks pretty clean in the pics (let's see if I can link them)...

[88accordhb]

yah see that would be a nice cheap ride. 1200 is the range you should expect for dx/lx's. that's a good deal, but as always make sure the engine is in decent shape and is clean of oil leaks and other junk. 1200 is how much mine was. hehe
edit:1200 is a good range for something that has 140k. like 180 something is still not worth 1200 imo.

[TippsTheFoo]

Can anyone run a CARFAX for me or tell me where to get the best deal?

[speedpenguin]

there should be a thread about how to do that in off-topic

[TippsTheFoo]

I went ahead and purchased the CARFAX. Thanks for the info, though.