Hey all,
I just wanted to share a story today about my almost-purchase of a 91 EX-R wagon. I actually gave him an offer that he accepted, but I ended up walking away from the deal after a quick call to my mechanic. I think I made the right decision, but maybe I can get some ideas from folks here if it was worth walking away from. Here's what I saw/experienced.
1991 Honda Accord Wagon EX-R bought from Dalt's Honda in Orillia Ontario in 1991, apparently maintained exclusively there and was the original owner's son selling the car. No service records as they were still in Orillia.
Exterior thoughts:
Dented/scratched hood with a bit of rust, rust holes in rear fenders, poorly patched with playdoh and rubber still attached which caused the rust in the first place. Paint was OK, and still had the original pinstripe, though falling off. Wheels in good condition, and no rust along the doors, wheel wells or windows. Front windshield was cracked in 3 places.
Interior thoughts:
Non-working A/C (deal killer for me), fuel door latch replaced with rusted coat hanger. All 4 windows work but rolled up slowly, however the sunroof worked flawlessly. Top of steering wheel was no longer glued to the wheel and could be moved forward and back. Dirty seats but no rips, yet strong cigarette smell throughout. Power mirrors worked for the most part, but clicked when positioning. Rear windshield fluid never sprayed, and power antenna had issues retracting.
Driving thoughts:
Several holes in the exhaust and muffler. Sounded like garbage driving around. Brakes worked well yet sounded like something was moving around in the roof/A-pillar when heavy braking applied, engine was smooth although screeched when started up. Steering felt normal. Drove a lot like my current CB7.
Deciding thoughts:
He told me the car is leaking like crazy due to the damaged windshield, and the transmission will get stuck in second while driving and the S light will turn on. The entire engine is covered in oil, thick sticky dirty oil. The ignition also thinks the key is always inserted after removing it, thus chiming indefinitely.
He was up front about the car being a winter beater, and based on the condition it was pretty obvious. I'm not worried about mechanical or body issues as those can be fixed, but the A/C and the fact that so many small things were broken that I ended up walking away.
Here's where I'm sure I'll get some heat. The car was listed for $600CND, which is like $50 US now. I offered him $300 and he accepted it. Since I walked away he'll be sending it to the scrap yard. I felt it was too far gone, and didn't want to sleep on the couch for buying another car without A/C. Here are some photos from the original ad. Any questions? What would you have done?
I just wanted to share a story today about my almost-purchase of a 91 EX-R wagon. I actually gave him an offer that he accepted, but I ended up walking away from the deal after a quick call to my mechanic. I think I made the right decision, but maybe I can get some ideas from folks here if it was worth walking away from. Here's what I saw/experienced.
1991 Honda Accord Wagon EX-R bought from Dalt's Honda in Orillia Ontario in 1991, apparently maintained exclusively there and was the original owner's son selling the car. No service records as they were still in Orillia.
Exterior thoughts:
Dented/scratched hood with a bit of rust, rust holes in rear fenders, poorly patched with playdoh and rubber still attached which caused the rust in the first place. Paint was OK, and still had the original pinstripe, though falling off. Wheels in good condition, and no rust along the doors, wheel wells or windows. Front windshield was cracked in 3 places.
Interior thoughts:
Non-working A/C (deal killer for me), fuel door latch replaced with rusted coat hanger. All 4 windows work but rolled up slowly, however the sunroof worked flawlessly. Top of steering wheel was no longer glued to the wheel and could be moved forward and back. Dirty seats but no rips, yet strong cigarette smell throughout. Power mirrors worked for the most part, but clicked when positioning. Rear windshield fluid never sprayed, and power antenna had issues retracting.
Driving thoughts:
Several holes in the exhaust and muffler. Sounded like garbage driving around. Brakes worked well yet sounded like something was moving around in the roof/A-pillar when heavy braking applied, engine was smooth although screeched when started up. Steering felt normal. Drove a lot like my current CB7.
Deciding thoughts:
He told me the car is leaking like crazy due to the damaged windshield, and the transmission will get stuck in second while driving and the S light will turn on. The entire engine is covered in oil, thick sticky dirty oil. The ignition also thinks the key is always inserted after removing it, thus chiming indefinitely.
He was up front about the car being a winter beater, and based on the condition it was pretty obvious. I'm not worried about mechanical or body issues as those can be fixed, but the A/C and the fact that so many small things were broken that I ended up walking away.
Here's where I'm sure I'll get some heat. The car was listed for $600CND, which is like $50 US now. I offered him $300 and he accepted it. Since I walked away he'll be sending it to the scrap yard. I felt it was too far gone, and didn't want to sleep on the couch for buying another car without A/C. Here are some photos from the original ad. Any questions? What would you have done?
)
It's still for sale though, I posted a wanted ad on Kijiji and the owner's sold emailed me trying to sell it for $1,000.
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