How much does a Honda Prelude go for?
In the current used-car market, a Honda Prelude typically runs from roughly $3,000 to $15,000 in the United States, with well-maintained VTEC variants or Type SH editions pushing higher. Pristine, low-mileage examples can exceed that range, while rough or high-mileage cars may be found for well under $5,000.
Market snapshot and what drives price
Prices for the Honda Prelude are shaped by generation, condition, mileage, maintenance history, and regional demand. Collectibility, originality, and drivetrain (manual vs automatic) also steer values upward or downward. Below, you’ll find a generation-based benchmark and regional considerations to help set expectations when shopping.
Price ranges by generation
Below is a rough guide to current asking prices for common Prelude generations in typical U.S. listings. These ranges are meant as benchmarks and can vary with local demand and car condition.
- Third generation (late 1980s to early 1990s): generally about $3,000–$8,000 depending on rust, rust repair, mileage, and originality.
- Fourth generation (1993–1996): typically $4,000–$12,000, with well-maintained stock cars toward the upper end and higher-mileage examples lower.
- Fifth generation (1997–2001): commonly $5,000–$15,000; VTEC or Type SH variants and cars with low miles can command higher prices, sometimes beyond $15,000.
Conclusion: These ranges reflect typical listings and market sentiment. Individual cars can vary widely based on condition, provenance, and history.
Regional dynamics and import considerations
Prices move differently outside the U.S. due to import costs, availability, and local preferences for specific trims. Here is how regional dynamics commonly play out:
- Canada: prices often align with U.S. ranges but can be slightly higher due to import and shipping costs, especially for well-maintained examples.
- Europe: demand for clean, low-mileage Preludes can push prices higher, particularly for well-preserved late-generation cars and models with desirable trims.
- Japan and Australia: markets can influence global availability; buyers sourcing from Japan sometimes see favorable prices for low-mileage cars, but total landed cost applies.
- Other markets: local supply, compliance requirements (such as emissions or safety standards), and import rules can create wide price variances from the U.S. benchmarks.
Conclusion: Region-specific factors matter. Buyers should check local listings and factor in shipping, taxes, duties, and compliance costs when estimating total acquisition cost.
Buying considerations and price negotiation
Knowing how prices are formed helps in negotiation and deciding what to pay. The following checklist highlights practical factors that commonly affect price and value.
- Assess overall condition: body, frame, floor, and undercarriage for rust or previous damage.
- Review maintenance history: timing components, fluids, belts, timing belt checks (where applicable), and service records.
- Evaluate drivetrain and transmission: manual transmissions tend to be more desirable and sometimes pricier to replace; test drive for shifting feel and clunk-free operation.
- Inspect originality and mods: aftermarket parts can both help or hurt value depending on quality and how they align with buyer preferences.
- Compare against local listings: verify whether asking prices reflect current market conditions and adjust expectations accordingly.
Conclusion: A well-documented car with solid maintenance, low mileage, and minimal non-stock modifications tends to command the higher end of the price ranges described above.
Summary
The Honda Prelude pricing landscape varies by generation, condition, and region. In the U.S., expect roughly $3,000–$8,000 for older generations, $4,000–$12,000 for the fourth generation, and $5,000–$15,000 (or more for exceptional cases) for the fifth generation, with VTEC/Type SH variants often at the high end. Regional import costs and local demand can shift these ranges. For buyers, focusing on maintenance history, rust presence, originality, and a thorough test drive will help anchor a fair price and improve negotiating leverage. Always compare multiple listings to gauge current market value and be prepared to negotiate based on verified condition and service records.
How much does Prelude cost?
The 2026 Honda Prelude is officially on sale in the U.S. It only comes one way — essentially fully loaded — and costs $43,195 including a mandatory $1,195 destination charge. Every Prelude comes with a two-motor hybrid system shared with the Honda Civic, packing 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.
What will a Honda Prelude cost?
Honda announced pricing for the reborn Prelude, along with EPA fuel-economy ratings for the new hybrid two-door model. The 2026 Honda Prelude arrives at dealerships in just one trim, starting at $43,195.
How much is a 1990 Honda Prelude worth?
The 1990 Honda Prelude's price varies significantly based on condition, mileage, and trim, typically ranging from approximately $1,200 to over $7,000 for used models, but can reach much higher for exceptionally well-maintained or rare versions like the Si ALB. The original MSRP in 1990 ranged from about $14,190 for the base model to $18,450 for the top-tier Si Coupe 4WS.
Current used prices
- General: Valuations range from around $1,189 to $7,335, depending on the vehicle's condition, mileage, and options.
- Model-specific:
- Si: A good condition Si with average specs can be around $15,200, but auction prices for well-maintained examples have ranged from $7,140 to over $8,360.
- Si 4WS: A good condition Si 4WS with average specs might be valued around $16,800, with auction prices from $6,800 to $8,000 depending on specifics.
- Si ALB: A specific low-mileage example sold for $19,900, with comps ranging from $14,261 to $29,333, notes Classic.com.
Original prices (MSRP)
- S Coupe: Original MSRP was approximately $14,190.
- Si Coupe: Original MSRP was around $17,175.
- Si Coupe 4WS: The highest trim had an original MSRP of about $18,450.
How much is a 2001 prelude worth?
The price for a used 2001 Honda Prelude varies widely, but the original MSRP was between approximately $23,600 and $26,540, depending on the trim. Based on current listings, the used market price is typically between $5,450 and $19,591, with the average price around $14,502.
Factors affecting the price
- Trim level: The "Type SH" coupe generally has a higher price than the base model.
- Mileage: Cars with lower mileage will command a higher price.
- Condition: The condition of the vehicle, including any modifications, plays a significant role in its value.
- Location: Prices can vary by region, with some listings showing prices as high as $29,999 for a low-mileage model.
Average and typical prices
- Original MSRP: The original manufacturer's suggested retail price ranged from about $23,600 for the 5-speed manual to $26,540 for the Type SH manual.
- Average used price: The average price for a used 2001 Prelude is around $14,502, with listings ranging from roughly $5,450 to $19,591.
- Price range based on condition: Based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options, the estimated value of a used 2001 Prelude can range from about $1,304 to $5,108.
