I'm looking at a '98 Ody w/about 100K miles for approx $6800 USD -
love the way it drives/handles - turns better than my accord and not
as noisy! I'm a honda fanatic (have a 96 accord right now but need a
wee bit more space for the kids)and have had great experience
w/accords.

There are a couple of things I noticed on the test drive -

#1 engine light is on and dealer says it's cause the PO let the gas
run completely out (!). I don't buy this and will have engine light
checked at a dealer before purchase BUT doesn't letting gas tank run
to nothing harm the fuel pump or is that on an older, different type
engine?

#2 when decel. from about 60-25 mph there's a faint sound similar to
an jet descending , then it stops. Doesn't sound faulty, just haven't
heard it in any other engine ( this car has the 2.3 Vtec which I've
never driven so maybe that's just how they sound?)

#3 ignition switch was replaced at one point, (per dealer) and there
are separate keys for ignition and doors. This was covered in a Honda
recall on the 98 Ody, so possibly it was replaced pre-recall and PO's
didn't want to pay extra to key new ignition same as doors? just
seems fishy.

well I love the thing but am not married to it although the 1st
generation odys are hard to come by in these parts and it's a good
price for a car that will more than likely take me to 200K - would
appreciate advice/comments from anyone w/more knowledge than a
non-car-minded mom of 3 who just needs decent reliable transportation.
I have dealt w/dealer before and he is not crooked, just not super
knowledgeable and I don't really know any gearheads IRL ; )

thanks in advance for any opinions on the issues I've listed here -

estea