estea wrote:

> 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?


bullshit... get the code scanned.
>
> #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?)

bad tranny, maybe?
>
> #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.

the switch itself is behind the lock cylinder. no need to replace the
lock cylinder unless the lock cylinder was broken... by a thief, maybe?

my 98 civic had the ignition switch recall, and uses the same keys.
>
> 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 ; )

to me? not worth it. possibly worth trade in value.
>
> thanks in advance for any opinions on the issues I've listed here -
>
> estea