What do you think? Good deal?

[calebstevens]

Hello Acura world. I have an 89 Legend L That I've owned for probably 4 years now. I absolutely love it and it has given me virtually zero problems, but I've always secretly wished she was a 5 speed. I don't let her know that tho.

Anyway I'm always checking Craigslist and came across this piece of work. $700 and the guy selling has been open about its issues and recent work that has been done to it.

Pros:
-runs strong
-161K miles
-new clutch
-newer timing belt
-new alternator

Cons:
-burns oil
-interior is meh
-body damage to front driver quarter

The 2dr LS 5sp is my dream. But I just need to decide if this is too much of a risk... what do you guys think? I can work on my own cars, and don't mind doing some work on this one, but if there are some serious things to look out for, I'd appreciate the insight! Gonna go look at it this evening.
Thanks!

[JKLedbetter]

Does it burn oil, or just leak it?

Do you live in a state that requires smog testing?

With patience you can probably find one in better condition.

But if you enjoy working on G1's, go for it.

Just keep in mind that whatever money you put into it can only be gotten out in the form of miles traveled.

-Kennon

[1988G1]

Depends on your skill level. She sure is a gem

[paulo57509]

Looks like Oregon plates...

The things that would be of concern to me would be:

1. The burning oil issue. Like Kennon said, is it burning it or leaking it? The leaks can be fixed pretty easily. The burning, not so much.

2. The interior condition. The leather can be dealt with. I think some G1 owners have had luck with replacement covers. It's a bigger concern if the foam is FUBAR.

3. Body damage. It might be difficult to find replacement body parts that are in good condition. You'll probably be looking at a complete re-paint whether you replace the fender or use filler. The hood appears tweaked too.

It's an OLD car. There could be numerous other things that will probably need attention. If you have deep pockets and are are handy in the garage, it might make a good project. It'll be expensive if you need to have someone work on it for you.

Keep in mind also, that if you're planning on using it as a daily driver, look elsewhere. It's no fun sacrificing sleep to fix a car at night so you can get to work the next morning.

However, if the owner spent the money to replace the clutch and timing belt, it might not be that bad of a car.

[l4zy415]

I'd buy it and fix it little by little. She looks like a gem, especially since it's got the clear turn signals in the rear and the spoiler.

[calebstevens]

Thanks for the replies guys. I ended up biting the bullet on it. Ended up being able to talk the guy down to $600, which gave me a little more peace of mind.

Its pretty rough cosmetically. Years of neglect and grime built up inside the car, but nothing some elbow grease can't clean. super solid floors and trunk which was promising. And the paint is in amazing condition, aside from that front quarter panel. I shook my head when they guy said he caulked the sunroof shut cause it was leaking... And I eventually want to get these seats recovered/find a donor car to pull seats from.

But dang it drives strong and shifts really well.
I drove it home from Portland to Eugene, and aside from it having no power steering and obviously needing the CV axles replaced, I was really surprised at how well it ran.

That's a good question on the oil. I can see some potential leakage from obvious places like valve covers, and I watched it drive from behind without seeing any blue smoke, so I'm hoping it is just a leak.

paulo57509, you are right about the hood being slightly kinked on that damaged side.

For now I'm just going to get the major things out of the way. Just installed the high pressure PS hose that was leaking all over the engine (the old dude kept pouring PS fluid into the reservoir as it was leaking everywhere...), and have purchased new CV axles and ball joints I'll install this weekend.

I'm looking at it as a ongoing project on a dream car of mine, and don't mind the occasional labor to get this baby back to it's rightful state! And I'm sure I'll be on this forum more as I have more questions, as well as post some before/afters.

[AcuraG1Coupe]

Curious how much were the "new CV axles and ball joints"? I have a like new set on my coupe that I am parting out.

Speaking of which if you ever get down to Los Angeles I have a hood and front fender with no damage. Matter of fact my hood was replaced new when I painted the car.

That Power steering hose was a factory re-call and I had mine replaced by the dealer for free but when my car was stored in the impound yard after the rear end accident someone stole it along with all my brand new leather seats.

[AcuraG1Coupe]

I also have a brand new set of hood shocks that have never been mounted among other things. PM me if you are looking for anything.

[calebstevens]

Originally Posted by AcuraG1Coupe

Curious how much were the "new CV axles and ball joints"? I have a like new set on my coupe that I am parting out.

Speaking of which if you ever get down to Los Angeles I have a hood and front fender with no damage. Matter of fact my hood was replaced new when I painted the car.

That Power steering hose was a factory re-call and I had mine replaced by the dealer for free but when my car was stored in the impound yard after the rear end accident someone stole it along with all my brand new leather seats.

New CV Axles were around $60 a piece and the lower ball joint was like $16 a piece.

Good to know! I will keep that in mind. Have some family that lives down there, but I usually fly, and I don't even wanna know what shipping costs would be on that stuff.

[calebstevens]

So I got the PS hose, both CV axles and ball joints slapped in and took it for a spin last night.

It drives & steers great! But does this thing where the idle is a bit irregular and when I give it gas the headlights brighten and the battery light comes on. This is mainly when its in neutral at a stop. Do . you guys think thats probably an alternator issue?

I know it's got some other sort of electrical issue too cause the battery drains overnight from something drawing power. The dude installed a light switch in the grill to flip on and off that goes to the battery to cut power when it sits. (I'm thinking, ok if you're savvy enough to do that, why didn't you just figure out what was causing the parasitic drain...?)

So those are my next two ventures. that along with a thorough detailing of the interior. Any input is appreciated.