Acura Legend Experts

[liberator]

Legend Experts,

Please help. I am looking at buying a 93 Legend sedan Automatic 4 Dr and need some expert advice please:

How do u know if the Legend is a L or LS or basic model.... is it based upon the equipment only or is there a designation?

Is there a notation on the trim ie. on the back or sides?

Is the water pump replacement a 'wait for failure to fix or 'pre-emptive scheduled' service thing where it should be done at a certain time/mileage?

Air Cond: since it is old freon, how much is it to change over to the new system typically?

Can I use 87 Octane fuel in it even though it requires premium fuel?

What other service issues should I be concerned with in buying a 15 yr old car?

It idles alittle rough but I figure it is standard?

Thanks in Advance.

[sam o nela]

Dont buy it....

Ask about the timing belt and water pump because those HAVE to be changed if there is NO proof that it was done recently or on schedule...that should factor into your final price....

Also, if its running rough, I'd pass it up anyhow...it could be as simple as a bad plug/coil pack or as serious as a blown head gasket...

They are good cars, but you should only buy the good, solid ones with some kind of history of regular maintenance by the previous owner(s).

[sam o nela]

With that said, to answer your other questions as best I can:

When was the last time the auto tranny was serviced? Any records/receipts as proof?

~L is mid range I believe for 93 and LS is top of the line. both should have leather, sunroof, and Bose, but the LS should have Auto Climate Control, a Passenger airbag, and Courtesy Lights. The L MAY have those things, but an LS will for sure have them....


~I dont think it is advertised anywhere on the exterior of the car what the trim level is....the VIN should tell you though

~Again, timing belt and water pump are a MUST!!

~Switching from R12 to R134 could be either a dream or a nightmare....its pretty expensive to do (Range could be anywhere from $200-$500!), and if you are lucky they wont find any leaks that will lead to MORE money being spent....

~You can use 87, but you will reportedly be doing your engine and yourself a disservice....spend the extra $3 per tank and gas up using premium.

~These cars you REALLY need to look out for seeping, leaking, and blown head gaskets! If you are serious about buying the car, insist on it getting a Hydrocarbon AND compression test done BEFORE you buy it....if the seller refuses, walk away....these cars also tend to eat up rear transmission mounts like popcorn and this will give you a hard CLUNK when shifting from park to drive. As I mentioned before, I would only buy a G2 that checked out to my own standards and had the paper trail of maintenance to back it up....unfortunately, those are becoming harder and harder to come by...

Lastly...these cars SHOULD NOT idle rough....that would raise a red flag to me right there...

Good luck!

[liberator]

Sam. You really do know your Legend info!! Thanks!! I have been PM'ing others on this but here is the latest info:

Yes a rear tranny mount is gone which may have been the rough idle.

One of the cylinders was showing at 24% whereas the others were good when the mechanic did the leak down test although the compression showed decent figures.

Mileage is low but the 24% makes me worry.

The car did have some other issues ie. not starting but thought it was a relay... still monitoring.

So everything you said had some serious consideration in assessing this vehicle.

You are good!! Thanks very much again for sharing your expertise on this.

Any other considerations on this?

[OEM Bob]

Liberator,
In addition to the msg I sent you..check out this site for L vs. LS trim etc...has all the info you were looking for.

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/...5?archive=1994

See ya
OEM Bob