How much is a 1995 Honda Prelude worth?

Most 1995 Honda Preludes in the U.S. sell for about $3,500–$12,000 today, depending heavily on condition, mileage, originality, and trim. Clean, well-kept VTEC 5-speed cars can command $18,000–$28,000 or more at enthusiast auctions, while rough “project” examples often trade under $3,000. Prices for good, unmodified cars have remained resilient into 2025, with the strongest premiums reserved for low-mile, stock VTEC models.

Contents

Current U.S. market ranges (2025)
What affects value most
Trim and transmission premiums
Recent market signals
How to price your specific car
International snapshot
Bottom line

Current U.S. market ranges (2025)

The following ranges reflect observed asking prices and auction results for the 4th‑generation Prelude (1992–1996) over the past year, with a focus on 1995 models. Values vary by region, documentation, and whether the car is stock or modified.

Project/rough runners (high miles, notable rust or mechanical needs): $1,500–$3,000

Driver condition, high miles (160k+), cosmetic wear:
- S/Si: $4,500–$7,500
- VTEC: $6,500–$9,500

Clean, largely original, average miles (100k–150k), sorted:
- S/Si: $7,500–$11,000
- VTEC: $10,000–$16,000

Exceptional/collector grade (low miles, stock, documented, 5‑speed): $18,000–$28,000+

Private‑party sales typically land lower than dealer retail; enthusiast‑auction results for standout examples can outpace local classifieds. Expect meaningful regional variance, with rust‑free West Coast and Sun Belt cars bringing more than similar Northeast or Midwest examples.

What affects value most

Several factors consistently move the needle on Prelude pricing. Buyers pay a premium for originality, documentation, and the right specification, while deferred maintenance or rust can quickly depress value.

Trim and engine: The VTEC (H22A1) commands the highest prices over Si (H23A1) and S (F22)

Transmission: 5‑speed manuals generally fetch $1,000–$3,000 more than automatics

Mileage and condition: Verified lower miles and strong compression, leak‑free operation, and fresh maintenance (timing belt, water pump, clutch) add significant value

Originality: Stock examples with factory wheels, exhaust, and no stereo or suspension hacking are prized

Rust and accident history: Rear arches, rocker panels, and subframe corrosion are common deal‑breakers

Documentation: Service records, clean Carfax/Autocheck, and one‑owner histories support higher asks

Modifications: Quality upgrades (OE‑plus suspension refresh, OEM or period‑correct parts) can be neutral to slightly positive; engine swaps, cut wiring, or cheap coilovers typically reduce value

In short, well‑kept, unmodified, manual‑transmission VTEC cars with documentation bring the strongest money, while neglected or rusty autos languish.

Trim and transmission premiums

Not all 1995 Preludes are valued equally. The market places distinct premiums on specific trims and gearboxes, reflecting performance and enthusiast demand.

VTEC vs. Si/S: Expect roughly a 30%–60% premium for comparable‑condition VTEC cars

Manual vs. automatic: Manuals usually add $1,000–$3,000; in top‑tier examples, the spread can be higher

Color and options: Desirable colors and factory options (ABS, sunroof) help, but condition matters more

When two cars are otherwise similar, the VTEC/5‑speed combination is the clearest value driver.

Recent market signals

Enthusiast marketplaces and classifieds in 2024–2025 show steady demand for clean 4th‑gen Preludes, with standout cars achieving strong results and average drivers trading within predictable bands.

Low‑mile, stock VTEC 5‑speeds with records frequently close in the high teens to mid‑$20Ks

Well‑sorted Si 5‑speeds with 120k–160k miles commonly transact in the $8K–$12K range

Autos, modified examples, or cars with rust/accident histories regularly sell for less than guide values

Mainstream price guides can lag enthusiast auction results, especially for top‑condition cars, so cross‑checking multiple sources is wise.

How to price your specific car

To narrow from broad ranges to a realistic asking or offer price, follow a consistent valuation process and document the car’s condition carefully.

Decode the VIN to confirm trim/engine and gather factory options

Pull a vehicle history report and assemble service records (timing belt interval is critical)

Inspect for rust (rear arches, rockers, subframe), leaks, and accident repairs

Evaluate compression, clutch/transmission operation, suspension bushings, and brakes

Photograph the car thoroughly, including underbody, and note originality vs. modifications

Compare against at least 10–15 recent comps: local classifieds, enthusiast forums, and auction archives

Adjust for region, seasonality, and transmission; price manual VTEC cars assertively if condition supports it

A documented, rust‑free, stock car with recent major maintenance will justify the upper end of the appropriate range for its trim and mileage.

International snapshot

Outside the U.S., pricing varies with import rules and supply. These are directional impressions, not currency‑adjusted appraisals.

Canada: Similar spreads to the U.S., with premiums for rust‑free West Coast cars; clean VTEC manual examples often trade in the CAD mid‑teens to low‑$30Ks

UK/EU: JDM imports and rust‑free cars draw premiums; availability is thinner, and values skew higher for exceptional examples

Australia/NZ: Limited supply keeps prices firm; condition and provenance are decisive

Local taxes, compliance costs, and right‑/left‑hand‑drive preferences can swing values significantly across borders.

Bottom line

For a 1995 Honda Prelude in today’s market: expect roughly $3,500–$12,000 for most cars, with rough projects under $3,000 and standout VTEC 5‑speeds reaching $18,000–$28,000+. Trim, transmission, rust, originality, and documentation are the biggest value levers. If you’re buying or selling, anchor on recent comps for your region and be candid about condition.