How much is a 1999 Honda Prelude worth?

In 2025, most 1999 Honda Preludes trade between about $5,000 and $20,000 in the U.S., with rough projects dipping near $3,000 and truly exceptional, low-mile Type SH manuals stretching to $25,000–$35,000 or more. Prices depend heavily on mileage, overall condition, transmission, whether it’s the Type SH with ATTS, originality, regional demand, and documentation; below is a detailed look at current market dynamics, recent sales patterns, and practical steps to price or shop for one.

What the market shows in 2025

The fifth-generation Prelude (1997–2001) has matured into a modern classic, buoyed by Honda’s reputation for reliability and the car’s balanced chassis. Demand skews toward well-maintained, largely stock, manual-transmission cars—especially the 1999 Type SH, which adds the ATTS torque-vectoring system and gathers a premium among enthusiasts. While overall collector-car prices cooled from pandemic highs, clean Preludes have generally held their value: average drivers remain attainable, but low-mile, unmodified examples can command surprisingly strong money. Seasonal swings still matter (spring/summer usually stronger), and rust-free, documented cars from dry states fetch higher prices.

Typical price ranges by condition and spec

The following ranges summarize what buyers and sellers are commonly seeing for 1999 Honda Preludes as of this year. These are broad guidelines; an individual car can fall outside the band based on specifics like color, provenance, or unusual options and history.

• Project/rough (high miles, cosmetic/mechanical needs, automatic likely): $2,500–$5,000
• Running daily driver (150k–220k miles, average cosmetics, some needs): $6,000–$10,000
• Clean driver (100k–160k miles, solid records, mostly stock; manual adds value): $10,000–$15,000
• Very clean/low-mile (60k–100k miles, documented, stock or tastefully reversible mods): $15,000–$22,000
• Type SH, manual, excellent condition (<80k miles, stock, documented): $18,000–$28,000
• Collector-grade (sub‑50k miles, original paint/interior, Type SH/manual, rare color, full history): $25,000–$35,000+

Expect a manual to carry roughly a 10–25% premium over an automatic, with the Type SH trim adding another 10–30% depending on condition and mileage. Accidents, rust, poor modifications, and missing maintenance can push values down sharply, while impeccable documentation and preservation can lift them above the high end.

Factors that move the price up or down

Beyond year and trim, several variables materially affect valuation. Considering these can help explain why seemingly similar cars are quoted thousands apart.

• Mileage and wear: Lower miles correlate with higher prices, but service history can offset higher mileage.
• Transmission: Manuals are more sought-after; automatics are typically discounted.
• Trim: Type SH (with ATTS) generally commands a premium, particularly in manual form.
• Condition: Original paint, clean interiors, and rust-free bodies are prized; structural rust is a major red flag.
• Maintenance and records: Timing belt/water pump, clutch, suspension, and ATTS service history add value.
• Modifications: Stock or reversible bolt-ons are acceptable; heavy engine swaps, body kits, or cut wiring usually hurt value.
• Accident/ownership history: Clean titles with verifiable ownership and clean Carfax/Autocheck help; salvage or repeated accidents depress price.
• Colors and options: Desirable factory colors and rare, intact options (e.g., OEM wheels, audio) can nudge values up.
• Region and season: Dry-climate cars command more; spring/summer listings draw stronger bids for enthusiast coupes.

When in doubt, have a pre-purchase inspection verify rust, accident repair quality, and mechanical health—especially the condition of the timing components, suspension, and (for SH cars) the ATTS system.

Recent sales and valuation references

Auction and retail data over the past few years show a steady enthusiast premium over generalized pricing guides. While tools like Kelley Blue Book and NADA offer a baseline, they often lag the enthusiast market for clean, low-mile or special-trim Preludes. Auction platforms such as Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids, plus regional classifieds and dealer sites, provide more realistic, up-to-date comps.

Here is a snapshot of what’s been typical among recent comps through late 2024 and into 2025 trends:

• Base automatic, 150k–200k miles, average cosmetics: commonly $6,000–$10,000
• Base manual, 120k–170k miles, solid records: roughly $10,000–$15,000
• Type SH manual, ~80k–120k miles, well-kept and mostly stock: about $18,000–$26,000
• Collector-grade Type SH/manual, sub‑50k miles, original and documented: often $28,000–$35,000+

Local market conditions can shift these figures—tight supply or an especially desirable example can spark a bidding bump, while higher-mile, modified, or rust-belt cars may sit unless priced aggressively.

How to get a realistic number for your car today

If you’re buying or selling now, use a mix of data and inspection to land on a fair price and avoid surprises.

1. Pull recent comps within your region on enthusiast auctions and classifieds; match trim, transmission, mileage, and condition.
2. Adjust for mileage and maintenance: add value for fresh timing belt/water pump, clutch, and suspension refresh; subtract for upcoming needs.
3. Document everything: compile service records, decode VIN/trim, note any paintwork, and gather photos of rust-prone areas.
4. Assess originality: give weight to OEM parts, wheels, and interior; price down for irreversible mods or missing emissions equipment.
5. Get a pre-purchase inspection (or pre-listing inspection) focusing on rust, accident repair, engine compression/leaks, and ATTS function on SH cars.
6. Cross-check guide values (KBB/NADA) but prioritize real enthusiast comps for clean and rare examples.
7. Price with a buffer: list slightly above your target to allow for negotiation, especially in private-party sales.

This approach will anchor your number in actual market behavior and reduce the risk of overpaying or underpricing a solid car.

Bottom line

A 1999 Honda Prelude’s value in today’s market hinges on condition, mileage, transmission, trim, and originality. Expect roughly $5,000–$20,000 for most cars, with projects below and top-tier Type SH/manual examples pushing beyond $25,000. Verify with recent local comps and a thorough inspection to refine your figure.

Summary

Most 1999 Honda Preludes sell for $5,000–$20,000 in 2025, with rough projects around $3,000 and collector-grade Type SH manuals reaching $25,000–$35,000+. Manuals and Type SH trims command premiums; originality, documentation, rust-free condition, and maintenance history are decisive. Check recent comps, adjust for condition and service, and rely on inspections to set or evaluate a realistic price.

How much is a 1999 Honda worth?

The value of a used 1999 Honda Accord ranges from $443 to $2,504, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

How much do Honda Preludes go for?

Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to start around $31,000 and go up to $38,000 depending on the trim and options.

How much is a 1999 Honda Prelude?

The value of a used 1999 Honda Prelude ranges from $1,263 to $4,775, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

What are the best years for a Honda Prelude?

According to some sources, one of the most sought-after years of the Prelude is 1997, because enthusiasts covet the 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The two model years with zero logged complaints were 2000 and 1996.