Is it bad news when a car idles rough?
 

I found a 1988 Honda Prelude with 37,000 miles. It's going for a very nice price. I talked to the dealer on the phone. He said the only problem with the car is that it idles rough. Is this a big problem? Does this tend to have an expensive fix? Is this odd for a car with such low miles?I'm test driving the car tomorrow so I'll be able to see for myself just how rough he was talking. I just don't want to end up buying a car because it's such a deal and then ending up paying tons of money to fix it.Yes, I do plan on getting a carfax report on it. The miles did seem off to me. But assuming the mileage is correct...

Something is very fishy about an 88' lude with 37k....check car fax for flood damage and odometer discrepancy.if the car truly had only 37k, it would only idle rough, because in all likely hood, it needs an oil change bad. that or the injectors are super dirty from, what sounds like being a garage queen all those years.

37,000 is a bit sus. It may just need an oil change and a new oil filter. It may also need a new air filter and an adjustment made to the idle speed.

i would say that it needs an oil change... BAD!!! how much for the ar? if it has only 37k REAL miles that is a steal

My thoughts are also a vacuum leak or PCV valve.