The Legend Is the Best Used Car You Can’t Get Anymore

I always had a lot of love for the gen1 Legend, but it got even more serious once I found this 90 LS with under 100k miles. It's been a great ride for the last 6 years, and I'm excited to own it for as long as I possibly can.
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Equipment Used:
Video - Nikon D5600
Audio - Shure MV7
Video Editing Software - Adobe Premiere CC
Who am I?
I’ve been an IT guy for the last 15 years with a serious passion for tech and all things automotive. From motherboards to combustion engines, I find happiness in anything that powers on or throws you back in your seat with the fierceness of a Greek god.

[@3foon58]

I never believed I could be this happy because of somebody elses car. It is so wonderful to see a true car lover gets a car that deserves to be loved.

[@TysonHugie]

Happy 3-month b-day to Baby Al. Good stuff here - long live the Legends!

[@user-lp3bn4jz6j]

Just got a 1990 LS 5-Speed. Watching this makes me wanna keep it forever.

[@Altek1]

Awesome! I'm going to need some details bud, how many miles? What color? And if you don't mind, how much did it run you? From what I've seen, LS 5 speeds are certainly rare and I found mine by accident. Keep it forever, 'cause it'll last forever.

[@natemathewson5200]

Nothing makes me happier than a clean example of an “extinct” car that’s being driven. Props to you my man and good to see you back

[@Altek1]

Thanks so much Nate! One time I was driving my Subaru and saw an identical version of my car driving around, I was convinced it was mine and had been stolen, haha. That's how rare it is for me to see one these days.Glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching.

[@wooable]

Thanks for keeping the Legend on the road! I miss seeing these fantastic cars running around

[@Altek1]

My pleasure! I can't wait till it's a bit warmer so I can find some to drive it. I really am trying to get it out more since a ride like this deserves to be enjoyed. Thanks for watching!

[@bc8580]

Hey thanks a bunch for giving this long overdue update. It's refreshing to see that you still treasure this gem. It's still a good looking car with great lines and styling. You made my day when you said you will save this car for your son. Yes, this car deserves to be preserved and not have multiple owners. I have the G2 version coupe 6 speed and just like you, it never sees snow and rain. Absolutely love the nostalgia when cruising with 90's music. And the rear window also rolls down on the G2 coupe! Thank you for sharing this inspiring update.

[@Altek1]

My father found me my first Legend in my early 20's, an 89 with very high mileage. Little did I know, that's where it all began. It's a special car to me which makes it easy to treasure. It also helps that I see the same great lines and styling that you do, I always look back when I park it. I always wanted the 6spd G2 but after hearing about head gasket issues, I was scared to go near it but I recall hearing of an easy fix. Too bad the good ones are few and far between, at least near me. I did not know they still had roll down rear windows on the coupe version, I thought that was a G1 only feature, but I do appreciate the correction. Oh and the main soundtrack in mine is usually 60's music since I imagine the person buying it new would have piqued at that time, hah. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks much for watching.

[@phw2274]

Man does this bring back memories. I leased a gen 1, 1987 Legend Coupe L new right after the coupe came out. It was silver with charcoal interior automatic transmission. What a sleek futuristic car for the time. A friend called it my "spaceship" lol. I loved remembering the little door that raised on the climate controls, and the door armrest secret pocket. My wife, whom I was dating at the time, love, love, loved the car and still talks about it often. Thanks so much for the video man and for taking me back to a simpler time!

[@ericB3444]

I had a 92 legend 4 door in gold with tan Ledbetter. Great wheelbase. Smooth ride. Strap YOUS teddy bear to any seat. Most bears approve of it still. Congrats on YOUS legend.

[@miguelbaeza65]

Glad you're back on KZbin. In my area south of Chicago, you rarely see a vehicle that's 20+ years old. If you do, then they're almost to their last leg driven by the 10th owner and rusted. Keep the Legend alive.

[@Altek1]

Thanks Miguel! Same here in NY and that's the problem with these areas that get hit by winter pretty hard, the salt is car hell. I remember seeing a mid 80's Wagoneer in Cali that looked like it rolled off the showroom floor, and I thought to myself, I have to ship my Legend to the west coast to make it last forever.

[@barringtonmassey3885]

Past few months I’ve been working on my 1989 Acura Legend Coupe, it’s Olympia White with a 5 Speed with the Manual Transmission.. had it for nearly 12 years! It’s coming together real nicely, can’t wait to one day take it to NALM.

[@Altek1]

Funny you say that, my goal is to get this to the point where I trust it for a cross country drive. It's not that I don't right now, but I'd like to know I have new belts, hoses, timing belt and so on, just to know I won't get stuck for an avoidable reason. Always great to hear from a long time owner, hope to see you there one day, I'll park right next to your white 89!

[@reginaldgarcia6699]

Your are right about the prices of legends they are high. You have a rare diamond keep it and enjoy it buddy! Love the legend!

[@Altek1]

Ten grand for the auto four door, crazy! But the same argument applies, then find one in that shape for less, you can't. The monetary value is irrelevant to me since I won't sell it, but it does put a damper on me wanting to buy another. Thanks for watching bud!

[@andrewsautos3253]

Bout time you did another video on the old girl! Glad to see its running well and you are doing your part to keep our rare G1 coupes on the road. Congratulations on the baby boy!

[@jonathannauck7453]

The gen 2 rear windows definitely roll down. Still love both 1 &2 and yes, they are next to impossible to find. Had 2 coupes (91/94) and they were the best cars ever. Absolutely stunning design.

[@jeremywilson4126]

Thanks for the great vid and keeping this legend so beautiful! I owned one of these in black with black leather for quite a few years and still regret selling it

[@DepthsOfOcanthus]

Glad to see you're still around. I'm a Toyota fanboy but I've always liked the Legend. My great-aunt had one when I was growing up and my cousins and I loved driving around in it.

[@Altek1]

I do love me a good Honda but there's plenty of old school Toyotas I'd love to own. My first car was a 90 Corolla and if I ever came across one in good condition, I'd scoop it up in a second. Or a same year Camry. This Legend is incredible to me because the ride still holds up against luxury cars I've driven today, with the obvious challenges of the year it was manufactured in of course. I have a question for you then, I'm considering a new Toyota Hatch with that new intelligent 6spd. I need something practical, cheap and safe that can transport the baby. I really don't want an SUV or a crossover. I think the Corolla would be fun to handle even if it's slow. What are your thoughts?

[@DepthsOfOcanthus]

@@Altek1 I'm a bad person to ask about newer cars haha. I currently own an 05 Scion xA 5-speed and a 97 Camry. In the last four years I've owned and sold a manual 05 Matrix XRS , a 97 ES300, and a 98 LS400 so I definitely live in the past. Before I got the LS400 I was thinking about getting a newer manual Corolla hatch but opted to try my hand at a VIP style car (definitely regret ruining the ride of that LS but it looked great lowered on some staggered 18x8/18x9 OZ Opera wheels). I will say I've heard nothing but good things about the Corolla hatches so I don't think you could go wrong grabbing one.

[@neilh.6024]

Great video. My mom had one of these. It was the loveliest car...

[@torreyinnewyorkcity334]

I am dying lol. You will turn wipers. I bet you sock drawers a color coordinate. Lol . It about time you posted the new video. Great video!!! Big hugs to baby Alec!

[@Altek1]

Hah, I'm not crazy with my clothes, although they are organized... but my tech stuff, yeah, I'm an equal maniac. Glad you enjoyed and thanks for checking it out bud!

[@phamer8217]

Great video 📹 , you got me looking at a 1989 coupe but it needs a transmission, but I love these coupes. I may just make the guy a offer.

[@coreykleinman7902]

Summer of 2016 I purchased a beauty mint condition frost white 93 Legend L sedan with beige cloth interior and auto transmission. 208k miles. I have since installed 16 inch GS wheels and burled walnut console cover and window switches, and had the driver seat rebuilt. It smells original inside and the seat looks new. Very comfy cruiser for a small guy like me. Then in April 2019 I purchased a really beat down persian red pearl 91 L sedan 5 speed manual with tan interior. It was such a rare gem I thought. I had to restore it. I paid $400 and it had mold growing everywhere. The leather was shredded. It had OEM fog lights and OEM spoiler. I could visualize its potential. I barely got it home as the clutch was hammered. The check engine light and ABS light were on. I had no idea how bad it was. I knew it needed a lot of work, but I was committed to the process. I had my white sedan sitting for 2.5 years while I focused on restoring the red one. It needed a water pump and timing belt, CV axle and a trailing arm. I finally fixed those things and then 4 days after getting it back on the road, I got hit in the front. Car was totaled but I'm fixing it. Only got paid 2100 from insurance.

[@SoBe80s.]

I have an 89 and I was concerned about replacing the stock radio. What I did instead was install a mini amp behind the OEM radio and replaced the speakers. It works perfectly! I have a sizable collection of cars from the 80s and 90s and this is the favorite of all.

[@Altek1]

I was thinking of doing that but not sure if the Bose aspect makes that more tricky. If you have any info on the wiring or parts used, I'm more than willing to give it a shot. Thanks!

[@g65_]

Long time no see man. Good content as always

[@Altek1]

Thanks bud. A baby and new job will really put a hobby on hold 😁 hoping to get some more content together soon. Thanks for always checking it out.

[@g65_]

@@Altek1 congrats on the baby 🐥

[@Glizzygloss]

@@Altek1 Still here since your appearance on Scotty. It's always good to see another video in my feed. Congratulations on the baby!

[@Ladyglittchh]

Thanks for uploading this video! I used to have a 94' Legend and it was my first car back in 2018. I unfortunately had to sell it because I couldnt afford to fix it. I hope to get another one soon.

[@Altek1]

The Gen2's are much more prevalent than the Gen1's, that much is true. You may have to spend a bit more to get one in good condition but I'd say it'll be worth it to know you can have it for a while. I was trying to buy a white 4 door, 94 from this one woman, but after months of back and forth, she ended up wanting to keep it. Original owner with about 43k on the odo. I still think about "the one that got away", haha.

[@Ladyglittchh]

@@Altek1 I mean if I was her I would be struggling to even sell mine haha. I just saw someone post a 87' for 3,500 with 82k miles with little things to fix other than that it looks so cool. Im really considering selling my 10' Buell Motorcycle just to get a legend again haha.

[@Altek1]

You got to link me to that! I'm even curious to just see the post even if I can't get it. There used to be an 89 outside of the church near me every Sunday, but I fear the worst happened to the old woman since I haven't seen it in some time now. And Buell?? Man, I haven't heard that brand name in over a decade, I always wanted one of those. Such a sick and unique sound and weird features like oil in the frame. How's it holding up?

[@Ladyglittchh]

@@Altek1 yes a Buell!! It only has 5k miles on it. I got it last year for 1,800 with no damages! Its my favorite and first bike I ever purchased. Ive been debating whether to sell it or not but you hardly see Buells riding around let alone ones in pristine condition.

[@devilkittyrocks]

Your love for this car has not wavered one bit! LOL!!

[@Altek1]

Hell yeah Tone! It drives like a new car and I never drive it so it's always like I just bought it when I do.

[@ILOVECHICKEN698]

Beautiful car

[@swlancaster1964]

This is my favorite Acura. I liked the 88 coupe in the deep green. One of the prettiest cars I ever saw.

[@hellasforever6242]

Beautiful car! Re your aircon, have you checked the air con relay?

[@djlala]

..I miss my 92 Acura integra … been checking to find a ‘good’ find but it’s been hard to find as well .. love that legend ! That will break my neck if I ever saw one pass me

[@Altek1]

I stumbled on my 93 Integra by accident. I honestly didn't even want to buy it but once I saw it, I couldn't say no. Keep looking, you never know what you might find which is how I found the Legend. Glad to hear from a fan! Thanks for watching!

[@jonnyv624]

Great video nice to see the closer look of your Legend. I’m so amazed by the condition of the leather seats, they look pristine! I’ve had an 89 LS coupe automatic for almost a year. After driving a friends 89 5 speed recently I’ve become determined to swap to a manual trans. Its a big job but just way too much fun driving the Legend with a 5 speed! I also had a similar problem with my Bose speakers and had to swap them out, but I was able to keep the Bose cassette deck so I’m happy with that.

[@Altek1]

Lucky you if you have a Bose head unit that fully works. I'm still struggling with what to do with mine. I'll look for another replacement from a junk car before considering going aftermarket. The manual transmission is incredible, one of the best I've felt for a "luxury" manual. I always loved Honda's manuals so I'm definitely biased. As for the leather seats, they were redone when I picked the car up. I think it saw a bit of rain damage, and we all know how badly they age. Whatever leather guy the used car lot chose to do it did incredible work though. They look perfectly stock and feel great. Best of luck with your 89 coupe. I'm curious, what color? How many miles?

[@jonnyv624]

@@Altek1 Yea im in the same boat as you- trying to keep things as original as possible. When I purchased the car, all the Bose had been removed, but I tracked down the Bose cassette deck a junk yard. Im pretty sure I found another one and can send you the contact and check if they still have for purchase. The sound quality from Cassettes has some hiss, but the radio sounds great. Mine is a 89 LS granada black coupe with 141k miles.

[@Altek1]

Sounds like a great find on your end. I only found them in gold for some reason but the black can look real sharp when it's cleaned up. That's low mileage too if it was taken care of. Link me to the cassette deck, I'll take the chance if it's not crazy expensive. All the ones I've found are around $200 and they can't promise functionality. As for the hiss, did you try a basic tape cleaner? That helped with some of the initial feedback on mine, but it sure wouldn't fix the right speakers going out.

[@jonnyv624]

@@Altek1 tried sending you a reply with the info a few times not sure if you got it

[@Altek1]

@@jonnyv624 I did not, I even checked comments held for review and it shows nothing. If it's not a pain in the arse, try it one more time bud.

[@gabrielgorena3790]

I remember watching your old legend vids and the Integra that was your mother's. Influenced my purchase of an '89 blue 5 spd coupe years ago and recently saved a '00 4dr silver auto Integra from getting crushed, which now my mom wants to drive badly. Funny how that happens!

[@rwfrogismyname]

This definitely makes me want to buy a Legend. Here in eastern NC I see them on facebook marketplace for $2-3k consistently. If only I hadn't just spent almost 2 grand getting a new heart in my DA lmao. Speaking of which, how's your DA doing? Love the vids mate

[@rwfrogismyname]

Also, you might wanna check out the Ghost Box by Jordan Distributors, you can connect to it through bluetooth and play music without having to get rid of the original stereo!

[@shtfvan8084]

Ive got a 1990 ACURA V6 (no L version) 4 door, same color as yours with gold cloth seats. Just about mint condition in and out. I put tasteful aftermarket rims on it, and sound system. I will upload a video on it soon!

[@treezy006]

Your stalling issue sounds like a Exhaust Gas Recirculating Valve (EGRV). I have a 1990 LS, along with my dad owning a handful from 87-90. I believe the 2nd Gen Legend EGRV can be used as a replacement if the connector is swapped to use the the 1st Gen connector . The 1st Gen EGRVs are not available anymore, hence the reason for the connector swap.

[@Altek1]

I didn't think about the EGR. My previous Legend had that problem but exhibited different symptoms, mainly at highway speeds. The only replacement part I could find was a reman and was way to expensive to justify since the car had a lot of issues otherwise. I was unaware that the Gen2 part could be used with a swapped connector, I'll definitely look into that. The other option could be a clogged EGR pipe, right? I recall reading something along those lines in the past, but again, I thought that would affect the car more at high speeds and not during idle.

[@ghostspectre1861]

With gas prices the way they are, that's dedication to your fleet. Didn't you have a rusty second Legend for parts?

[@Altek1]

I did but it died. Took it to a shoddy mechanic who replaced the timing belt but not the tensioner. Ended up with a dead motor but I did take whatever parts I could from it. Luckily gas prices aren't hurting me working from home and when I do drive, I'm pretty much only using the Integra these days which just sips gas. Aaaand sadly, the Subaru is gone as well. Broke my heart but I'll do an update video soon explaining what happened. I'm looking for a new fun ride around $25k if you have any ideas. Thinking the Kia Forte GT in manual but still not sure.

[@therealronaldd]

I thought I was the only person who hated wiper scratch marks! I cringe whenever dry brittle wipers make the heinous dragging noise lol

[@Altek1]

It drives me nuts! It always looks spotless after a clean then headlights hit you at night and I'm like damn shark fin!! Plus this windshield looks brand new, I'm not about to ruin that. You've made me feel less crazy, and for that, I thank you!

[@areebkashif2494]

Just picked up mine for 2800 usd(3500 cad), bought it from a friend who bought it 2 months ago from the original owner has 200k kms,(its a 89 so pretty low) car is in good condition, all it needs is a passenger window regulator and a reupholster on the two front seats, I love driving it!

[@ToroBullOne]

I still love my '88 manual sedan.

[@incognito7833]

The trick to making sure the door stays locked while closing it: Hold the Exterior door handle up while closing the door... the lock stays locked 🔒 without having to use the 🔑 😎

[@Texasdanger5]

It’s true. Not a single legend for sale anywhere near my state

[@Altek1]

I check frequently, and if I see one for a good price, I'm definitely picking it up. But shhh, don't tell the Mrs.

[@DeaShelton]

My biggest regret is selling my acura legend 1988 coupe in gold, stick shift. It went 250K and everything started falling apart. I had that beautiful car for 20 years.

[@willyhwang1059]

its a honda thing i had same problem with my odyssey difficult to restart after a run

[@jumpstreet2425]

How long until we see the mini cooper again? Edit: catch it before it breaks down this time 😂.

[@onelthompson9444]

Try putting it into another gear prior to putting it into reverse and it won’t grind. All legends do it. Mine did the same thing and I found out from the user’s manual. Another way is to hold down on the clutch for a few seconds prior to putting it in gear as well.

[@Altek1]

I recall trying 5th to reverse with the same results but I'll certainly try it again. I'll also double check the manual because if it's in there, I'll really be upset at myself. First rule, read the manual I always say! The only way I know works is if the engine is idling at its absolute lowest RPM. Even if I move the wheel a pinch while putting it in reverse, it grinds since the power steering kicks the idle up a few hundred RPMs.

[@inthendwealldie]

Wow you got that for $3.2k with 96k miles? I looked around today and barely found any. I never got to experience these Hondas and Acuras since I grew up mostly on Ford and Toyotas I saw a 96k mile, 1990, one owner coupe for 16k. And another 1993 coupe 131k miles for 23k. My god them coupes prices… I think the Legends are dying out, got clunked, totaled, rusted out, can’t pass smog, hard to or can’t find parts, etc. I don’t even see Legends, nor the Vigors today on the road or freeway at all in California. In the 90s, this was the G, drug dealer status whip in the hood with them 18-20 inch rims 👀

[@emi9294]

Just bought a 170k '89 coupe in the same color. Don't think I could ever drive anything else.

[@LisaSmith-eg3eg]

We have auto tools need veido review, how to do cooperation with you? We are waiting for your great job video.

[@lexxfaber1991]

I just bought a 1987 Honda legend for 17 hundred does need a bit of work tho.

[@dru7481]

I found an 1990 ls in Tulsa that I'm gonna get for 2500

[@swlancaster1964]

Dude, you gotta stop smiling at the car, he's gonna rip you off! ROTFLMAO!! That's me!

[@devilkittyrocks]

...and what? No baby seat?!?!

[@Altek1]

Do I really want to put imprints in the leather with a baby seat though? Baby Al will sit shotgun when the time comes.

[@ItsNationalNews]

Those three cars are at dealerships. They're always gonna be about 10 grand overpriced. Marketplace right now has quite a few 1gs for a good deal

[@briteang3l116]

I bought mine for 480

[@atomicforcegaming2867]

I dunno the 1st gen TSX is pretty amazing

[@Altek1]

Can't say I've driven the 1st gen, but I absolutely love the TSX hatch. I've searched a few times for one, but good looking models aren't cheap. Maybe one day though, in white preferably.

[@atomicforcegaming2867]

@@Altek1 The hatch models have become unicorns, I would love one but I am partial to the K24a2 that comes in the first gens. Good luck finding one that hasn't been modded to hell though.