JayB

Are there any features of the 3rd generation were one can identify the manufacture year, if it was resprayed ect. (since I do not know where to access the history report of a Japan import!)

HONDAKILLER

Well, the answer for your question is quite difficult, but here is what I would do...

Pick a spot on the body where no one can see, ex., the lower part of the car, and scratch just a little bit with a screw driver to unreveal the past paint. That's the easiest way. Or, Go to a DMV and try to trace what color it was before the updated "new" color that's on the profile. Of course the representative wont tell what exactly it was, but if you ask them whether it was different than the current color, im sure they will give you that info by saying, "yes its different". The answer to your VIN# question is..... SACRIFICE $140 and get the factory workbook. The first couple pages it will talk about reading your VIN#, The year, body style, Serial #, etc... If you have service dates, it is easy to compare and make sense out of it, with the year it was produced. If you want a deeper history of the car, or dont think the VIN# tag on the windshield or interior of the door is bologni, try to find the imprinted VIN# on the engine itself. Usually its very hidden, but if youre going to a full check up someday, ask the mechanic to locate the number. Trust me, I went through this, thats how I know. My 88 GXL was stolen, and since nobody claimed the car, they said you can keep the car, but a fee of $1100. (Applies to State of WA)

Good luck Dude