I just picked up a 2000 Accord EX 4-cyl ULEV w/ approximately 200k miles on it yesterday. The car ran fine all day yesterday, and now today I get about 5mins from home and the car shut off while driving it.

I was going down the road and the RPMS just started dropping, and no matter how much gas I gave it, it made no difference - it just shut right down.

I had the car towed to my house and it is getting a P0420 code - which from what I've read is a catalyst efficiency code, but this CEL was not on prior to the car dying on me. The car turns over when trying to start it, but doesn't fire.

If this code completely unrelated you think?! Please HELP!!! Thanks.

 

From your description, seller reset ECU and sold you a car w/ problems. If you can reverse the sale, you should do so.

P0420 is unlikely the cause of your engine shutdown.

Suggest attempting to start w/ starter fluid or throttle body cleaner sprayed in air intake duct for 5-10 secs.

If car briefly starts, problem is likely lack of fuel supply; Main Fuel Relay or Fuel Pump fault.

If car won't start w/ spray, then spark is likely missing and fault such as coil, ignitor, or ignition switch assy is causing loss of spark to spark plugs.

good luck