1993 Honda Accord LX with about 230k. Car has been very reliable and I've to do almost no maintenence on it besides oil changes.

I've had one of the drive belts squeaking for a year when the car starts, but goes away after a few seconds and doesn't seem to cause issues.

Anyway, yesterday I'm driving to work on about a 20 mile commute. At about mile 18, I feel my car hesitate on the interstate... I get off the exit ramp for work and pull in, feeling nothing out of the way.

I went to lunch and didn't feel anything out of the ordinary.

I left work and hit the interstate, I got about 2 miles down the road and felt the hesitation again, this time like the car was bogging down. I got off the next exit ramp and as soon as I came to a complete stop, it stalled out. It wouldn't immediately restart.

I rolled over to the side of the road where after a few minutes, the car started. I tried to carefully drive it to a nearby (less than eighth mile) station or parking lot and now it was rough at low speeds, but drove. I pulled into a parking lot where it stalled again.

I decided instead of forcing myself into a service station, I'd go to the parking lot of a department store next door and leave my options open. It was rough as hell getting it over there, but I did and it stalled when I stopped again.

While parked and waiting on a ride, I started it a couple times. It never started on the first go, and would start easier if it sat for a few minutes. When starting it, I was able to rev it and it sounded normal, but when I left it sitting there running to get out and look/listen under the hood, it would stall out.

Quick suggestions before I start throwing money at it? First thoughts?

Money is an issue, so your help is really appreciated.

 

Also, check the air filter.

 

I work in finance and I'm having our repo guy tow it to a mechanic a co-worker knows. I spoke with him on the phone and he said I could start replacing stuff, spend hundreds and hours upon hours and still not fix it.

He offered to look at it for free knowing I was going to fix it myself if at all possible, so I took him up on it. Will post results.

 

These cars have been known to have leaky spark plug tube seals. Just a suggestion maybe the spark plug tubes are full of oil and causing a misfire.

It may just be time for a tune-up, replace: Plugs, Wires, Cap, and Rotor, fuel filter, and air filter.