98 honda prelude, recently noticed it had some soot buildup and now i find it has a light bit smoke coming out?

ok i had got some good answers the other day but today, the prelude has about 130,000 and from what i can tell it running pretty well, i noticed it isnt just a little bit of soot on the bumper but as well there is a little bit of white smoke or is that steam ? ? anyways whats the problem? with the soot i was at first told it is a deal with the mixture under the hood or a few other things .... would that as well be causing the white.... which isnt thick and very heavy....i can barley see it unless i am down on my knees looking next to the exhaust pipe. i just dont want to bring this to a shop and be told i need to change the motor when it really isnt nessessary... please help... if you would like to ask some questions you can contact me easier at kpherbst242@aol.com