1994 Honda Prelude my car wont start

Hello i just purchased my prelude 4 days ago the car started fine then today after getting to a tire shop, the car wouldnt start, after 25 min it finally started, as i was going to auto parts store, the dash board started blinking on and off, the gauges for rpm and mph jst dropped to bottom and didnt move, then the car finally shut off. I was only able to get the car home by putting it in nuetral then turning the ignition and holding it all the way to start it and hold it all the way home, someone said the ignition could be bad or something has been knocked loose inside the ignition. What could it be? im trying to save some $$ since i dont have a job and this was going to be my means to get around to find one, and from previous experiences mechanics get over on me when i dont go in with the part i need replaced that way i can get a better manufacturers warranty and save some $$ on the parts or do it myself. Please help if you can