Summary:
Great performance, great looks
Faults:
Needed new CV joints at 140000km.
Recently there is a leak in the boot as seals have perished in rear lights (allowing condensation to form).
Starter motor need to be reconditioned (well it was about 11 years old).
Driver's electric window mechanism failed.
Right rear wheel bearing, went soon after I got it.
General Comments:
The 1.6 V-Tec engine is the main reason I bought this car. The engine produces 170BHP for 1.6 liters and this is a 1991 car! Hence this car has great acceleration. The higher the revs, the faster the acceleration. The engine note is fantastic when the V-Tec kicks in at 5500 rpm, but it is quite at low speeds.
I really like the car's looks as well. It has very sleek sports car looks. Mine is a black coupe and really looks class when it's clean and shiny. People often comment on it's cool looks and are amazed that it's so old.
My car is a Japanese import and comes very well spec'd, electric everything. I especially like the air-conditioning as it does a great job of clearing condensation from the windscreen very quickly. The interior is nice and is of very high quality materials.
The only drawback is a lack of long distance comfort. Fifth gear is quite low, so there is a lot of engine noise from the high revs when traveling at 60 mph. While the suspension seems mostly comfortable, it can be quite harsh and firm at times.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st January, 2003