Faults:

The Honda radio in my prelude was not working when I bought it. It was being replaced with a CD/mp3 player anyway.

General Comments:

The car is great! It runs very strong and will upset many new model's. A 2003 Cellica gt, 03 dodge stratus rt, and ford probe have all fallen victims already. I put a cold air intake, racing muffler, and coil-over springs on it. The springs give it a lower ride hight and it has made a night to day difference in the already impressive handling.

The fact that it is at the age of death for most cars is amazing. It still rode more smooth than my 2002 explorer sport before I put on the stiffer springs. When you hear people talk about the legend of Honda's believe it. I never did until I owned one.

Faults:

It needed a new radiator.

Has a slight leak in the sunroof.

Had a crack behind the Headlight which let water in and caused steam.

General Comments:

All of the things that went wrong with the car can be expected on a car with this mileage.

It is the most reliable car I have owned and still looks amazing even at nearly 10 years old.

I have put some 17" alloys on it and a 5" exhaust just to make it look better.

I'm only a young lad and I have managed to afford to tun it so the petrol consumption isn't too bad, however parts are very very expensive e.g. £200 for a new headlight.

It isn't super fast, but is fast enough. Acceleration is great and it throws you back in your seat.

Overall it's been an amazing buy for

£2500. I'm definitely buying Jap from now on.

Faults:

Vibration started occurring under heavy braking. I assumed a warped disc, but was informed by Honda that just a thorough clean and de-glaze was needed. They did the job and braking is nearly A1. But not quite...

Tiny whistle at speed from a shoddy repair.

General Comments:

This car is almost my friend. I should share a couple of points with you, though.

It is not a sports car. It just hasn't got enough oomph. Catch the revs right, though, and there is a suspicion of tasty urge. Be warned: don't square up to a proper car - you'll watch it vanish.

Having said that, the handling is lovely. Such poise and predictable understeer can make anyone feel like an artist. I'm convinced I can confuse the four-wheel steer in chicanes, but maybe I'm just inventing things.

The Vtec sisters are slightly faster (I'd have bought one if I'd found a good example in time), but there isn't a huge difference.

Lots of car for not much dosh. Enjoy, but be prepared to look longingly at swifter rivals. If they'd fitted it with a three litre powerplant, we'd be talking about a classic...