1991 Honda Prelude Un-labled review from Australia and New Zealand
"The best affordable Japanese sports car around."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I've owned this car for 8 months now, I purchased it at a Auction for a total of $4450! The best deal ever.
So far so good this car hasn't given a single mechanical problem.
General comments?
In case you're wondering my car looks like the 1993-1996 models even though its listed as 1991.
What can I say? It's a Honda. Which means quality over all. Since this is a V-TEC model I'll start with performance.
I'm not sure of how quick it is, but its definitely between 6.8 and 7.5 seconds from 0-100km per hour. My friend owns a 1996 Nissan Skyline sedan 2.5L automatic. On the straight he had the advantage for the first 20-25 metres, after I reach 7000rpm in second gear I caught up very quickly.
WARNING: V-TEC CAN BE VERY ADDICTIVE.
If I drive under 3000rpm this car can be pretty economical for a 2.2L engine.
On the inside it is very comfortable for the driver and the front passenger. The back seats though are not really suitable for people over the height of 1.5m tall. I'm just over 1.85m tall and If I sit in the back behind the driver's seat; after I adjust the seat so that I may drive and give maximum space for the back passenger; My head is uncomfortably pushing against the rear window. Not is it uncomfortable, but if the car were to roll adult passengers would likely die from severe head injuries. So basically the back seats are for little kids.
The boot space is reasonable for a sports car and has a hatch behind the right-back passenger seat that allows long objects such as fishing rods, skis, ski poles, snowboards etc.
Unfortunately insurance can be pretty pricey especially if your under 21 and living in New Zealand. At the moment I'm 18 and paying $78 per month for third party insurance including fire, and wind shield protection.
I was aware that some red cars built before 1993 may be prone to sun damage (red fades) I read about it, but this was information based on the Toyota Mr2.
The auction warehouse where I bought my car was in-doors and due to low-light I didn't notice the sun damage until a couple of days later.
If you are thinking about purchasing a Honda Prelude check for the following:
1. If it has a sun roof check the under the rubber seals for rust. This is extremely expensive to fix.
2. If the car is red, check for shades of pink.
Over all this is a great car for how much it costs.
Recommended reviews
| 1992 - Prelude Si VTEC JDM Version 2.2Litre VTEC DOHC Quickest 4cyl Non turbo FWD Car for the price |
| Quick, reliable fun - a great cure for mid-life crisis |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1991 |
| Year of manufacture | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 VTEC Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 116408 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 120123 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 29th January, 2005 |