Honda Prelude (1996 - 2001) 2.0i 2d Auto (1998/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Well,I bought the car partly for its looks & image. I've always thought of 'ludes as being for people who are too old to be boy or girl racers but still like to drive fast from time to time,and also appreciate quality engineering & a car that's not a typical bland box

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They love it! My last car was a Saab 9000 Aero which looked slow but actually went like stink. The Prelude is the exact opposite; all my family & mates think it's a lot faster than it actually is, because of the sporty look and low slung stance. Mine has the Motegi alloys and boot spoiler too, which helps.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely. For the money, there can't be anything which comes remotely close to matching it for sheer looks, style,equipment and reliability.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm emigrating to Australia at the end of the year, so probably a 4x4!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,650

When did you buy the car?

March 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Honda reliability,always liked the 96-01 Prelude shape,needed an automatic but wanted the flexibility to drive it like a manual if I wanted to, so the semi automatic box is perfect

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Handling is very good,but while the 2.0i engine sounds good & sporty, the auto gearbox saps much of the performance. Still, never anything less than a pleasure to drive, with perfect road manners in slow moving traffic, and decent high speed cruising ability

What's it like to park?

I don't have any trouble, but I can imagine smaller drivers having trouble. You sit low down in the cockpit, and it can be hard to judge where the front of the car is, due to the slope-away line of the bonnet. Rear visibility isn't the best either.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing

What's most practical about your car?

Nobody buys a Prelude for its practicality! As coupes go though, it's pretty good-a good sized driver's cabin and boot, though back seats are only for people you don't like. Still, a lot more practical than my Alfa GTV!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The tiptronic gearbox, where you can shift across into manual mode. Not only is the car more fun when driven manually,it is a lot more responsive too. The air con is a welcome bonus too!