Honda Prelude (1996 - 2001) 2.2 VTi Motegi 2d Auto (1998/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Gentleman's coupe.

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

My wife thinks it's too low but drives it when she has to. My sons and daughter love it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely, if I find a 2001 with FHSH and one owner.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm not, I'll keep it till it's not repairable. Mo other car's an MX5 convertible, so it's good combination.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,750

When did you buy the car?

November 2002

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes as full serv history (v important) and obviously loved. Price a bit high but not an issue as long-term purchase.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My 3rd one, I wanted the latest I could afford. It only had 12000 miles and 2 Sunday owners. I've done 40k miles in nearly 5 years and love it even more.

What was the dealer like?

A North Wales hairdresser who only drove it on Sundays. When it didn't rain. In wet North wales?

What's it like to drive?

Peaceful when you want to relax, a screaming banshee when you'd like to ride a motorcycle again. And creamy gear changes on round-about apprioaches and out again. Why the h*ll did they stop making it? Civic's probably more profitable, but there's nothing on the market like this unless you buy an M3 BMW Coupe. Worth looking at Nissan NSX if one-owner.

What's it like to park?

No problem. Don't lend it to friends they'll get confused.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Front whhel bearing went, Honda wanted to sell me a complete sub-assembly for £500 but I found a bearing supplier throuigh my independent garage for c.£250 with work. Else brake discs all-round. Fitted the original Yokohama's but they're too soft for UK roads and wear quickly. Cooper-Avon's are v good value.

What's most practical about your car?

Folding back seat to increase boot when B&Q-ing. Bland looks to discourage Subaru drivers from feeling threatened. Which it certainly does.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Tiptronic is ideally mated to this engine. 4wheel steering gives near-supercar handling for very little money, better in my view than Honda's NSX. And the variable-timing VTi engine, which is your basic big bad Wolf, in a sheep's skin. Sunroof very pleasant. Aircon on all the time, preserves the mechanics, still get 28mpg all-round with aircon on.