Honda Accord Saloon 2.2 Type-R 4d (AC+Alarm) (2000/X) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
You can pick up a 5 year-old car for 6K - and it will still be inherently solid if even vaguely well looked after.
Costs
Insurance high - fuel high even if you drive like Miss Daisy. What do you expect for an engine like this though? Parts pricey but unlike a Ford/Vauxhall/Renault/Peugeot it rarely needs them. Clutches and brake pads can last 100,000 miles!
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On the road
Driving
Excellent handling and road holding. Short throw, slick gear change. Nice steering feel and wheel. Sporty yet somehow not fidgety. OK on motorways but really needs a 6th gear.
Performance
I have to give a 5 but I can see why someone used to the torquey delivery of a turbo would utterly disagree. You have to be prepared to rev the heck out of it and accept it won't break. Once you do it goes like a touring car and sounds like one too!
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Living with it
Reliability
Ignore unhelpful "it's a Honda" comments. With a high performance car you get problems at times. Check cam belt tensioners for vibration. Check 5th gear synchrony on gearbox. Check clutch if 70K + miles. Otherwise - yes OK it's a Honda!
Image
VERY popular with the kids I teach. Others say boy-racerish but let's leave them to their Ford Fusions shall we? I love the spoiler, especially good in red. Needs to be lower and wear 18" wheels. Lots of respect from those in the know.
Comfort
It isn't an Audi - you buy this car for sportiness. It is quite loud on long journeys. That said, the suspension is surprisingly forgiving and those seats are excellent. Lots of room front and back. I'm 6'4" and have driven 4 hours no problems at all.
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Security and Service
Security
Cat 1 as standard - good immobiliser.
Service
One dealer clueless - another excellent (Ipswich). Honda are very polite and professional but not all mechanics know one end of an ATR from another.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Cam belt tensioner - common fault, which cost me £300.
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes