Honda Prelude 1996-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very high spec for the money, although mine is an import.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Haven't had any maintenance troubles after a year's ownership. Does like its oil top-ups being a v-tec. Insurance group 18 expensive for what it is. Servicing expecting about £130ish. MPG about 28ish.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Very good handling all round for such a long car. 4WS is great for parking and helps handling on country roads. Handles like a rear wheel drive although front wheel drive when cornering hard.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Being a semi-auto, it's not bad. Gears 1&2 are great, keeping up with most sports cars with a vtec surprise after 4500 to 8000 blast. Although there seems to big a gap between gear 3&4 ratios. Power drops off dramatically after 80mph (gear 4).

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    No problems yet, although I hope not to get any being a Honda. Although once didn't start well on a very cold day, but think it was an immobiliser problem?

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Very understated, possibly bland. But I bought it for the car and its quality and not for the image. Seems to be getting more popular as second hand numbers are increasing at low costs. I paid £7400 a year ago, not bad for a £20k + car originally.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Import came with half leather seats and climate control, which isn't an option on UK specs. Very comfy although seat adjustment is limited with no lumber support.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Expensive alarm (Cat 1) is a must for insurance. No problems as yet.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Perfect, very quiet, smooth and sophisticated. Does like a bit to drink, but doesn't everybody.

    Other

    It isn't an out an out performer, so looking for a S2000 to keep in the vtec family.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes