Returning to the U.K. after some 18 years I was confused by the different makes and models available. After driving heavy Landrovers through the African bush for so long and where strength and reliability was more important I had forgotten what comfort could be expected from a luxury car.
To cut a long story short, an old school friend of some 3o years, was selling a S-Reg, 1998 Honda Accord and I chose this for two reasons -1. I had driven a Honda many years ago with trouble free motoring so I knew I could expect a certain standard and 2. I knew I could trust my friend more than anyone else. Simple as that.
What a pleasure to drive the Accord, I have now had the vehicle some 17 months and apart from 2 new tyres and an exhaust ( which I consider to be consumables on any vehicle) I have not spent a single penny on the vehicle apart from routine servicing.
The last MOT it glided through without a fault- these days I find that amazing with any vehicle.
Apart from oil changes at the service periods I have never had to put either oil or water into the vehicle, and yes - I do check weekly!
Everything works as it should do especially the air con - which is often needed to clear the interior window fogging - the only fault I can give the car.
It has all the usual refinements of a luxury vehicle i.e. elec windows ( front & rear lockable from the drivers side - i.e. for childrens safety), air bags etc. efficient air con, though electric door mirrors would have been a nice extra - esp if you have a back problem!
Performance is very good for a large, heavy vehicle with a only 1.8 engine and has very good fuel economy for its size. I recently took a trip from Portsmouth to Manachester and back on one tank ( +/- £50) but then I don't try to beat world records these days.
On the motorway- just sit back and cruise in comfort - the steering responds to light fingertip pressure.
Handling is amongst the best I've ever driven - the steering is responsive and the suspension hugs tight corners without throwing your passengers all over the place. One bit of advice - I find the ride is smoother when there the seats are full - the rear suspension tends to ride a bit high - but I honestly can't claim a fault to that.
One interesting point re the suspension. On the trip I mentioned above, I had a blow out on the front passenger side and didn't even know it!
Another driver signalled to me and I pulled over to find the tyre completely flat! Admittedly this could have happened within a few seconds but I felt no response from the car and I have to think that is a major safety factor.
To summarise the car is 6 years old and I have all the MOT history and work logs and nothing has gone wrong yet ( Why do I get the feeling I'm pushing my luck?!)
Sorry, yes there was one thing, Honda issued a recall for its safety belts. The belts were checked and modified at no cost to myself and this was after 6 years. I actually hadn't had a problem but it was good to know that the support was there.
All in all, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the car again and would recommend it to anyone.
However, having said that I would not buy from new. When one considers that the original price was nearly £17,000 - I purchased it for £4000 and it still drives like a new car.
More details
Purchase Price
£4000
Reliability
Excellent
Spaciousness
Excellent
Customer service
Good
Security
Good
Fuel consumption
Excellent
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