Faults:

CV joints needed replacing at 360 000 kms, had been knocking since I got the vehicle, knew they would need replacing. Couldn't get new driveshafts, or use the ones from a wreck auto Concerto, different driveshafts.

Clutch was replaced at the same time as the CV joints were done, was not fully worn, but only had about another 5 or 10 000 kms left.

Speakers in the car were stuffed, a previous owner playing them at high volume from what I can tell.

Faded paint, not unusual for a 80's Honda.

Fuel pump relay needed to be soldered to fix the typical problem (Google it for more info).

General Comments:

Heaps of power from the engine. First thing I did was replace the air and fuel filter, which added to the economy and performance.

Heaps of low down power (torque), very nippy at low speeds. Once the engine hits 3,000 rpm, the car bolts away.

Interior is still pristine, seats are only just wearing, no faded/worn seatbelts, instruments easy to read both in day and at night time.

Adequate warning lights, just the basics, but that's all you need.

Very fuel efficient both on the highway and in the city. With proper driving, can get up to 100km on 5 litres of fuel.

Replaced the original tape player with a CD player that fits perfectly in the car and doesn't look out of place.

If the battery ever dies (I've left the interior light on a few times), I just roll start it and let the car idle for 5 minutes, and the battery gets enough power to start again whenever I need to.

I learnt to drive in this car, and plan on keeping it as long as I can, it's a great car, with a good engine, power, handling and decent looks.

Faults:

Sticky choke, so would rev at 2000rpm until warm.

Car suddenly decided to run on 2 cylinders. Will cost too much to fix, so am selling for scrap.

Paint faded quite easily considering the light green metallic colour (what 80's Honda doesn't fade?)

Rear hatch leaked water when rained, couldn't find where from.

Rear heated window doesn't work.

Slight rust patch at top of the windscreen.

General Comments:

The first 8 months of ownership was fantastic, really economical, total reliability (way better than previous Daewoo) and air con still worked, which surprised me considering the age of the vehicle.

Quite good power from the 1.6. Doesn't handle well considering what other people say.

Other than that, apart from the sudden unfortunate engine failure, I really enjoyed this car.

Also need to mention that my father gave this car to me, and he had it for 6 years with no problems.

Faults:

When I acquired the Concerto at nearly 200,000kms, it already had the cambelt done, which was a bonus.

The exterior had lots of scratches and stone chips, as with many NZ cars, otherwise the paint was pretty good.

Had the car for nearly 2 years with great reliability, until one day I checked the oil; I'd had the vehicle serviced just 2 months before. I checked my park for oil leaks, but none was there, so topped up the oil and checked the next day, the oil was low again. I left this for a week, topping it up until I could get my mechanic. The Monday I was on my way to him, the car started to labour; I pulled over and stopped to check oil, spark plugs etc, but all was fine. Had to get it towed to my mechanic, who revealed that there was a hole on the side of the block that was letting water out, but also letting water into spark plug hole one, which eventually filled with water. The only sensible option is to get a new motor, which will cost around $1200 when the car is only worth around $900, so the car is going to be scrapped now.

General Comments:

The Concerto isn't a race car, but has plenty of power for town needs.

The interior is typical 80s boring, and the seats wore easy.

The car faded very easily over the 2 years of ownership, even though I polished and washed it regularly.

The Concerto is definitely not a handler, but was well bolted together.