Faults:

After a week the brake master cylinder failed and almost killed me. Repairs were at a cost of $400AUD.

Full of oil leaks.

Clutch was slippery from the start.

Cruise control switch starting to fail.

General Comments:

This car was horrible; it drove and handled like a go-cart and had absolutely no torque. It was like driving an expensive and over-tuned Civic. I sold it and bought an '84 BMW 323i after two months- it is much more fun to drive and a real car.

Although fairly quick, the lack of substance was devastating, and the front wheel drive just spoiled the whole experience. The four wheel steering is also an unnecessary, glaring gimmick.

I also resented the looks I got from undesirable car hoons.

Faults:

Air Conditioning: Required new compressor at 185,000km.

Timing Belt broke at 220,000: Whole New Engine was required, although this problem was caused by general lack of maintenance. (AU $5200)

Aerial broke.

General Comments:

It took only one drive of a Honda Prelude for me to decide it was the car for me. It wasn't orginally what I was looking for as I wanted to get a MR2 with a mid engine layout. However test drives of thoses where disappointing and a 5 minute stint in the Prelude swayed my direction immediately.

This car is the best car I have ever driven. I shopped around for 5 months to find the perfect example.

Now I have a company car, and now my Prelude has become my weekend toy. It now has 17" rims, CD/MD player, completely rebuild motor (from mainly new parts), 2 1/4" exhaust system and extractors.

The cars cornering and braking are incredible, and the acceleration is pretty quick. The 4WS can be tricky to get used to, particularly when driving the car to its limits, but the turning circle is tiny. The only down side of the Prelude is the front wheel drive, if only Honda made it rear???

Parking is a breeze, you can see the corners of the car and the 4WS means parallel parking is done most times by driving in forwards!

Once you drive one... you will be hooked!

Buy it for:

Handling

Acceleration

Parking

Fun

Safety

Reliability

Fuel Economy

Engineering Quality.

Don't buy it because:

Front Wheel Drive

Cost of Spare Parts.

Faults:

The clutch pressure plate failed so I replaced the clutch and machined the flywheel.

Reverse light switch failed, but was easily replaced.

I had to replace the Electronic Air Control Valve (idle valve).

General Comments:

This is one hell of a sports car. Its only 1110kg which makes it very nimble and the low centre of gravity gives it exceptional stability. The suspension (double wishbones at each corner) is just great, the way it responds to driver input makes it a dream to drive. You only have to think of what you want the car to do and it just does it with a minimum of fuss and virtually no body roll. Chassis rigidity is quite good with hardly any noticeable body flex. The limit of grip is ridiculously high considering the relatively modest size of the tyres.

Power is good for a car its weight and there is more than enough to get you into serious trouble with the Police. The brakes are pretty good (4 wheel disc) but I upgraded the pads to road/sport pads.

All in all, it is an incredible piece of machinery even when compared to current so called 'sports' cars.