Faults:

Timing belt went at 90K mile. 2,000 miles after I bought the car. Car needs alignment.

General Comments:

I bought the car from a private seller in June of 05 for $3,700. I drove the car for 3 weeks/2,000 miles before the timing belt went. After the timing belt went I took the head to a mechanic to get rebuilt. After I installed my new head and belt the car wounldn't spark. I replaced the distributor, distributor cap, rotor, coil, sparks plugs and wires and the car still won't start. Total cost for repairs:

-Rebuilt head with Timing belt kit $700

-Distributor $225

-Cap $18

-Rotor $10

-Wires $65

-Coil $103

TOTAL $1121.

The car has been sitting in my driveway for 3 weeks. I can't seem to figure out what the problem may be. I bought a Chilton repair manual, but that doesn't cover much. I recommend buying the factory Honda service manual.

When the car was running (only three weeks) it ran well and the car is fun to drive. This car is good, but unfortunately this particular car hasn't been good to me.

Faults:

175,xxx : Valve cover gasket replaced.

175,xxx : Minor oil gasket leak - no action taken.

190,xxx : 2nd water pump failed. Luckily, no damage was incurred. Replaced timing and water belt.

213,xxx : Appears that the slave cylinder or clutch may need to be replaced. Original clutch is still in the car.

General Comments:

I whole heartedly recommend this car, but gave it lower scores than other people. I rated the vehicle in comparison with my impressions of other cars close to its class; a 96 Acura Integra GSR that I owned, and a friends 2004 Hyundai Tiburon GT; opposed to my previous Accord or Nissan pickup.

When I first purchased the vehicle, I was 21. I enjoyed the low seats, but now find them a nuisance 3 years later. The vehicle handled better than the GSR stock vs. stock; Sport springs were installed when purchased anyways though. I'm still able to drive through snow in the mountains.

Trunk space is low, and hampered further by a structural bar placed diagnol. One small snowboard can be placed inside, or maybe two sets of skiis.

Rattling developed on the passenger side door around 18x, xxx, but otherwise the fit and finish is exceptional.

The car is slower than the GSR in every aspect, but still quick enough to overtake vehicles on the freeway.

Repair costs have been average, and repairs have been less frequent than my previous Nissan or Ford.

Back seat should not be used except for extra storage.

Overall, I've enjoyed the vehicle and will probably be the last owner of the car. I would purchase this car again, but would seriously look at what is needed in a vehicle before hand.