Faults:

Driver's side electric window fault (glass riser mechanism is made of thin metal, which can bend if glass sticks to the rubber slightly (tree sap etc). This is a common fault (about £35 + labour to get replaced). Once it's bent, it loses a lot of strength, so don't waste money/time on removal and straightening. Trust me!

Front & rear brake pads replaced.

Aircon not working (re-gas I think).

Small rust patch developing on OSR arch.

Electric aerial broke (possibly vandals?)

Headlights starting to look a bit 'foggy'.

Interior mists up in wet weather (leak?)

General Comments:

Paid £800 six months ago for this - one owner, FSH 80k example. So a good 'un I hope! (CE8 model)

Seems reasonably brisk, but hardly stellar.

Fuel economy is no better than 30mpg, whatever you do.

Bloody impossible to park without craning your neck over the large rear end (boot), and I have used the bumpers for their purpose more than once unfortunately!

Quality of interior is quite good compared to feel of a friend's W reg Mondeo. Side by side, the Accord is clearly more 'quality'.

Driving seat is not the most 'ache free' I've encountered (I was spoilt by a previous car perhaps).

Plastic 'wood effect' on centre dash is a little too Rover territory for my tastes (shared heritage).

Looks dated when parked beside a 6th Gen Accord (but I actually prefer my 5th Gen on looks).

Would love to know if the F20Z1 SOHC non VTEC engine comes to life in higher rev bands like the VTEC apparently does @ 4000+ rpm...

Fantastic reputation for these UK (Swindon built) Accords, which actually adds something to the delight of ownership.

TOP TIP - Servicing parts are best bought online, and then simply pay a garage for labour if not DIY. (I have saved £70 on pads and discs alone by avoiding their mark up!)

Silver paint work looks really good compared to other base colours. IMO.

Faults:

Vtec solenoid seal and distributor oil seal leaked. Replaced all seals and the leak was completely gone.

After a month, I hear squeaking sounds on the driver side suspension. Replaced both left and right lower ball joints. A week after I had the front brake pads replaced, and installed a new alternator belt.

General Comments:

Always starts with one click. Very reliable on the road, not bad for a 12 year old car! Still runs smoothly and handles very well, rides like a Cadillac. Power windows are a bit slow, but works well. Fun to drive but take it easy with the gas pedal.

Faults:

There are two things wrong with my car:

1. The door handle on the inside of the driver's side is broken. Cheap fix though.

2. The paint is fading.

General Comments:

My 97 Honda Accord EX is the best car I have owned. The car always starts and always runs at peak performance. It has a little four cylinder v-tec motor that is more than capable of getting me where I need to go, and when called upon, can get up and go.

The Hulk as I call it, is a very comfortable car, front and back seats, and can go forever on a tank of gas.

The interior is a little lacking, but more than what it needs to be a great car.

The outside of the car is sleek and easy on the eyes.

I have had all five seat belts in use, and the car does not bog down or even feel like it's working at all.

I love this car, and will buy another one when the time comes. But it is a Honda, so that will not be any time soon.