Discussion
Back to a daily commute of 50 miles a day(junction 10-5 M1) again and dont really want to subject the Teg to that.
So been looking for a little commute-mobile and the Beat come into my mind, any one got one, had one or just give me some advice on if this a good move or not.
Had read a few thing's indicating that they are not as reliable as more "standard" Honda's of their era.
Cheers
So been looking for a little commute-mobile and the Beat come into my mind, any one got one, had one or just give me some advice on if this a good move or not.
Had read a few thing's indicating that they are not as reliable as more "standard" Honda's of their era.
Cheers
Hi. We have one. Here is a copy of my post from the Integra foum a while back
My dad has just bought a Honda beat, for commuting around and fun, as his XJR is a bit of a gluton at the pumps. The upshot of this is that I get to use it from time to time!
Whilst it is only 650cc and 65bhp, it is as light as a feather and provides a wonderful offbeat 3 pot howl - think something like a porsche flat 6, only halved! It has lsd, aircon, six cd changer and a gearshift precise as any you've ever experianced. Its also mid engined and rear wheel drive.
The Kei cars (beat, Suzuki cappacino and Mazda, there were others, but these three were sporty) were designed to comply to Japanese government size and engine output restrictions on parking in city streets. Cars that were bigger than these little sportsters could only be parked on private land/driveways.
With the roof down on a sunny day, foot hard down, tacho winding round to 9K, and a windy road, it is great fun. It corners like a gocart as it is midengined. Whilst not quick it keeps up with modern traffic, and will run happily up to 80mph before the limiter cuts in. Being so small it feels fast, and you can thrash it everywhere without going too fast. Four wheel drifts are its speciality, but dont tell the boss!
The Beat was the last car Mr Honda commissioned and the design inspired the NSX - you can see it when comparing the profile. It was designed by pininfarina and honda later sold the design to Rover who designed the MGF around the same concept.
So in conclusion, super around town with 60+mpg. Great fun to drive, a showcase for Hondas engine and chassis expertise, and top down fun in good weather. However, a compromise on the motorway.
just shows that restrictive laws,
and forward thinking innovation can result in something good. 
My dad has just bought a Honda beat, for commuting around and fun, as his XJR is a bit of a gluton at the pumps. The upshot of this is that I get to use it from time to time!
Whilst it is only 650cc and 65bhp, it is as light as a feather and provides a wonderful offbeat 3 pot howl - think something like a porsche flat 6, only halved! It has lsd, aircon, six cd changer and a gearshift precise as any you've ever experianced. Its also mid engined and rear wheel drive.
The Kei cars (beat, Suzuki cappacino and Mazda, there were others, but these three were sporty) were designed to comply to Japanese government size and engine output restrictions on parking in city streets. Cars that were bigger than these little sportsters could only be parked on private land/driveways.
With the roof down on a sunny day, foot hard down, tacho winding round to 9K, and a windy road, it is great fun. It corners like a gocart as it is midengined. Whilst not quick it keeps up with modern traffic, and will run happily up to 80mph before the limiter cuts in. Being so small it feels fast, and you can thrash it everywhere without going too fast. Four wheel drifts are its speciality, but dont tell the boss!
The Beat was the last car Mr Honda commissioned and the design inspired the NSX - you can see it when comparing the profile. It was designed by pininfarina and honda later sold the design to Rover who designed the MGF around the same concept.
So in conclusion, super around town with 60+mpg. Great fun to drive, a showcase for Hondas engine and chassis expertise, and top down fun in good weather. However, a compromise on the motorway.
just shows that restrictive laws,
and forward thinking innovation can result in something good. 
They are import only, but Honda UK support all parts, and source from Germany. A little noisy for everyday, but shares it's basic 'feel' with the Integra. When it's fine, turn on the heater, but a thick jumper and hat on and chuck the hood down. Oh yes, they go for around £2000. A bargain.
Edited by joesnow on Wednesday 5th March 16:21
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