Honda Accord 05'ish - what to look for?

[JimmyB88]

Hi all..

I have had a mixed history of cars in my relatively short life, but have been without one now for sometime. As I am now a family man, an increased car size has been something I have been looking for.. And I have always enjoyed the Honda Accords around the plate I mentioned in the title.

A chap at work has his type-s for sale. It's the 2.4 petrol. Has covered roughly 53k miles, full service history.. I think it's a
55' plate. He's asking 4k for IT, but is willing to let it go for 3.5k.

I have never owned a Honda, so wondered if I could defer to your advice and better judgement.. What are these cars like to live with? Are they relatively trouble free or are there things that I will need to do short-term etc?

I cycle to work, so it will only be used as a weekend car to get shopping, up to the beach etc. So fuel economy isn't really an issue

Cheers!

[JimmyB88]

Okay, thanks for the link - I will take a butchers..

He brought in all the paperwork this morning, and it all looks good.. Service was 800 miles ago, new break discs and pads.. It's not the standard exhaust from factory, he had some after-market exhaust fitted from manifold to tailpipes.. They're a bit larger than what I have seen in pictures, and he seems to think it made the car a bit quicker - I dunno what truth is in that?

Anyway, sorted out some insurance for a test-drive tomorrow night after work until the following day, so ill put her through the paces - but I already have my heart set on it. Think it will be purchased Friday :-)

[JimmyB88]

Thanks for the further replies.

So the chap gave me the keys today after work, promptly told me that there was 3/4's of a tank - and to enjoy myself.. Lol. The weather has been pretty crappy over here today, so it hasn't had the true test of handling I would of liked to give it, especially if it was dry..

But what a joy.. It feels like one hell of an accomplished car. It felt very stable and solid even in tricky conditions.. I am fortunate to be surrounded by very decent bypasses and straights so gave her a belting a few times (okay most of the time). I was throughly impressed with the speed-pick up and it's ability to cruise along at any given speed.

It's not hugely fast, but i think it's cracking! Thoroughly enjoyed the 110 miles I drove after work.. Couldn't believe I had covered that distance!

And comfortable - lovely and Cush in there.. Had the heating on and just felt so relaxed, real pleasure to drive.

So have offered 3.5k on it and had it accepted :-)

Chaps gonna bring it to work on Monday and it's all mine, he's even going to fill it up for me! Legend.. Not even jealous of the 13' plate Audi S4 work have given him as a company car either :-)

I will try and get round to getting some pictures uploaded next weekend once it's had a wash and clean and coastal drive.. I don't know how you guys feel about mods, but an awfully tempted to get the alloys sprayed gloss or Matt black.. Would make it look gorgeous :-)

[JimmyB88]

I think for the money, it's probably one of the best family cars you could go out and buy with that money.. I considered a pokey hot hatch, a Cupra R or something along those lines. But those days are gone for me now that I have my daughter, and more to come along in the future..

Granted it's now a ten year old car, but you would never tell by looking at it.. It's actually only covered 51k miles. It's full service history is Dealership stamps.. And I would much prefer this type-s over some generic A4 or BMW equivelant - not a fan! Think these accords have real character. I also like the fact (I don't know if it's the same everywhere), but there's not a lot of these cars on the road!

I like having something unique.. Anyway, it does the trick for me..