Honda's sporty Prelude still commands a premium

Here's a nice little article on everyone's favourite retired sportscar....
Like many of its competitors, the Honda Prelude gracefully bowed out of the sports car scene after 2001, having become a casualty of low sales volumes and increasing fuel and insurance costs.

Interestingly, even some years later, the last-generation of Honda’s coupe still commands relatively high premiums in the used market as a reliable and relevant sports car.

The fifth and last generation of the Prelude hit the scene in 1997, and all models were two-door, four-seat front-drive units with four-cylinder power. Said power came from a 2.2-litre VTEC engine with 195 or 200 horsepower, depending on model year. A manual five-speed transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was available optionally, and featured manual-mode shifting.

Features included ABS disc brakes, air, a sunroof, leather seating, and a CD-changer audio system. Exceptional handling and braking were part of the package. Prelude might not be Honda’s most practical used model, but many an owner say their machines deliver reliable driving enjoyment, day in and day out.

What Owners Like
Power, handling and driving dynamics were among the last-generation Prelude’s most highly-rated attributes according to owners. Reliability and fuel mileage are well-rated, too.

What Owners Hate
Prelude’s most common gripes centre around limited interior and cargo space, squeaks and rattles over time, and a rough ride on some surfaces.

The Verdict
At the end of the day, a relatively stock example of a Prelude that’s been well maintained and loved should give new owners few, if any problems.

Common Issues
Prelude doesn’t seem to suffer from any glaring or systematic problems, though several checks are advised. The Prelude’s H22 engine used a timing belt tensioner that could be a source of grief in the event of a malfunction that allows too much slack in the timing belt. This could cause skipped belt teeth and even potentially fatal engine damage.

Be absolutely sure to ascertain the engine’s timing belt situation. This very important belt needs to be changed at a prescribed interval before failure in order to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Checking the condition and level of all fluids is also advised, as is a full check of all interior accessories for proper operation.

Source;
http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/life/article/593402--honda-s-sporty-prelude-still-commands-a-premium