3.5 VTEC

A Brilliant Value Alternative

The car: 2008/08 plate in black, mine has the optional 18 wheels and front and rear parking sensors but not the fancy pants lane avoidance and active cruise control.

Bought it from Crown Honda Soham with 18,000 miles on the clock for 15k. Came with 12 months Honda approved used car warranty, road tax and MOT.

Driven 1,000 miles in it over the last 6 weeks. My initial thoughts were 'christ these wheels make it skittish' - never driven anything that bucked and weaved over the road like it, tramlined at every opportunity. Turns out the car had quite uneven tyre wear so ditched the OEM Yokohamas that were past their best and fitted it with 4 brand new Continental Sport Contact 3's, all balanced and re-aligned. These have transformed the car into something much more like what i was expecting and every time I drive the car it puts a smile on my face.

Immense grip from the 4 wheel drive coupled with a howling VTEC V6 that loves revs makes for a great driving experience. Its a real dual personality car - you can waft along in silence on the motorway, or chuck it around in the bends with great confidence. Unbelievable for the size of the vehicle.

In terms of the cabin and equipment, you could not ask for more. I have come from an Audi and prior to that a Subaru Legacy, my family have BMWs and Mercs and this is up there with them in terms of quality. Doors shut with a solid thunk, it is fully loaded with kit and although the dashboard is initially confusing with a myriad of buttons, it doesn't take long to get the hang of it.

The only downside, as can be expected, it fuel economy. A 3.5 litre V6 driving four wheels through an automatic box is never going to be a frugal choice. I am getting 24 mpg on average, but this will drop to 20 if driven enthusiastically. You have been warned. However I have saved thousands over an equivalent Merc or Beemer so for me this is not a big deal.

Conclusion - have the guts to go for something different and you will be rewarded!

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