I fancy a late Prelude...

[alextgreen]

...what do I need to know?

Needs to be a manual, 2.2 UK car to be driven every day and kept for ~3 years. My budget is about 3 grand.

What do I need to watch out for with these and what are they like as an ownership proposition? Would also be interested to hear views on the handling/dynamics. Currently have a MK2 Golf 16v, will I be dissappointed?

[EvoBarry]

Nice cars but they aren't sports car imo, great engine, slightly bouncy suspension if you like to really press on ( fine generally tho), understeery near the limit, brakes a little bit weak. If you just want a nice, reliable, good looking motor for a few years motoring you should love it. They go quite well too, and sound good doing it. Your budget should be fine too, although I haven't been following prices for a while..

[alextgreen]

I was assuming that as they're all nearing 100k anyway a replacement set of dampers and springs would be on the cards regardless. I can stomach a stiff ride so something slightly uprated perhaps?

Thanks for the pointers, just the usual stuff it is then

[DGMG123]

I ran a 5th Gen 2.2 Vti for 2 years(just sold on Sunday)and really liked it. Having come from an assortment of hot hatches(inc MK2 Golf) and a E30 BMW I was absolutely delighted with the way it performed. In 2 years my 110k one only needed new discs and a rear wheel bearing replaced. The car didnt have a siongl rattle and the paint was almost perfect. Performance wise they were strong....considerably quicker than the golf and they sound very nice! My car had uprated shocks and springs and the only problem I had was the car bottoming out sometimes, other than that it was a joy both around town and Motorway/B roads.

For the money not alot of cars offer such a complete reliable package.

Go for it you wont regret it