My Honda Accord - Alan Clark

The Age

Wednesday September 14, 2005

KEVIN NORBURY

My Honda Accord Alan Clark

This retired fitter and turner from Burnie, Tasmania, drives a 2005 Honda Accord V6.

What made you buy a Honda?

Originally I had an AU Ford; we had some trouble with it, it had very little mileage on it and Ford refused to do anything for me, so that's why I went to Honda. That's one of the best moves I've made; it's a fantastic car, good to drive, got everything in it.

What was the Ford's problem?

Mainly blown head gaskets, broken head bolts. I think it's been a problem with that model for a number of years. That was the first bit of trouble I had but a car that's done 74,000 km shouldn't have that problem.

Why Honda, why not a Holden?

I don't go that much on Commodores. I've owned one, yes. It was a bit of crap (laughs). It was a Holden back in 1974. Oh, they've improved since then, that's for sure. But that turned me off (Holdens). I went to Ford then and now I've gone to Honda.

Who influenced you there?

Well I'd heard different reports on them. My mechanic who does my services told me that Honda was a very reliable and upmarket car - for its price. And he's been proved right.

How many kilometres have you done?

I think it's just clocked over 7000 km. We've just driven up to Queensland and back in it and it's been fantastic. It has excellent road handling and it's good on petrol. It's comfortable, it's quiet. You could sit there all day and hardly hear a road noise.

How did you find front-wheel-drive after rear-wheel-drive?

I was apprehensive at first. After having driven from Queensland and on some of the back roads, it's just normal. I didn't notice a great deal of difference. It might feel a little bit toey in the wet for a little bit until you get used to it, even though it's got traction control on it. A bit dicey (in the wet). It's just something different between the front-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive. I don't know whether I could put my finger on it.

Does it have enough power?

Ample power. It's a V6 motor, a 3.0-litre.

Would you buy another one?

Yeah. Certainly would - if I had enough money I'd put another one in the garage. -- KEVIN NORBURY

© 2005 The Age

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